SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities is a critical global goal aimed at making urban areas more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. In the context of Kuwait, where urbanization is a growing trend, achieving SDG11 is of great importance. The American University of the Middle East (AUM) recognizes its role in contributing to this goal and has taken various steps to promote sustainability and support sustainable urban development in Kuwait.
AUM Campus Access
AUM campus with its indoor and outdoor facilities constitutes a venue for public as part of hosting conferences, concerts, exhibitions, conventions, sports tournaments, festivals, meetings and various events. These facilities designed according to the best standards, include AUM Cultural Center that hosts the Opera House, Conference Hall, seminar and workshop rooms, and exhibition area; in addition to other areas such as the Library, the outdoor theatre, the sports facilities and the spacious green spaces. Moreover, the campus is fully accessible to any person with reduced mobility or special needs to all buildings and facilities on campus.
Sustainable Campus Practices
AUM has implemented sustainable practices within its campus operations. The university focuses on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible water management. This includes using energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and the promotion of water conservation measures. AUM's sustainable campus practices serve as a model for sustainable urban living and demonstrate practical ways to reduce resource consumption.
Sustainable Urban Planning Courses
AUM offers courses and programs related to sustainable urban planning and development. Students have the opportunity to study topics such as urban design, transportation planning, and sustainable architecture. These educational offerings prepare future professionals to contribute to sustainable urban development in Kuwait.
Research and Innovation
The university supports research projects and initiatives that address urban sustainability challenges. Faculty and students engage in research related to urban planning, sustainable transportation, waste management, and more. Their research findings can inform policy decisions and urban development practices in Kuwait.
Community Engagement
AUM actively engages with the local community to promote sustainable urban development. The university collaborates with local government bodies, NGOs, and community organizations on initiatives related to sustainable cities and communities. This engagement includes community outreach programs, workshops, and public awareness campaigns.
Sustainable Transportation
Kuwait faces transportation challenges due to its urbanization. AUM encourages sustainable transportation options, such as carpooling, public transportation, and cycling, to reduce traffic congestion and emissions in the city. The university promotes these alternatives among its students and staff as well as within the broader community.
Urban Resilience
AUM recognizes the importance of urban resilience in the face of climate change and other challenges. The university may explore initiatives related to climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and sustainable infrastructure to enhance the resilience of urban communities in Kuwait.
Green Building Initiatives
The construction and maintenance of sustainable buildings are integral to achieving SDG11. AUM may consider green building initiatives, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, in its campus development projects, demonstrating the importance of sustainable building practices.
In conclusion, the American University of the Middle East (AUM) in Kuwait plays a significant role in contributing to SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Through campus access, sustainable campus practices, educational programs, research, community engagement, and support for sustainable transportation, AUM actively promotes the principles of urban sustainability. By doing so, the university not only enhances its campus but also helps Kuwait progress toward building more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities for its residents.
The Cultural Center at the American University of the Middle East (AUM) is an elite venue designed for hosting conferences, conventions, meetings and various events. Theatres and facilities are designed according to the best in practice standards in order to provide a special event experience.
The Opera House The facility is fully equipped with sound and light systems as well as a balcony and a private VIP entrance which makes it ideal for large conferences, discussion panels, annual meetings, and art plays and concerts. Booking the Opera House Theatre for your event will additionally provide you with extra facilities such as the in-house technical team service, live translation rooms in addition to backstage changing and makeup rooms ensuring all your event details are exquisitely looked after.
Contact for Bookings at the Cultural Center: link
In December 2022, AUM has been ranked as the most Sustainable and Green University in Kuwait for the third year running, by UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2022. Compared to the previous year, AUM advanced 31 places to #237 worldwide, and made it to the Top 5 Most Sustainable and Green Universities in the Gulf and #16 in the Arab countries.The UI GreenMetric ranks universities around the world based on their commitment and actions toward sustainability as per the following distinct categories: Setting and Infrastructure, Energy and Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation, and Education and Research.
The theme of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2022 focused on “Collective Actions for Transforming Sustainable Universities in the Post-Pandemic Time”. Being recognized as one of the most sustainable universities in the region reflects AUM’s commitment to greening its campus, equipping students with business ethics, and engaging with the sustainable development goals through education, research, and social responsibility initiatives.
AUM Campus cruise and cycling tour are eco-friendly campus tour taken by students.
Selected events
Snapshots from the tour in the Peace Palace and the Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition, and finally in the Kuwait Towers 🇰🇼 before the start of #قمة_تطوير_التعليم_في_AUM
A guided tour of Salam Palace national museum and Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil & Gas Exhibition followed by sightseeing to Kuwait Towers was organized for international guests.
In 2013, Al Salam Palace was transformed into a new, immersive national museum and visitor experience. Al Salam Palace Museum now tells the 300-year history of Kuwait through the achievements of its 15 rulers who have led the country since 1718. The palace delivers 26 exhibition galleries in two immersive museum visitor experiences, a suite of temporary exhibition galleries, an underground courtyard with a café, shop and education center, a digital library complex and a suite of VIP reception facilities.
The Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil & Gas Exhibition plays an important role for Kuwait Oil Company by telling the history of oil, both in the State of Kuwait and throughout the world. From the formation of oil to its discovery and all of the ways that oil products relate to the lives of individuals and wider society. The exhibition serves to answer the many questions related to oil production and its uses.
Kuwait Towers is a group of three slender towers that symbolizes Kuwait’s economic resurgence and also World cultural as well as touristic landmark. The structure is often referred to as Kuwait tower in singular although there are three towers. Standing on a promontory into the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait towers were officially inaugurated in 1979 and are rated as a tourist attraction and iconic building of modern Kuwait.
A concert by Ahmadi Music Group and performance by Michel Fadel were held on campus with the presence of local and international guests. The Ahmadi Music Group (AMG) is one of the longest-standing arts organizations in Kuwait, with concert records dating back to the 1950's. Michel Fadel is a musical composer well renowned for his extraordinary musical talents. These were held as part of THE summit hosting in November 2022.
On the occasion of Kuwait National Holidays, AUM held a musical concert on February 21, 2023 with the presence of thousands of participants.
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic and fruitful partnerships between the State of Kuwait and South Korea, the American University of the Middle East (AUM) hosted a ceremony for the South Korean Embassy on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the AUM cultural center.
The ceremony included a performance by the Kukkiwon demonstration team coming from the International Academy of Taekwondo, and was performed in the presence of the Korean ambassador HONG Youngki, as well as a number of ambassadors to the State of Kuwait. The ceremony was also attended by diplomats, businessmen, political, cultural and social figures, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the American Middle East University, Mr. Fahad Al-Othman, faculty members, and AUM students.
The event included a performance by the Kuwaiti taekwondo team, and another for the Kukkiwon team from the International Taekwondo Academy in South Korea. The Kukkiwon team has performed some of the most famous Taekwondo shows around the world in more than 120 countries.
The group gave a dazzling martial arts display, comprising of self-defense movements and the most advanced Taekwondo techniques, where focus and timely kicks are central. The Kukkiwon team ended the ceremony by engaging with the audience and teaching them some primary Taekwando techniques.
Hosting the Korean Kukkiwon show comes as a result of the university's commitment to promote cultural diversity and encourage openness to other civilizations, as well its efforts to keep pace with the contemporary cultural renaissance that is taking Kuwait and the region to new levels of growth and development.
In celebration of the “Italian Week” in Kuwait, Youth Orchestra of the Rome Opera House performed at the American University of the Middle East (AUM) Opera House on Monday, November 19, 2018. The concert was attended by the Italian Deputy Head of Mission in Kuwait Mr. Andrea Quartieri representing the Italian Ambassador Mr. Giuseppe Scognamiglio, and delegation from the Italian Embassy, AUM professors, staff and students.
The orchestra played an Operatic Italian and European repertoire including “Dance of the furies from Gluck’s Orfeo Ed Euridice, “The Marriage of Figaro” and the ouverture of the opera “Don Giovanni” by Mozart, “Cinderella’s Symphony” and “The Barber of Seville” by Rossini, “The prelude” and “A Masked Ball” from La Traviata, “The Anvil Chorus” and “The Matadors Chorus” by Verdi.
Maestro Carlo Donadio expressed his great pleasure to be present with the orchestra members at Kuwait and the AUM Opera House for the first time. He also expressed his admiration for the fully integrated opera house equipped with the latest in technology.
“Today the youth orchestra introduced students and audience to opera and classical Italian and European music in a modern way. What interests us is that students are attending a live performing arts, so they are able to feel and interact with music”, Donadio Said.
He added: “Nowadays, young people tend to listen to modern music, and we need to encourage them to learn classical music, and know more about old masters of opera and music. These artists changed community attitudes and perceptions in earlier centuries”.
Finally, Maestro Donadio called upon the students to take advantage of technology and opportunities offered by AUM wishing them bright future. He also thanked the University administration for the invitation and gave the youth orchestra the opportunity to introduce students to Italian culture.
As part of AUM's effort to promote culture and Arabic storytelling and strengthen it locally and internationally, AUM hosted the fifth edition of Al-Multaqa Prize for Arabic Short Story (2021-2022) from 6 to 8 February 2023 at AUM Cultural Center.
AlMultaqa prize is one of the most renowned prizes for short story in the Arab world and an international reference among Arabic storytellers. It was founded in 2015, with the sponsorship of the American University of the Middle East. It aims at honoring authors from around the world for their contributions toward Arabic storytelling.
In this edition, 241 short story collections were received from 23 countries, with 33% female participation. After the jury announced the longlist and then the shortlist for the prize, a final ceremony was held with the participation of international, regional and local and public figures. The winner of the prize for AlMultaqa Prize Fifth Edition was announced to be granted to the Moroccan storyteller Anis Al-Rafei.
To introduce its community to new cultures and celebrate diversity, the American University of the Middle East (AUM) organized a Japanese-themed night on October 27, 2022 for students and alumni.
The Lake area was transformed into a Japanese-themed space and various activities were put in place such as live musical performances, fire shows, arts and crafts, in addition to traditional Japanese Food. All of that was so students and alumni can experience the authentic Japanese lifestyle.
Students from the art club did live paintings and displayed their Japanese-related artwork. AUM Alumna, Esraa Mohamad drew Japanese Calligraphy on wooden boards so students can keep a token of this memorable event with them.
As part of a series of events to introduce students to different cultures and celebrate diversity, the American University of the Middle East (AUM) organized Mexican-themed events titled “Fiesta by the Lake.”
The events took place on November 10-11 and 14-15 near the lake area inside AUM campus and included a series of engaging and entertaining activities among which are mystery games, photo booths, Mexican live performances, and arts and crafts.
The lake area was also decorated with the colors of the Mexican flag where students enjoyed the live music, activities, and traditional Mexican food. The talented student, Israa Al Shemari, customized sombreros by drawing and writing students’ names on them.
In January 2023, AUM hosted the Brands League 2023 from 7 to 16 January 2023. The Brands League is a unique football tournament for local and international brands and agents, where 32 teams competed each other on AUM Football court.
In parallel, a festival was organized where various companies exhibited their booths and welcomed the community members. Also, the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup was livestreamed for those who wanted to watch the games.
In celebration of the “Italian Week” organized by the Italian Embassy in Kuwait, Radiodervish performed at the AUM Opera House in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Mr. Giuseppe Scognamiglio, AUM professors, staff and students.
The event started with the national anthems, followed by a speech by the Italian Ambassador in which he expressed his great pleasure to be present at the AUM Opera House.
AUM: A hub for cultural diversity in Kuwait
The Ambassador said AUM students were very fortunate to have such a beautiful campus equipped with the latest in technology.
“After the success of the first edition of the “Italian Week” in Kuwait last year, we were happy to find ourselves in Kuwait again, and hope the event becomes an annual occasion that brings both the Kuwaiti and Italian people together”, Scognamiglio added.
The Ambassador also affirmed that “Italians and Kuwaitis have natural sympathy which promotes and revives cultural harmony”.
The music Radiodervish plays, he added, builds bridges between nations and promotes diversity and crosses language barriers and proves that by embracing our differences, we can create beautiful things.
Scognamiglio thanked AUM for its collaboration with the Italian Embassy, hoping for continuous cooperation in the future.
A music performance that pays tribute to cultural diversity
The event was held in honors of distinguished AUM students, where the band played music inspired by Arab and Western cultures infused with Italian, Arabic and English melodies.
With a warm sweet voice, Radiodervish founder and lead singer Nabil Salameh and his band consisting of Alessandro Pipino (keyboard, accordion, flute), Michele Lobaccaro (guitar, electric guitar), Pippo D’ambrosio (drums), and Adolpho Lavolpe (electric oud), gave a great performance at the AUM Opera House.
During his performance, Salameh shifted between Classical Arabic and Italian variations switching from soft to fast beats, which saw great interaction from the crowd.
Radiodervish sings world music with Arabic fusion
Salameh said it was the Italian band’s first visit to Kuwait. Salameh couldn’t hide how impressed he was with the crowd’s interaction with them.
“Normally, we are the ones who surprise the audience with our music fusions, however this time was different,” he explained.
“The music genre that we play is a modern genre of music that reflects modernity and variety based on cultural diversity. This mélange of eastern and western music comes from common grounds between cultures”, Salameh said.
Being part of the “Italian Week”, Salameh added, is an opportunity to highlight Italy’s diversity as it is home to many cultures. “Today, our band is a clear example of cultural coexistence and harmony.”
Dbeissy: AUM’s philosophy promotes cultural exchange
Marketing Director and Head of the Cultural Center at AUM Rasha Dbeissy said “the event was successful as students interacted with the band in a gathering that proved music is a world language. This success is only the beginning, and more events will follow to further expose students to different cultures through music.”
“AUM has completed the first phase of its project by setting up state-of-the-art educational and academic programs, and has now began the second phase which aims to engage in cultural activities that reflect the university’s vision by making sure graduates take leading roles in their professional and social life,” Dbeissy said.
The Arts Club is a gathering point for students interested in all disciplines of Art and Design with the aim of promoting and supporting an enthusiasm for visual arts. Students are organized in a team format for a year-long stretch with the option to stay longer if they choose to. During the year, all team members are given weekly workshops and assignments that complement existing skills and develop new ones (link).
The Music Club aims to promote taste and talent amongst AUM students by organizing concerts, workshops and performances. It offers practice spaces and a wide array of instruments which are safely stored; an opportunity for students to come together and discuss music; and a chance to perform and showcase their talents at events throughout the year.Meetings are held once a week for each instrumental or vocal group. Singers and instrument players meet on different days of the week. Apart from these meetings, other meetings are scheduled based on the individual needs of students (link).
Selected research publications on SDG11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
Journal articles
Conference proceedings
Journal articles