KUWAIT: The Hearth Summit wrapped up its three-day journey in Kuwait on Saturday with a heartfelt closing that left participants hopeful for future gatherings. Under the final day’s theme, Imagination, attendees explored creativity, reflection, and community connection, walking away with what many described as “a warm feeling” and a longing for more frequent spaces of collective healing. Organized by en.v in collaboration with the Wellbeing Project, the summit marked the first regional edition of the global movement that has taken place across Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
“This is not an ending, but a beginning”
During a closing panel at the event, Elisa Franceschinis, Managing Director of en.v, reflected on the success of the gathering and its future potential. “This is not an ending, but a beginning, think about what we carry forward from here,” she said, addressing the audience. “We are planning to hold the summit again, whether yearly or bi-yearly is still being explored. And we’re also considering bringing the Hearth Summit to other countries in the region,” she added, speaking to Kuwait Times.
For many, the three-day experience offered something rarely found in fast-paced, productivity-driven environments: grounding, reflection and real human connection. Fatima Mir Ahmadi, a school counselor of Kuwaiti and Persian heritage, said she hopes events like this can happen more than once a year. “Events like this, it’s where your brain actually breathes,” she said. “You step out of the mindset of doing things because they’re monetized or tied to a paycheque. Here, you become more aware of yourself, your ideas, your surroundings. It’s eye-opening. It’s where my brain breathes and my soul rests.” She added that the community cultivated by en.v gets the best out of people: “It keeps you humble. It keeps you human. Not programmed, not performing, but replying and connecting from the rawest side of who you are.”
Celebrating introverts, extrovert
During the closing circle, speaker Zouz Al Mahdi spoke candidly about the value of connection, even for those who find it difficult. “As an introvert, I really didn’t want to talk to people, but here we are,” she said with a laugh. “Connecting with others and with the environment is important, even if your preference is to be alone. Thank you to all the introverts and extroverts for being here, give yourselves a round of applause.” She highlighted the day’s theme of imagination as the gateway to risk-taking, creativity and play. “Play is interactive, and that’s the essence of this summit,” she said. “This isn’t a typical conference. It’s personal and participatory.”
Art as a bridge to healing
The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC), which curated several sessions across the summit, said the themes strongly aligned with their mission of connecting art, community and social change. Dara Mouracade, Development and Partnerships Manager at AFAC, said their participation was grounded in a desire to bring their regional experience into the program: “When I heard this was going to be the first Hearth Summit in the Arab region, I really wanted us to be part of it, bringing nearly 20 years of fieldwork and more than 2,600 grantees into the conversation.” She explained that AFAC curated short films addressing well-being, mental health, advocacy and community building.
Deputy Director Maral Mikirdistan reflected on the strong engagement the summit witnessed: “Access. That’s where this hunger comes from.” “Opportunities are scarce. People want to participate — they want spaces where they can listen, learn and take part.” Mouracade agreed, adding that arts and culture offer something uniquely transformative: “What’s beautiful about arts and culture is that they allow us to have these conversations in an embodied, emotional way. When you feel things, you can process them. Arts and culture aren’t a luxury, they’re a necessity.
A full day of movement, art, and reflection
Saturday’s program offered a rich range of experiences. Morning sessions included yoga with Layan Al Dabt, a breathing and oud meditation with Hamad Al Khalaf, and an art therapy workshop by Art Studio KWT. The plenary featured spoken poetry, discussions on imagination, panels on play in education, art for social change, and bridging worldviews, along with short films highlighting community narratives. Workshops in the afternoon touched on ecological belonging, intergenerational dialogue, organizational wellbeing, documentary photography, equity in education, embodied change and self-defense for empowerment. The day closed with an art walk, a final family circle, and a reflection session, bringing the three-day journey to an emotional end.
