Launch of Initiative Challenging Private Universities to Recycle E-Waste

- Sheikha Al-Ibrahim: Significant importance to the waste management file due to the environmental challenges it represents

- Jasem Al-Abouh: Organizing workshops and distributing containers in all participating universities

Speaking at the initiative’s launch ceremony on Wednesday on behalf of Acting Director General Nouf Bahbahani, Sheikha Al-Ibrahim, Director of Public Relations and Spokesperson for the Public Authority for Environmental Affairs, emphasized that “this initiative is directed at students of private universities, reflecting the importance of involving youth and students in environmental issues and enhancing their role in adopting and disseminating sustainable practices within their university and community environments.”

Al-Ibrahim stated that “the Authority attaches great importance to waste management across all types, including electronic waste, given the environmental challenges they pose, which require handling based on sound scientific and regulatory foundations. This contributes to mitigating their impact on the environment and public health, and enhances the utilization of reusable and recyclable materials.”

She added that this aligns with the directions of the National Strategy for Integrated Waste Management, which aims to develop a more efficient and sustainable waste management system in the State of Kuwait by reducing waste generation, promoting reuse and recycling, improving resource efficiency, and minimizing the quantities sent to landfills.

For his part, Jasem Al-Abouh, founder of the Eco Incubator for Environmental Projects, said that “this initiative will run for three months. Containers will be distributed in all participating universities, and workshops will be organized in collaboration with the Public Authority for Environmental Affairs. At the end of the initiative, there will be an environmental report and awards for the top three winners.”

Ahmed Nasser Al-Nuwaibat, Director of Public Relations and Social Media at Kuwait Telecom Company (stc), affirmed that “stc is proficient in both technical and digital fields, which is why we are present at one of the most important initiatives and ideas.” He considered that “recycling electronic waste has become part of digital development.”

Al-Nuwaibat added that “a part of the company’s strategy and objectives is to ensure that employees hold firm and established values through which we support our community, with university students being one of its most important segments.” He stressed “the importance of encouraging and motivating students to participate in this valuable initiative, which carries a noble goal as it is based on recycling something you own to create added value.”

He continued, “We work through a constant principle in the sustainability sector: small steps for a big impact. The device you donate, whether damaged or unused, has a significant impact on technological development and supporting Kuwait’s future vision.”

H.E. Al-Rashid, Head of the Human Resources and General Services Group at Warba Bank, stated that “Warba Bank’s support for this challenge does not come as a passing gesture, but stems from our firm commitment and responsibility as a leading national banking sector to embrace environmental sustainability.”

She added, “We believe that true investment is investment in the future of our environment and its protection. Therefore, at Warba Bank, we strive to leverage our capabilities to support projects and solutions that mitigate the environmental impact of waste. Thus, we were keen to adopt this initiative, as it is not limited to serious figures but fundamentally contributes to instilling and rooting sustainability values in the hearts of our student sons and daughters.”

Mubarak Ayman Boudi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Kuwait Technical College (Ktech), expressed his pleasure at participating in this initiative alongside a group of private universities, stating, “We do not only strive to ensure our students’ academic achievement; we are equally concerned that they keep pace with global developments, as well as with Kuwait Vision 2035 and its focus on sustainability.” He added, “Our responsibility today goes beyond contributing to society; it is about our children, linking them to what lies ahead so they can help realize Kuwait’s vision.”

Osman Ayman Boudi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Canadian College in Kuwait (CCK), thanked the Public Authority for Environmental Affairs and the Eco Incubator, noting that “this is the role of the private sector in conveying the message that these are the initiatives we seek to sustain, and we hope to see our students learn such values.”

Dr. Afnan Al-Khalidi, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Scientific Research at the Arab Open University, said, “The university is proud to be part of the electronic devices recycling initiative, which brings students together around an issue that impacts the environment and the future.” She pointed out that “these initiatives, in addition to raising awareness among university students, contribute to improving the global ranking of Kuwaiti universities in the QS ranking and other global institutions.”

Al-Khalidi clarified that “this challenge will enhance cooperation between universities, private educational institutions, environmental authorities, and private sector companies, enabling the transformation of a simple idea into a widespread culture.” She emphasized that “the goal of universities is not only to teach students theoretical studies and knowledge, but also to implement practical measures across various fields.”

Mouaz Al-Yahya, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Box Hill College Kuwait, expressed his appreciation for this initiative, which fosters constructive competition among colleges to promote recycling culture. He affirmed that “the initiative’s objective is not merely to collect and recycle electronic waste, but to instill this culture in the next generation, which is the most important message of this initiative.” He added that “the role of universities is to build a conscious, promising, and open-minded generation attuned to all issues.”

Serine Saad Al-Din, Director of Strategy at the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), stated that “GUST is pleased to participate in this important national initiative, which brings together various sectors and educational institutions to support recycling efforts in Kuwait.”

She added that “sustainability is an integral part of GUST’s strategy, as the university is committed to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals through four key areas: the university environment, education and scientific research, and community service. At the university level, we work on improving resource utilization and reducing waste, and we aim to develop more efficient, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly facilities.”

She noted that “the university is keen on integrating sustainability concepts into core curricula, alongside awareness seminars and conferences organized by the university.” She highlighted that “GUST is preparing to launch a Sustainability Research Center to support research and develop solutions for environmental and societal challenges.”

She pointed out that “the university takes pride in the role of its students and student clubs in serving society, where initiatives have gone beyond raising awareness to achieve Guinness World Records, including collecting and donating clothes, collecting and recycling plastic bottle caps, and creating a large-scale Kuwaiti flag using recycled business cards.”

Al-Ashqar added that “the greatest challenge lies in how to translate this knowledge into behavior, and how to turn that behavior into a tangible impact on society,” noting that the Australian University consistently works on these issues with its students. He pointed out that “the Australian University is committed to providing all aspects related to sustainability to its students through a project-based learning center,” adding that “the university also conducts research on waste management. Through this initiative, we will be able to teach our students a new type of waste: electronic waste.”