Where creativity meets climate action: BHCK hosts Sustainability Design Challenge 2025

Box Hill College Kuwait (BHCK) came alive with energy, purpose, and a deep sense of environmental stewardship as it hosted the Sustainability Design Challenge 2025, a student-driven initiative that reimagined the intersection of culture, creativity, and ecological responsibility.

Held in celebration of the United Nations’ World Creativity and Innovation Day, the vibrant event united students, faculty, design professionals, and sustainability advocates under a common vision: to design a new generation of cultural spaces rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.

Organized in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Representative and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, and the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW), the challenge invited student teams from BHCK and the American International University (AIU) to conceptualize a Sustainable Museum—a forward-thinking symbol of cultural preservation and environmental integrity.

From the very start, the campus buzzed with creativity. Architectural sketches, bold concepts, and sustainable design strategies filled the rooms as students unveiled their museum visions—each an ode to green innovation. These were not just structures on paper, but blueprints for a better, greener tomorrow.

The event drew a distinguished audience, including international dignitaries, renowned architects, and industry leaders. Among the esteemed guests were H.E. Ghada Eltahir, UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait; Eng. Nasser Adel Khuraibet, Deputy Director General at PAHW; and Mr. Rasul Samadov, Cultural Program Specialist at UNESCO’s Gulf Regional Office. Their presence lent global weight and local relevance to the occasion, reinforcing the powerful role young people can play in sustainable development.

In his remarks, Prof. Ali Arifa, President of BHCK, celebrated the students’ achievements, saying:

“This challenge reflects Box Hill’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and global engagement. It empowers our students to think beyond textbooks and envision solutions that have real-world impact. Events like this turn dreams into action, aligning perfectly with the spirit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

In her keynote address H.E. Ghada Eltahir echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformational power of cultural and creative industries.

She said, “This event breathes life into the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. It reminds us that creativity is not just a spark—it’s a force for inclusive growth, sustainability, and identity. The students’ visionary projects are powerful reminders of the futures we can shape when imagination and responsibility walk hand in hand.”

The event climaxed with an award ceremony, where exceptional teams from the Graphic and Interior Design programs were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Their museum concepts—sustainable, smart, and socially mindful—were a testament to both design excellence and deep ecological thinking.

Ms. Reem Al Zamel, Head of the School of Design and Applied Arts at BHCK, noted:

“This challenge is more than an academic exercise—it’s a pedagogical commitment to infuse the UN SDGs directly into our students’ journey. By tackling real-world challenges, we prepare them to be changemakers.”

A compelling panel discussion explored the evolving dimensions of sustainability across architecture, education, business, and environmental policy. Panelists—including Eng. Dena Al-Nashie, Ms. Elisa Albendea Solis of IKEA, Ms. Savannah Al-Qahtani, and others—offered insights into how design, consumer behavior, and cross-sector collaboration can help build more resilient communities and greener futures.

The celebration concluded with heartfelt acknowledgments of partners, sponsors, jury members, and faculty, whose guidance and generosity made the challenge a reality. Organizations such as WTE EVN Group, NBK, KDD, Turkish Airlines, Marriott Executive Apartments, Al Nasser & Al Nashie United, and media partners Al Jarida and Times Magazine played pivotal roles in supporting this endeavor.

Mr. Bassem Alkassem, Chair of BHCK’s Training and Consulting Committee, summed it up powerfully:

“Sustainability is no longer a choice—it’s a mindset. At Box Hill, we’re nurturing future leaders who understand their role in preserving the planet.”

As the lights dimmed and the last applause faded, one thing was clear: this was more than a design competition. It was a spark—igniting hope, passion, and purpose in the hearts of a new generation ready to build not just structures, but a sustainable legacy.

The event was sponsored by leading sustainability-focused organizations including WTE EVN Group, NBK, IKEA, KDD, Residence Inn and Executive Apartments by the Marriott, Al Nasser and Al Nashi United, The Turkish Airlines, the American Business Council Kuwait and academic partners, the American International University; and Al Jarida Newspaper and the Times Kuwait as media partners.