KUWAIT CITY, Sept 17: The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) reaffirmed its commitment on Tuesday to support scientific research and align it with national policy needs under its 2025–2029 strategy, which aims to empower domestic capacities and elevate Kuwait as a regional hub for knowledge and innovation.

KFAS announced the conclusion of its conference titled “The Future: Planning for Sustainability and Transformation in Kuwait,” held in cooperation with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Over 100 academics, policymakers, and representatives from government and civil society took part.

The conference opened with a keynote by Swenja Surminski of the Grantham Institute at LSE, who shared global insights on green and resilient transitions applicable to Kuwait and the Gulf. Additional sessions addressed climate risk and resilience, with Dr. Sara Mehryar from Grantham Institute speaking on handling multiple risks in Kuwait; Dr. Mohammad Al‑Sahli of Kuwait University mapping vulnerabilities and enhancing climate preparedness; and researcher Batoul Sadliwala discussing climate justice challenges.

A second session, chaired by Municipal Council member Eng. Sharifa Al‑Shalfan featured Dr. Alexandra Gomez from LSE on sustainability and urban planning; Dr. Aseel Al‑Raqam of Kuwait University on governance gaps and the need for participatory platforms; and Dr. Ganga Shreedhar from LSE on social drivers of dietary behaviour and their role in sustainable transitions.

In the third session, Eng. Sharifa Al‑Shalfan addressed urban reform and resilience for a post‑oil economy; Dr. Jean El Achkar from the Australian University in Kuwait discussed bioenergy and organic waste recycling; and Dalal Al‑Hashash, Director General of the Kuwait Green Building Council, reviewed the role of civil society in promoting sustainability through trust and cooperation.

KFAS emphasized that linking scientific research to national policy is central to its 2025‑2029 strategy.