UN Official: Children's Sustainability Camps Are a Developmental System That Hones the Skills of Youth and Young Adults
Kuwait City, August 29 (KUNA) – Dr. Amira Al-Hassan, Head of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Mission to Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, affirmed that the Sustainability Camps for Children constitute an integrated developmental system that goes beyond utilizing leisure time to provide an interactive educational environment that hones the skills of participating youth and supervising young adults alike.
She made this statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of the conclusion of the UN-Habitat program on Saturday, marking the fourth edition of the “Children’s Sustainability Camp 2026” held at the Scientific Center.
Al-Hassan added that the camp contributes to translating scientific knowledge from a theoretical framework into practical applications through the implementation of engineering models, programming, and robotics. This enhances children’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills while demystifying scientific subjects by encouraging experimentation and exploration. Furthermore, it directs the use of devices and screens toward learning and production, thereby reducing educational loss.
She explained that involving young staff in training provides them with distinctive field experience in leading teams, managing resources, and simplifying complex concepts for children. This contributes to refining their communication, public speaking, and community responsibility skills. She emphasized that this experience yields mutual benefits, equipping youth with scientific knowledge and developing leadership capabilities among young adults.
Al-Hassan noted that the project exhibition held at the end of the program demonstrated participants’ ability to transform ideas and recyclable waste into innovative models that serve society. She pointed out that these initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to quality education, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and partnerships for the goals.
Stressing that investing in the capacities of children and youth is the cornerstone of the future of cities and societies, Al-Hassan expressed her appreciation for the efforts of volunteers and national, scientific, and community entities supporting the camp. She reaffirmed that building sustainable cities begins with preparing conscious individuals capable of innovation and prudent management of resources and the environment.
The camp is part of the educational and community initiatives implemented by the “Enviro” scientific and volunteer team affiliated with the UN-Habitat Mission. Its activities, launched at the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre, adopted a methodology based on experiential learning, circular economy applications, recycling, and resource efficiency.
It is worth noting that the initiative launched in its first edition in 2023 under the title “Little Engineer Camp” for children aged 7 to 11 at the College of Architecture, Kuwait University. The second edition followed in 2024 under the slogan “Towards a Sustainable Community Partnership,” while the third edition was held in 2025 under the slogan “Towards a Sustainable Kuwait,” featuring the inclusion of more than 20 children with disabilities to reinforce principles of social inclusion and equal opportunity. (End) N.M.A / A.M.S
