Minister of Social Affairs: Expedite implementation of unified visual identity for cooperative societies

Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood, held a meeting with the chairs of the boards of directors of cooperative societies to discuss several issues related to developing cooperative work and enhancing the services provided to shareholders and residents of the areas. During the meeting, attended by Maram Awad, the appointed director of the Union of Cooperative Societies, and members of the committee for unifying the visual identity, Al-Huwail stressed the importance of accelerating the implementation of the unified visual identity for the societies following the official adoption and registration of their logo. She noted that standardizing the external appearance contributes to improving society facilities and elevating the general look of the areas, emphasizing the necessity of completing the canopy modification works in the societies and monitoring their implementation in accordance with the approved identity. She highlighted the importance of finalizing the preparation of organizational structures and salary scales, taking into account the needs and capacities of the societies and supporting job stability and Kuwaitization efforts. Al-Huwail pointed out that development plans should include facilitating access and movement within cooperative societies for persons with disabilities and the elderly, and adapting facilities and services to meet their needs, thereby providing them with a more convenient, safe, and independent shopping experience. She urged the boards of directors to pay attention to the cleanliness, maintenance, and upkeep of the societies and their facilities, monitor the availability of goods, ensure compliance with price regulations, and work swiftly to address observations and shortcomings. She affirmed the responsibility of the boards of directors to make sound decisions, protect, preserve, and grow shareholders’ funds, achieve the best possible returns for them, and continue providing services that meet the needs of shareholders and local residents. She stressed the importance of adhering to transparency and integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest, and ensuring the safety of procurement, supply, and contracting procedures, as well as managing investment branches in accordance with laws and regulations. She clarified that the Ministry’s oversight aims to support cooperative work, verify compliance with laws, decisions, and regulations, and address shortcomings before they escalate, noting that legal measures, including dissolution, dismissal, or referral to the Public Prosecution, are taken only when warranted and are not an end in themselves. Al-Huwail stated that the Ministry will continue its ongoing monitoring and follow-up of the societies’ operations and will not tolerate any proven violations or transgressions, in accordance with legal procedures, to safeguard shareholders’ funds and ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing cooperative work. She emphasized the importance of monitoring the performance of appointed directors and board members and the necessity of submitting periodic reports detailing achievements, addressed observations, and obstacles faced, enabling the Ministry to follow up on operations and support them in fulfilling their responsibilities. She noted the Ministry’s commitment to cooperating with the societies and facilitating necessary procedures to accomplish priorities, highlighting the political leadership’s attention and care for the cooperative sector, recognizing its role in serving citizens and contributing to societal development. She called for continued joint efforts to achieve the interests of the societies and their shareholders, contribute to the development of cooperative work, and enhance the status and reputation of the State of Kuwait in this field.