المنتدى الدولى للصحافة والإعلام

Dr. Hany Khater – President of the Global Forum for Journalism and Media

On the occasion of Kuwait’s national holidays, there is a renewed opportunity to reflect on the journey of a nation that, over decades, has established a distinctive model in institutional development, political stability, and balanced growth, with an active human and diplomatic presence in its regional and international surroundings.

This occasion is not merely a celebration of a historical memory, but also an analytical checkpoint to examine the path of a state that has faced major challenges and overcome them with firm national will and clear societal cohesion, continuing its development amid rapid economic, political, and technological transformations. Through this lens, Kuwait’s future can be envisaged by linking past achievements with present demands, raising questions about reform, development, and economic transformation within a strategic vision that strengthens its position in the coming decades.

In this context, it is not sufficient to recall celebratory images and national symbols; rather, the Kuwaiti experience should be analyzed deeply to uncover how the state was formed, how its institutions evolved, and how it addressed internal and external challenges, as well as to anticipate structural challenges in the coming period. True understanding of the national trajectory is achieved not only through historical narration but through critical analysis connecting institutional structures with changing realities.

Kuwait is not merely a geographical entity or an economy dependent on oil revenues; it is a modern state project founded early on a constitutional and institutional framework that distinguished it politically within the region. This establishment was not a historical accident but the result of interaction between conscious leadership, an active society, and the accumulation of social and political organization that preceded the modern state, contributing to the foundations of participation, institutionalization, and stability.

First: Political legitimacy between history and institutions

Kuwait’s political experience is one of the most prominent in the region in balancing historical legitimacy with constitutional legitimacy. The political system was established not by severing ties with society or excluding its components, but through a social contract based on parliamentary participation, popular representation, and institutional accountability, within a constitutional system that structured the relationship between authorities.

This foundation created a relatively flexible political structure, capable of accommodating transformations and managing differences within the legal framework, even amid political crises, parliamentary suspensions, and periodic tensions between the legislative and executive branches. Despite these challenges, the system has maintained its ability to recalibrate institutional balance through constitutional tools, reflecting that stability in Kuwait is dynamic, managed through political negotiation and institutional recourse.

With the state entering a new era of rapid digital transformations, evolving political awareness among younger generations, and rising demands for transparency, efficiency, and equal opportunity, a pressing strategic question emerges: How can this institutional model be developed to keep pace with the times, enhance governance effectiveness, and strengthen fairness in opportunity distribution without undermining the historical balance that has characterized Kuwait?

Answering this question requires ongoing constitutional reform, administrative modernization to enhance institutional performance, and development of mechanisms for community participation, transforming the political system from a mere organizational framework into an effective platform for managing development and responding to future challenges.

Second: The Kuwaiti economy – from a rentier model to structural transformation

Kuwait’s future cannot be understood without analyzing its economic structure. Historically, its economy relied heavily on oil revenues, enabling the state to build relatively advanced infrastructure, expand education and public services, and ensure long-term financial stability.

However, the oil-dependent economic model now faces increasing strategic challenges, including global energy price fluctuations, gradual shifts toward renewable energy, and regional and international competition to attract investment and capital. These changes are no longer potential future risks but present economic realities that necessitate rethinking growth and development mechanisms.

The required transformation does not imply eliminating or diminishing oil’s role but rather strategically leveraging its revenues to fund a gradual transition to a more diversified and sustainable economy. The essential question is not only about the source of income but how to invest it in building an alternative productive base capable of generating long-term added value.

The structural transformation path focuses on key priorities, including:

• Enhancing the knowledge economy and digital technologies through digital transformation, developing technological infrastructure, and empowering startups in innovation, AI, and the digital economy.
• Investing in research and development by linking universities and research centers to developmental and economic needs, transforming knowledge into implementable and scalable projects.
• Empowering the productive private sector as a true partner in development by reducing dependence on public employment and encouraging investment in non-oil sectors.
• Modernizing the legislative and regulatory framework to align with global economic transformations, encourage entrepreneurship, and enhance the investment environment for domestic and foreign capital.
• Improving the business environment and reducing bureaucracy by streamlining administrative procedures, promoting governance and transparency, and increasing institutional efficiency.

Success in this path requires a comprehensive national vision, clear political will, and effective coordination between state institutions, the private sector, and society. Economic diversification must become a comprehensive state project, supported by financial policies, legislation, investments, education, and strategic planning in a unified direction.

Third: National identity in the era of digital globalization

In the age of open digital globalization, national identity emerges as a critical intellectual and cultural challenge for Kuwait, as in many other countries. Younger generations form their awareness and culture through cross-border digital spaces, where local and global influences interact, creating continuous interaction between national specificity and global openness.

This reality does not pose a threat but represents a transformation that requires conscious management of identity, shaping it within an interactive framework that accommodates change without losing core values. True strength of identity lies not in isolation but in its ability to evolve while maintaining cultural and historical roots.

Key pillars for strengthening national identity include:

• Updating the education system to reinforce critical thinking, historical awareness, and values of belonging while embracing contemporary knowledge.
• Supporting local cultural and creative production and enabling creators to express national vision through modern and impactful methods.
• Utilizing media and digital platforms to promote a rational, balanced national discourse that reinforces shared values and responsible societal dialogue.
• Preserving heritage as a living civilizational asset, reinterpreting and presenting it in contemporary ways to inspire new generations rather than as a static historical relic.

A strong national identity is not built on slogans or ceremonial speeches but through creating a living culture capable of positively interacting with global transformations while staying connected to its roots and core components.

Fourth: Media and societal role – from platform to effectiveness

Media in Kuwait plays a key role in shaping public discourse, distinguished by diversity and the ability to address national issues with courage and responsibility compared to many regional environments. This diversity has created space for societal discussion and exchange of views, reinforcing media’s role as an influential actor.

However, the deep digital transformation has redefined media itself, shifting influence from traditional institutions and official platforms to individuals capable of producing, sharing, and interacting with content in open digital spaces. This transition moves media from institutional monopoly to multiplicity and participation, while introducing new challenges regarding credibility, content control, misinformation, and rapid spread of inaccurate information.

This context highlights the need to develop media performance to keep pace with these changes by enhancing professionalism, ethical standards, and a culture of verification and documentation, as the strength of contemporary media is measured not only by followers but by its ability to build trust and positively influence public opinion.

From the perspective of the Global Forum for Journalism and Media, building a conscious and responsible media environment is a fundamental pillar for societal stability and a key supporter of sustainable development. Media is not merely a news platform but a partner in shaping awareness, promoting dialogue, and supporting the national path toward greater progress and transparency.

Fifth: Humanitarian dimension and soft diplomacy

Kuwait has a long history in humanitarian work, contributing over decades to regional stability, relief and development initiatives, and efforts to alleviate human suffering globally. It has established itself as an active mediator in crises and a supportive partner in dialogue, peace, and international cooperation.

This role reflects a strategic vision integrating humanitarian work as an essential part of the state’s identity and international standing. Contributions to stability and development strengthen foreign relations while building a network of international trust and recognition across institutions and peoples.

In the contemporary context, humanitarian diplomacy is a major component of soft power, influencing global image, enhancing international presence, and providing greater capacity to positively impact shared issues. Continuation and development of this path represent a long-term investment in Kuwait’s strategic standing, reinforcing its role as a humanitarian and diplomatic actor in the regional and international arena.

Sixth: Future challenges – managing transformation, not just maintaining status quo

Kuwait now faces a pivotal stage requiring a shift from managing the current situation to managing strategic transformation. Current national challenges are no longer partial or temporary but structural, affecting all aspects of development, governance, economy, and society.

Priority areas include:

• Deep structural economic reform to ensure public finance sustainability, strengthen economic diversification, and increase efficiency of public spending.
• Development of public administration and improvement of governmental performance through governance enhancement, procedural modernization, and increased transparency and institutional accountability.
• Boosting labor market productivity by developing skills, linking education to economic needs, and fostering a culture of performance and innovation.
• Addressing demographic imbalances through balanced policies considering economic and social factors, supporting societal stability and sustainable development.
• Keeping pace with digital transformations, AI, and modern technologies, ensuring integration of these tools into state sectors as a strength for development.

Addressing these challenges requires a long-term, comprehensive national vision, consensus on strategic priorities, bold decisions based on scientific analysis, objective evaluation of realities, and conscious anticipation of the future. Success depends on the ability of institutions to adopt sustainable reform approaches, turning challenges into opportunities for development and progress.

“Kuwait New 2035” Vision – The National Project for the Future

The “Kuwait New 2035” vision represents a comprehensive strategic framework for economic, political, and societal dimensions, serving as an integrated national project guiding development toward a more diversified and sustainable future. It is not merely an implementation plan but an umbrella for various initiatives and reforms within a holistic vision aimed at enhancing Kuwait’s regional and international standing.

The vision focuses on transforming Kuwait into an attractive financial and commercial hub through a comprehensive system based on seven core pillars forming the axes of future developmental work:

• Effective government management: through digital transformation, streamlined procedures, enhanced transparency and governance, improving institutional performance.
• Diversified and sustainable economy: reducing dependence on oil revenues, supporting non-traditional productive sectors, and fostering entrepreneurship and investment.
• Advanced infrastructure: including major strategic projects such as Silk City and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, enhancing Kuwait’s position as a regional logistics and commercial hub.
• Sustainable living environment: developing smart cities, adopting renewable energy solutions, and improving urban quality of life.
• High-quality healthcare: adhering to global standards, investing in national workforce, and developing advanced medical services and infrastructure.
• Creative human capital: updating the education system, linking outcomes to labor market needs, and enhancing innovation and future skills.
• Distinguished international standing: reinforcing Kuwait’s humanitarian and diplomatic role, and strengthening its presence in regional and international forums as part of a sustainable soft power strategy.

The success of this vision depends not only on its adoption as a strategic document but on its transformation into tangible implementation through institutional integration, policy continuity, and participation of the private sector and society. It represents the framework connecting national ambition with future requirements and establishes a new phase of comprehensive development.

Kuwait’s historical experience demonstrates that countries built on institutional balance, political awareness, and critical openness have the capacity for continuity, renewal, and adaptation to rapid changes. Strong institutions, responsible societal dialogue, and adherence to constitution and law are essential foundations for any successful and sustainable national project.

National holidays are not merely a symbolic commemoration of liberation or an occasion to reflect on state formation stages; they are an opportunity to revisit the core question: how do we ensure that this national project continues with stability, strength, and resilience in facing future challenges?

True loyalty to Kuwait is achieved not through symbolic celebration alone, but through sustained, serious work to develop its institutions, strengthen its economy, preserve national unity, and consolidate its enduring values.

May God protect Kuwait, its leadership, and its people, and bless it with continued security, stability, and prosperity.