Public Affairs

The College of Business and Economics at AUK invited Dr. Khalid Mahdi to speak about the social and economic outlook of Kuwait. The lecture is in support of the implementation of a more balanced social, economic, and environmental strategic plan that addresses not only the concerns of the region, but also issues that plague the poorer regions of the world.

According to Kuwait’s Vision 2035, the economy aims to transform itself into a regional financial and trade hub. To achieve this long-term ambitious plan, the role of the government needs to change from being the primary operator of economic activities and the main employer of national manpower to essentially acting as the country’s regulator and policymaker. Dr. Khaled guided the audience through this agenda and showcased the pitfalls and opportunities awaiting Kuwait in the long process towards a more sustainable, diversified, and growth-enabling Kuwait.

Global economic developments and key reforms necessary to better prepare Kuwait to tackle the resulting challenges, taking into consideration the Covid-19 pandemic, were put into context. Kuwait has made some progress in transitioning and recovering from the double shock of the global Covid-19 crisis and the drop in oil prices in 2020.

Dr. Khaled Mahdi is the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development in Kuwait and the Program Director of the Country Plan Action Program of UNDP in Kuwait. He is a member on several government boards and high-level committees.  These, include among others, the Public Authority for Industries, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Public Housing Authority, the Economic and Fiscal Reform, Kuwait Masterplan 2040, and many others. Dr. Mahdi is also an associate professor in the College of Engineering and Petroleum at Kuwait University where he taught 30 different engineering and management courses.  He received the best teaching award, co-authored more than 65 publications in different fields and co-founded Synergy a complex system research group. Dr. Mahdi serves as an advisor for Kuwait University strategic office and the Minister of Planning and Development Affairs office. He engaged in training of more than 1,300 professionals and engineers. He also sits on several local and regional corporate boards. He is on the Advisory Board of the College of Business and Economics at AUK.