Public Affairs

AUK in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Kuwait and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation (KAS) hosted a two-day simulation game on sustainability and climate change. The games were aimed at AUK students from various colleges and took place on-campus.  
 
The simulation game engaged AUK students in exploring and formulating comprehensive climate resilience policies through interactive simulations and collaborative discussions. The activity aimed at facilitating skill-building as well as providing a better understanding of the importance of climate action and the art of negotiations when making inclusive policy decisions. It also aimed to encourage youth participation in sustainability discussions and solution-building through creative thinking. 

Speaking at the closing ceremony, AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad, said, “Tonight we are embarking on an incredible journey, which transcends boundaries and redefines the very essence of traditional education. Imagine for a moment the world as our students see it, a world not confined to the pages of textbooks or the walls of classrooms, but a world where the backyard becomes our front yard, and every corner holds the promise of discovery. This paradigm shift is at the heart of AUK’s liberal arts mission, an education that knows no bounds, that empowers our students to think globally, and act globally. To make the world better. And what better environment of this philosophy than the simulation game on sustainability policy.” 

Addressing the students, H.E. Anne Koistinen, European Union Ambassador to Kuwait highlighted the importance of youth participation in addressing climate change and sustainability challenges. She said: “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and the EU remains committed to fostering collaborations with all the stakeholders in Kuwait to address it. This simulation game is part of long series of engagements the EU Delegation has organised with educational institutions in Kuwait to enable skills-building and closer bilateral cooperation in the academic field. I am pleased to see that our first activity in the context of Europe Month this year has a focus on Youth and Climate Action, both being top priorities for the European Union.” 

Philipp Dienstbier, Director of the Regional Programme Gulf at the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation added: “As the impacts of climate change will have an imminent effect on the young generation in the Gulf region, we aim to actively engage and strengthen their engagement in climate affairs. Projects like this simulation game, which engaged exemplary students from the American University in Kuwait, or prior endeavors of KAS, such as a side event at COP28 that allowed young delegates from the GCC to showcase their climate change initiatives in their respective countries, allow us to empower the next generation on this urgent issue as part of our ongoing efforts across the region." 


The students developed a comprehensive climate resilience plan and learnt how to identify common goals, reach a consensus and outline the outcomes in a common resolution, also harnessing their negotiation and presentation skills. They also benefited from learnings around a myriad of topics such as water, energy, food security, health, and the economy, providing creative solutions to address climate change.  
 
The simulation game was facilitated by CRISP, a non-profit Berlin-based organisation committed to empowering individuals and communities to address complex societal challenges.  
   
   
    

Dr. Rawda Awwad, AUK president, giving her speech
   

H.E. Anne Koistinen, European Union Ambassador to Kuwait, giving her speech
   

Philipp Dienstbier, Director of the Regional Programme Gulf at the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation, giving his speech
   

Group photo of particpants and organizers