Kuwait Finance House... Leadership in Social Responsibility through a Comprehensive Strategy

The 2025 Annual Sustainability Report Highlights the Bank’s Community Initiatives

Yousef Al-Ruwaih: Global Islamic Bank of the Year for Social Responsibility Award Recognizes a Pioneering Journey in Sustainable Community Work; Driving a Qualitative Leap in Community Engagement Through Strategic Initiatives

Yousef Al-Ruwaih, Head of Public Relations and Media at Kuwait Finance House (KFH), affirmed that the bank continues to consolidate its position as a leading financial institution in the field of social responsibility and sustainability. This is achieved by expanding its programs in education, health, environment, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship support, innovation, sports, and volunteerism, thereby enhancing its positive impact and contribution to community development.

Best Islamic Bank in Social Responsibility Worldwide

Al-Ruwaih noted that the bank’s win of the Global Islamic Bank of the Year for Social Responsibility 2025 award from Global Finance magazine represents the culmination of its pioneering journey and continuous efforts to adopt the highest standards of sustainability and sustainable community work at both local and international levels.

He clarified that the bank’s 2025 Annual Sustainability Report showcased more than 200 community initiatives and programs under a comprehensive vision aimed at achieving long-term positive impact and enhancing community development across various sectors, in collaboration with a wide network of local and international partners.

Environmental Leadership Based on Sustainability

Al-Ruwaih emphasized that KFH adopts a comprehensive approach to contributing to environmental awareness and conservation, grounded in values that balance resource utilization with community responsibility.

In this regard, the bank continues its “Keep it Green” environmental campaign, which includes a series of integrated environmental initiatives aimed at raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices. These efforts have included beach and island clean-up campaigns, large-scale afforestation initiatives, and awareness programs targeting school and university students. Among the bank’s notable achievements in this field is its collaboration with the Green Vision team to plant more than 12,000 trees comprising 25 species of local plants, contributing to supporting vegetation cover and preserving biodiversity in the desert environment. Additionally, the bank launched community walking initiatives involving more than 10,000 participants, with proceeds allocated to support afforestation projects.

Environmental Sustainability Award

Al-Ruwaih stated that the bank strengthened its partnership with the Public Authority for Environmental Affairs and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Affairs, organized environmental competitions in collaboration with Kuwait University with broad student participation, and launched the annual Environmental Sustainability Award for students of the College of Engineering and Petroleum at Kuwait University. This award aims to encourage innovative projects that contribute to environmental protection and support sustainable development.

Digital Initiatives

He mentioned that the bank implemented several initiatives related to the environment and sustainability, including the “Digital Print” initiative, which aims to reduce paper usage by transitioning to digital services and processes. Another initiative focuses on rationalizing water consumption and promoting sustainable practices to preserve natural resources for future generations, utilizing advanced devices employing the innovative “Atmospheric Water Generator” technology to convert air into water.

On the international front, KFH joined the Global Mutual Alliance in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the goal of providing Islamic mutual insurance and empowering approximately 100 million farmers worldwide. This initiative reflects the bank’s global commitment to sustainable development.

Empowering Youth and Investing in the Future

Within the framework of its comprehensive vision, Al-Ruwais clarified that Kuwait Finance House (KFH) focuses on empowering members of society as one of the key pillars of sustainability. This is achieved through supporting education, innovation, and building national youth capabilities. He highlighted the extended strategic partnership with Coded Academy, which serves as a successful model in supporting technological education. More than 1,700 children benefited from approximately 50 training programs under the "Coded Juniors" initiative, which contributed to developing programming skills and creative thinking among the younger generation.

KFH Academy

The Bank’s efforts are not limited solely to environmental and community initiatives; this interest extends to developing professional skills through "KFH Academy," which offers advanced training programs in public relations and media, digital transformation, and business administration. These programs aim to prepare youth for the job market and enhance their professional readiness.

Supporting Education and Academic Collaboration

The Bank reinforces its commitment to education through its strategic partnership in the "Ma’ Al-Tullab" (With Students) program, which highlights youth potential. Additionally, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, it organized the largest ceremony to honor approximately 140 top-performing high school students across various scientific, literary, and special education tracks, as well as those who won international awards.

Al-Ruwais commended the continued efforts to support education and innovative student activities by strengthening cooperation with the University of Kuwait, Abdullah Al-Salem University, the Gulf University for Science and Technology, the College of Engineering and Petroleum, and various other universities and colleges in both the public and private sectors. The Bank also supports student clubs to contribute to developing initiatives that serve students and youth.

Al-Ruwais further noted that Kuwait Finance House is the main and largest supporter of students at the University of Kuwait’s College of Engineering and Petroleum, and has continued its strategic partnership with the Engineering Design Exhibition.

Recognizing Achievements

Al-Ruwais emphasized the continuation of efforts to sponsor outstanding and creative Kuwaiti youth, supporting their capabilities and backing their participation in major international competitions and tournaments in various youth activities, including sports, culture, and social sectors, under the umbrella of the "KFH Mubadiroon" program.

Enhancing Financial Literacy

In terms of enhancing financial literacy, the Bank organized a series of seminars and workshops targeting hundreds of students, with the aim of spreading awareness about responsible financial management and reinforcing concepts of saving and investment.

Sustainable Partnerships

He pointed out that the Bank’s success in achieving this broad impact is due to a system of strong strategic partnerships with government entities, non-profit organizations, and international institutions. These partnerships contribute to maximizing the results of initiatives and ensuring their sustainability.

Continuing with Goodness

The Bank continues to implement impactful seasonal community programs, most notably the Ramadan program "Tawasol bil-Khair fi Shahr al-Khair" (Connect with Goodness in the Month of Goodness). This program included the distribution of thousands of iftar meals, support for needy families, and the organization of awareness, health, and sports activities, in addition to a Quran competition and various community initiatives directed at different segments of society.

Supporting Innovation

Reflecting the Bank’s interest in and appreciation for initiatives and events that support technological development and innovation, Kuwait Finance House continued its participation in the NEXUS Technology Exhibition for 2025, one of the most prominent platforms supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Kuwait.

"Digital Sustainability" Award

Kuwait Finance House also established the "Digital Sustainability" award, aimed at encouraging participants in the "Kuwait Codes" initiative to acquire practical skills in developing eco-friendly applications that align with sustainability standards.

Continuing Positive Contributions

Al-Ruwaih concluded by emphasizing that Kuwait Finance House (KFH) will continue to invest in distinctive initiatives and programs, and expand its partnerships with various government, academic, community, and international entities, driven by its commitment to making positive-impact contributions and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, in alignment with its vision as a financial institution leading community engagement in accordance with global best practices.

Broad Developmental Impact and Strategic Initiatives

Al-Ruwaih noted that the bank has achieved a qualitative leap in community engagement through strategic initiatives and substantial investments in corporate social responsibility, targeting various segments of society. This has reinforced its position as a leading model of social responsibility in the banking sector and solidified its presence as an active partner in achieving comprehensive development. The most prominent of these strategic initiatives include:

● Contributing over KWD 61 million to settle the debts of guarantors, in a humanitarian initiative that helped thousands of families regain their financial and social stability.

● Contributing approximately KWD 8 million to reconstruct the damaged area in Souq Al-Mubarakiya, a step underscoring its commitment to preserving national heritage and supporting local economic activities.

● Contributing KWD 20 million to establish 15 ambulance centers, supporting the healthcare system and enhancing its responsiveness to emergency cases.

● Contributing the largest share to the Government Effort Support Fund during the coronavirus crisis, valued at KWD 10 million.

● Supporting a sustainable environmental initiative to develop Al-Watania Square.

● Establishing and equipping the tenth wing of the Addiction Treatment Center, continuing the bank’s initiative to establish the center in 2005.

● Donating USD 20 million to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society to support relief efforts for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.

● Various cooperation programs with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

● Continuing its leading role in providing community contributions to the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, the National Employment Support Program, the Banking Institute, and other various community initiatives.