AUK Participates in the EEG Public Speaking Competition

The American University of Kuwait swept the Eighth Emirates Environmental Groups' Inter College Public Speaking Competition in Dubai on the first day by winning first place in two public speaking topic categories.

Hayah Al-Qassar, Mahdi Al-Own and Ghazwan Fayad , coached and supported by Dr. Rawda H. Awwad, and Mr. Don Prades from the American University of Kuwait, were among 300 student participants who represented over 50 regional universities. Students presented on environmental issues ranging from the challenges posed by global warming, to the opportunities provided through the development of technology that is environmentally friendly. Through the annual competition, the Emirates Environmental Groups (EEG) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al-Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Chancellor of the UAE University and the Higher Colleges of Technology seeks a broadening awareness of and about environmental issues specific to our region.

Al-Qassar presented on "The World in 100 years," and focused on the importance of personal accountability and responsibility when it comes to combating the dire consequences associated with global warming. Taking the audience through an eight step analysis as to what the future holds for generations to come by continuing to objectify the world "we use it, abuse it, and discard it," she impressed the audience by soliciting a communal effort at "turning things around." Al-Own presented the topic "Our Oceans: Our Future," providing a S.W.O.T. analysis for the "...mother of all products: our environment." Fayad provided the multi-media technology that supported both presentations. 

Dr. Awwad expressed pride in the students' performance. "These students are our future. The academic, intellectual and emotional investment in our young people today should be our first and foremost priority. These competitions provide the forum for students to engage in intellectual debate and global discussions, and are integral to University life and experience," said Dr. Awwad.