Hashem Al-Rifai Represents Kuwait at UN Climate Conference in Turkey

Kuwaiti student Hashem Al-Rifai has been selected to represent Kuwait at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, as part of the “Talk51” student initiative, after winning the final rounds held at the Kuwait National Library on September 30, 2026, in partnership with the library and in the presence of Sheikha Fawza Fahad Al-Sabah. Fifteen male and female students, learners of English through the “Talk51” platform, participated in the final rounds, delivering speeches in English on environmental protection, climate change, and sustainability, before a jury panel that evaluated the entries and selected the winner for the international participation opportunity. The event enabled participants to express their ideas and visions for the future of the environment, apply their language skills to discuss global issues related to their lives and futures, and gain experience in public speaking. Sheikha Fawza Fahad Al-Sabah said, “Providing these opportunities is essential for developing students’ communication skills and boosting their self-confidence, encouraging them to express their opinions freely and confidently, whether in local forums or international platforms.” She addressed the students and winner Hashem Al-Rifai, saying, “You are the leaders and the future of Kuwait. Continue striving to develop yourselves, broaden your horizons, and enrich your culture, and God willing, we will soon see you representing Kuwait at major global forums.” The winner, Hashem Al-Rifai, will represent Kuwait at the climate conference in Turkey as part of the student initiative, marking Kuwait’s first participation in this initiative, allowing him to share his ideas on the environment and sustainability and connect with participants from various countries. Expressing his joy at the victory, Hashem said, “I felt proud and happy after winning, and representing the State of Kuwait in Turkey is a wonderful feeling for me. I am proud to represent my country on a global level. I also benefited and learned a lot through the Five and Talk platform.” For her part, Hashem’s mother said, “Kuwait is a small country on the world map, but it is rich in talents and ambition that need someone to highlight them, and that is what the Five and Talk platform has done for my son.”