Staying the Course to 2035: A Call to Action

This op-ed, titled ‘Building the Future: Kuwait’s Resilient Path to Vision 2035,’ examines how Kuwait can remain committed to its long-term national development goals amid current regional crises, climate pressures, and economic challenges. It highlights the importance of national preparedness and emphasizes the critical roles played by youth, women, civil society, and the private sector in building a resilient and future-ready Kuwait. The article offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, the business community, and citizens, encouraging collective action and cross-sectoral collaboration to stay the course on Vision 2035.

By Sarah Al Sabah
Special to The Times Kuwait

Our region faces a confluence of challenges that feel both heavy and defining, from geopolitical tensions to a deepening climate emergency and the ever-evolving technological advancements. These pressures along with growing climate-related repercussions underscore how vital national preparedness has become. Yet Kuwait has weathered storms before, both literal and figurative, and emerged stronger. Today, the call is to stay the course on our Vision 2035 transformation, using resilience and innovation to turn turbulence into opportunity.

Vision 2035, also known as New Kuwait, is our blueprint for a thriving future. It aspires to transform Kuwait into a diversified, sustainable economy and a regional financial and commercial hub led by a dynamic private sector. Crucially, this vision is not just about buildings and budgets; it is about people and purpose. National resilience in uncertain times means investing in our human capital, strengthening social cohesion, and thinking decades ahead. In a time of regional uncertainty, climate pressure, and rapid technological change, staying the course on long-term reforms and innovation is more important than ever.

In Part 1, 2 and 3 of this 4-part series we examined how building a resilient path to Vision 2035 and the future of Kuwait needs to harness the full strength of society in its entirety, its grassroots energy and civic participation, including its youth and women, civil society, and the private sector. In our concluding series on ‘Building the Future Kuwait, we look at the criticality of staying the course to 2035, with a call to action.

Staying the Course to 2035 – A Call to Action: In these challenging times, it is easy to be distracted by the crises and drama of the moment. Kuwait’s story has always been one of resilience, of steady progress through stormy seas. The bold Vision 2035 roadmap laid out a destination. A new Kuwait that is prosperous, diversified, sustainable, and globally respected. The turbulence we face today, from regional conflicts to climate stresses, only underscores why we must remain steadfast on that journey. This is not the time to waver or succumb to short-term thinking. Rather, it is the time to double down on the reforms, investments, and inclusive approach that will secure Kuwait’s future.

What does staying the course look like in practice? It means consistent long-term policy focus. Ensuring that the Government, Parliament, and institution keeps aligning its actions with the strategic goals of Vision 2035, regardless of political changes or external shocks. It means resisting the temptation to delay tough decisions, be it fiscal reforms or subsidy adjustments. Instead communicating to citizens why these changes are necessary for the greater good. Staying the course also means measuring progress rigorously and transparently: using data and global indicators to track how we are doing, celebrating the milestones and honestly addressing the gaps. Kuwait has put in place a system to monitor development performance and compare it internationally, which helps maintain accountability. We should continue to welcome constructive debate from the public, experts, and civil society on how to improve. Always with an eye toward the horizon and envisioning the future.

Most importantly, staying the course means unity and shared purpose. Every segment of Kuwaiti society has a role in our national transformation. To the youth: keep pushing boundaries, innovating, and speaking up. Your energy and ideas are the heartbeat of New Kuwait. To the women of Kuwait: continue breaking glass ceilings and trailblazing in every field. Your empowerment uplifts entire communities and inspires the next generation of girls to dream big. To our business community: invest in Kuwait’s future, take risks on new ventures, and champion sustainability. Your enterprise will create the jobs and solutions of tomorrow. To civil society and everyday citizens: stay engaged in public life, volunteer, hold leaders accountable, and help your neighbors. Your civic spirit is the glue that keeps our society strong through adversity.

We also call on policymakers and leaders to be bold and collaborative. The challenges we face, economic diversification, climate adaptation, educational reform, are interlinked and complex. No single ministry or company can tackle them alone. Now is the time for whole-of-nation collaboration: government agencies coordinating seamlessly, public-private partnerships flourishing, and citizens’ voices incorporated in policymaking. If something is standing in the way of progress, an outdated law, a bureaucratic bottleneck, or a social stigma, we must be willing to reform it. The story of every successful nation is one of leaders and citizens refusing to accept stagnation.

Kuwait’s Vision 2035 journey is often compared to a voyage. As we navigate through unpredictable waters, we should remember that a steady compass and a united crew are what carry a ship through the storm. We have set our compass toward a future that honors our heritage without fearing change. There will be storms, no doubt. Maybe even economic squalls, regional tempests, technological tidal waves. We need to keep focused on the great opportunity that comes with riding on those winds. The urgency remains, but so too does the opportunity. If we stay focused, resilient, and work together, Kuwait can emerge not just unscathed but shining. Kuwait can become a model of how a small nation can thrive in the 21st century by empowering its people and embracing change.

Our Vision 2035 is a promise to the next generations—that we will hand them a Kuwait that is stronger, greener, more inclusive, and more innovative. Let us keep that promise. Now is the time to be steadfast in the storm and keep our eyes on the horizon. Together, through collaboration and commitment, we will transform challenges into milestones and make the vision of a New Kuwait a proud reality. Stay the course, Kuwait. Our future is too important to abandon, and it is bright enough to warrant every effort today.

Call to Action: Every Kuwaiti, from the high offices of government to the classrooms and diwaniyas in every neighborhood, has a part to play in this transformation. Let us all ask ourselves: What can I do to help Kuwait move closer to Vision 2035? Whether it is mentoring a young entrepreneur, adopting a sustainable habit, volunteering for a cause, or simply having patience with reforms, each action matters. The road to 2035 will be long, but if we walk it together with determination, Kuwait will achieve the resilient, thriving future that its people deserve. The time to act is now. Let us remain united, innovative, and unwavering in our journey toward New Kuwait 2035, and beyond.

Editor’s Note: This timely op-ed offers a compelling perspective on Kuwait’s resilience in the face of regional and global challenges. By blending strategic policy analysis with a human-centered narrative, the article speaks to both decision-makers and the general public. The article effectively links Vision 2035 objectives to current events and calls for inclusive participation from all sectors of society. Its emphasis on youth empowerment, women’s leadership, and private sector innovation makes it highly relevant for ongoing national conversations about reform, sustainability, and Kuwait’s role in the Gulf and the world. The piece is recommended for publication as part of The Times Kuwait’s ongoing series on Vision 2035 and national development.