IKEA the leading brand for Life at Home, brought its Earth Day Sustainability Challenge to a meaningful close with an inspiring panel discussion titled: The Change Starts Today: Sustainability in Kuwait. The panel introduced bold, thought-provoking ideas for building a more sustainable Kuwait. The message was clear: real change starts from each one of us. The panel called on everyone in Kuwait to take personal responsibility and make everyday choices that lead to a better future for our families, our country, and our planet.
Moderated by Michael Muhanna, the founder of ‘afikra’, the panel featured expert insights from Mr. Marino Maganto, IKEA CEO for Kuwait, Jordan and Morocco, Dr. Bassam Shuhaibar, Associate Research Scientist at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and a leading voice on circular economy; Ms. Samia AlDuaij, Senior Environmental Specialist and Managing Partner at Sustainable Living Kuwait; and Dr. Reem Alawadhi, Assistant Professor at Kuwait University’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Addressing the importance of normalizing sustainability in businesses and everyday life,
Mr. Marino Maganto contributed: “We believe that it is good business to be a good business, where sustainability is incorporated in everything we do. Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to do’. It is a ‘must do’.”
“Our sustainability commitment is rooted on our vision of creating a better everyday life for people and the planet. From enabling a healthier, more sustainable life by offering affordable home furnishing solutions and food options that promote well-being and environmental responsibility, to transitioning to a more circular, climate-positive business, reducing emissions across our value chain, using renewable energy, and regenerating natural resources while prioritizing fairness and equality,” explained Maganto.
From a policy standpoint, Dr. Reem Alawadhi commented: “Participating in this dynamic panel allowed me to discuss Kuwait’s unique sustainability challenges, offering actionable strategies rooted in local realities. As a professor in environmental science, I advocate for policy and economic reforms that empower stakeholders to prioritize long-term environmental resilience alongside economic growth.”
On the importance and role of communication in raising awareness about sustainability, Ms. Samia AlDuaij explained: “As a sustainability specialist, I believe it’s crucial that we communicate our message in a way that resonates with the everyday experiences of the public. Our role isn’t just to inform, but to inspire action without overwhelming people—sustainability should feel empowering, not burdensome. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this space with such inspiring panelists and to learn from their perspectives. A special thanks to IKEA for their continued support in driving conversations that matter.”
From his side, Dr. Bassam Shuhaibar said: “I was as honored as I was enlightened by contributing to such an esteemed panel. Being a research scientist does not often expose me to the nuances related to the policy side of things, and it just goes to show that you are never too old to learn something new, even in your own field of research.”
“The key takeaway I want to leave with us today is the ‘belief in the power of the many.’ If only one person takes action, it will be just a drop in the ocean. But if a million do, then the real change will happen,” stressed Shuhaibar.
Taking the conversation further, Maganto commented: “Sustainability is not just the responsibility of governments and organizations. It is the responsibility of all of us to start the change today. It is about shifting our mindset from passive consumption to intentional living. Whether through our homes, our workplaces, or the choices we make as a community, we all play a part. It is not about making sustainability important; it is about making it a way of life.”
“We strongly believe in leading by example, identifying emerging opportunities in sustainable sectors and building strong connections with companies, government bodies, local communities, to shape a shared vision for Kuwait’s sustainable future. It was a true pleasure to participate in this panel discussion, and to welcome at IKEA these passionate leaders who came together to raise awareness and empower the future of sustainability in Kuwait,” concluded Maganto.
Hosted in IKEA The Avenues, the Sustainability Challenge offered participants a first-of-its-kind virtual reality journey through Kuwait’s most iconic heritage landmarks. At each challenge, participants engaged with the interactive game, gaining insights into how everyday choices can drive meaningful environmental impact. The immersive experience highlighted the importance of conserving water, reducing single-use plastics, protecting marine life, and using natural resources responsibly.
Visit the IKEA website to learn more about the IKEA Sustainability strategy.
