• Amid digital and social transformations, Kuwaiti youth stand at a crossroads, armed with a solid cultural identity and supported by a clear national vision aimed at empowering them to build a future that harmonizes authenticity and modernity, balancing identity preservation with openness to the world.
• Academic institutions play a key role in fostering innovation through competitions and practical initiatives that let youth test their ideas within societal values, helping develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills and preparing them to face future challenges creatively.
By Sheikha Suhaila Fahad Al-Sabah
Managing Editor
In today’s rapidly changing world, where global cultures increasingly influence youth through digital and social media, preserving Kuwaiti cultural identity has become a strategic necessity. Young people, as the nation’s present and future, rely on their cultural identity as a compass to navigate constant transformation. It provides them with confidence, a sense of belonging, and a deep understanding of their roots.
Exposed to successive waves of diverse cultures online, Kuwaiti youth benefit from cultural identity as a protective shield. It allows them to engage with global developments positively without compromising their heritage.
Cultural identity is more than inherited customs or traditions; it is an integrated system of values, principles, and knowledge that shapes personality, strengthens social and national belonging, and equips individuals to confront challenges with pride and confidence.
Kuwait’s wise political leadership plays a pivotal role in empowering youth by providing a national environment that promotes the values of belonging and good citizenship, drawing inspiration from national models that have enriched Kuwaiti culture. This vision is embodied in initiatives that focus on opening direct channels of communication between youth and decision-makers, listening to their aspirations, encouraging their initiatives, and strengthening national identity while instilling responsible citizenship.
These efforts have contributed to the formulation of strategic priorities, including strengthening the rule of law, enhancing the role of civil society institutions, developing volunteer initiatives, and supporting education, health, housing, small businesses, and economic development. This reflects a comprehensive vision for achieving a balanced and sustainable society.
The family plays a fundamental role in instilling values and principles in Kuwaiti youth. It is the foundation from which cultural and social awareness emerges. Parents are responsible for introducing their children to cultural heritage and encouraging reading, intellectual engagement, and creative activities.
Educational institutions complement this role by incorporating content into curricula that promotes pride in Kuwaiti history and a sense of national identity. Meanwhile, media outlets, both traditional and digital, play a pivotal role in spreading awareness and expanding youth cultural horizons by providing meaningful, multi-dimensional content that links traditional values with the demands of the digital age.
Amid rapid developmental transformations, the value economy is emerging as a strategic tool for achieving sustainable development based on societal values and ethics. This is evident in two main axes: corporate and institutional social responsibility, and support for value-based youth entrepreneurship.
Data indicates that corporate investments in social responsibility have reached substantial sums, distributed across education, health, the environment, and support for vulnerable groups, reflecting a long-term societal commitment.
Ensuring transparency and good governance
National legislation and policies also encourage integrating these responsibilities into corporate strategies to ensure transparency and good governance.
The youth landscape is witnessing increasing support for entrepreneurship, with a focus on projects that reflect Kuwaiti societal values and emphasize innovation and creativity.
Studies show that most young people view the national environment as supportive of entrepreneurial ventures, enhancing their ability to transform ideas into viable projects and positioning the value economy as a tool for fostering initiative and creativity.
Academic institutions play a prominent role in stimulating innovation through competitions and practical initiatives that allow youth to test their ideas within a framework of societal values and principles. This contributes to developing leadership and entrepreneurial skills, preparing them to face future challenges with awareness and creativity.
Entrepreneurship and the value economy are grounded in authentic Islamic values such as generosity, altruism, and justice, which are reflected in corporate social responsibility initiatives and youth entrepreneurial projects. These values not only strengthen social cohesion but also create new economic and social opportunities, support environmentally and economically sustainable development, and position Kuwait as a regional and international leader in the value economy.
Civil society plays a pivotal role in promoting cultural identity by organizing cultural events and activities that enable youth to engage with their heritage. Public and national libraries serve as essential knowledge sources, while publishing houses provide content that enriches thought and enhances cultural and historical awareness.
Young people also bear the responsibility of preserving their Kuwaiti identity and developing their skills. Investing in their cultural and intellectual growth ensures a promising future for society.
Youth who are aware of their identity and culture can build a cohesive society that confidently faces the challenges of the digital age, drawing creativity from their cultural authenticity to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions.
Amid digital and social transformations, Kuwaiti youth stand at a crossroads, armed with a solid cultural identity and supported by a clear national vision aimed at empowering them to build a future that harmonizes authenticity and modernity, balancing identity preservation with openness to the world. This reflects a comprehensive vision for a sustainable developmental future and a cohesive society.
