Randa Bahman to 'Al-Rai': 'Sustainability'... from 'Hala Kuwait' to people's lives

In a television experiment that blends knowledge with awareness and presents scientific concepts in language accessible to the public, Dr. Randa Diab Bahman continues her weekly presence every Wednesday evening on the program “Hala Kuwait” on the second English-language channel. Through a segment titled “Sustainability in Action with Dr. Randa,” she collaborates with a group of distinguished presenters, including Youssef Al-Saleem, Omar Al-Otaibi, Mohammed Al-Balushi, and Tariq Al-Aryan. This media initiative aims to move the concept of sustainability from its academic and theoretical framework into a space closer to people, transforming it from a mere scientific term discussed in studies and conferences into a culture linked to the details of daily life, influencing individual behaviors and how people interact with the issues around them.

In a statement to “Al-Rai,” Dr. Bahman explained that the segment presents concepts of sustainability and global research in a concise and useful manner, avoiding scientific complexity and using a style that addresses the community and brings information closer to it. It highlights diverse issues covering the economy, science, medicine, environment, and education, based on the understanding that sustainability is a comprehensive concept that extends beyond the environmental aspect to encompass various aspects of life.

She added that the goal is to ensure sustainability does not remain just an academic term discussed in studies and conferences, but rather becomes a culture and practice that reflects in individual behaviors and how people handle surrounding issues. She noted that the initiative represents a space for intellectual dialogue and involves youth in discussing community issues.

Dr. Bahman considered that this experiment documents the extent of the Kuwaiti society’s acceptance of the concept of sustainability and reflects the contribution of its members in helping themselves and driving change. She emphasized that her experience in this field spans approximately 20 years of practice, predating the widespread use of the term “sustainability” in its current form.

On another note, Dr. Bahman revealed her readiness to launch her new book in Arabic and English, titled “Handbook of Business Essentials,” in collaboration with the British publishing house “Austin Macauley.” The launch will take place during the 49th edition of the Kuwait International Book Fair, held from November 18 to 28.

She stated that the idea for the book arose in response to an educational need she observed during her academic years and teaching career: the need for a reference that combines comprehensiveness with conciseness, presenting the latest management theories and business strategies in a clear and simplified manner, particularly for students for whom English is a second language.

She continued that traditional educational materials sometimes lack flexibility and fail to account for varying student needs. Teachers also face difficulty finding content that combines accuracy with clarity, forcing them to gather information from scattered sources. This challenge is even greater for non-native English speakers due to language barriers, specialized terminology, and indirect references.

She added that the book provides real-world examples from the Middle East to help students understand concepts and relate them to their environment. It is based on actual research and student needs identified over years of experience in classrooms, and it is specifically designed for students in the Gulf region.

Dr. Bahman pointed out that the “Handbook of Business Essentials” serves as a reference that can be used to teach several business administration courses through a single book. It includes a complete Arabic translation and a glossary of terms, helping to overcome language barriers and facilitate the understanding of academic concepts.