Gulf Bank’s 2019 sustainability efforts progress in line with global efforts by the United Nations – Kuwait Times
Posted: January 25, 2020 at 8:45 pm
KUWAIT: Gulf Bank is committed to maintaining a robust sustainability program and plays a vital role in contributing to the markets in which they operate in ways that extend well beyond finance. Throughout the years, Gulf Bank has been a leader in shedding light on major global challenges. By spearheading multiple corporate social responsibility initiatives, Gulf Bank has not only inspired local and regional enterprises, but is also leading by example on an international level with its unique approach to sustainability.
In 2019, Gulf Banks corporate social responsibility initiatives went hand in hand with international efforts, aligning with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Also known as the Global Goals, the SDGs were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
Gulf Bank proudly spearheaded a number of corporate social responsibility efforts in 2019, with an approach that consists of three pillars: community sustainability, economic sustainability, and environmental sustainability. Through a combination of efforts on all of these fronts, Gulf Bank proudly met a majority of the UNs Sustainable Development Goals.
Commenting on Gulf Banks ongoing commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, Lujain Al-Qenaei, Assistant Manager for External Communications at Gulf Bank, said: Much like how the United Nations is shedding a spotlight on major global challenges, we recognize how important it is for larger enterprises to do their part on a local and national level. At Gulf Bank, we are not only aware of our role, but we are proud to take it on.
We also believe that the UNs 17 SDGs are all interconnected, and that long-lasting development must strike a balance between community, economic and environmental sustainability. We are proud to see so many of our initiatives moving hand in hand with international efforts, and are looking forward to paving the way for even more initiatives to come in hopes for a more sustainable future for our beloved Kuwait.
Community Sustainability Throughout 2019, Gulf Banks community sustainability efforts aligned with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals: 2) Zero Hunger, 3) Good Health and Wellbeing, 4) Quality Education, 5) Gender Equality, 8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9) Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, 11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 17) Partnerships for the Goals.
As one of the most important social sporting events in the country, the annual Gulf Bank 642 Marathon aims to raise the level of health awareness and encourage the local community to adopt a healthier lifestyle. By partnering with Kuwait Red Crescent Society this year, Gulf Bank was able to assist in bringing medical aid to those who are unable to afford medical treatment. This years marathon attracted more than 9,300 participants representing over 100 nationalities from around the world, and more than 300 volunteers.
Gulf Bank is also keen on promoting a message of inclusion and diversity when it comes to hiring. Gulf Bank this year proudly employed 10 people with special needs among various branches, taking into account the unique needs of each individual. The Bank continues to strive to ensure to achieve gender equality and empowering women throughout the organization to deliver on the Banks mandate. Currently there are 43 percent female staff in comparison to 57 percent male staff. The bank was one of the first Banks in Kuwait to become a signatory of the Womens Empowerment Principles (WEPs) initiative by the United Nations to promote gender equality and womens economic empowerment.
The Bank has a strong focus on developing Kuwaiti professionals. In terms of human capital initiatives, the Banks graduate development program AJYAL is widely recognized for its intensive training to shape the future of banking in Kuwait. Accepting 21 applicants, AJYAL spans six months and aims to help candidates develop key banking skills, cultivating holistic bankers that have shown growth potential on both a personal and professional level. Since the programs inception in 2014, five generations have graduated with a total of 85 employees, to date.
Gulf Bank also demonstrated its commitment to preserving Kuwaiti heritage and traditions by sponsoring the production of Memoirs of a Sailor, an epic musical comprised of poems from the Kuwaiti poet Mohammed Al-Fayez. The production took place during the second quarter of the year at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center.
During 2019, the bank also hosted a number of family fun activities, including a Reading Fun Day for children to encourage reading and learning, in collaboration with That Al Salasil. Gulf Bank also held a Bring Your Kids To Work for their employees and their children. Throughout the year, Gulf Bank also participated in and sponsored Qout Market.
As part of Gulf Banks commitment to supporting and empowering Kuwaiti youth, Gulf Bank also sponsored the annual National Union of Kuwaiti Students (NUKS) Conference in the United States. During the summer, applications for Gulf Banks summer internship program were also available to interested student applicants. Gulf Bank also organized a mobile photography training workshop for aspiring photographers in collaboration with mobile accessories store, Cavaraty.
Gulf Bank also spearheaded other charitable activities during the holy month of Ramadan, including partnering with the Kuwait Food Bank and Saveco to distribute maachla foodstuff boxes to local families in need. Gulf Bank also launched a social media activation in recognition of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the holy month. The community initiative, titled Ten Minutes, consisted of a series of short social media episodes highlighting unique tips on how viewers can live a healthier lifestyle by enhancing their nutrition, mental health, fitness, and general well-being in only ten minutes.
In 2019, Gulf Bank also launched Al-Tijouri, an entertaining escape room competition in which teams from all across the country joined together to solve puzzles and compete for cash prizes. The activation, which took place in Phase 3 of The Avenues over the course of three days, resulted in a total of three winning teams, each of whom took home a KD 300 cash prize for solving the escape room in the least amount of time.
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the bank launched a series of initiatives, including partnering with Mowasat Hospital and other local hospitals to provide special offers, exclusively for Gulf Bank clients, that aim to make the process of getting checked more convenient and more accessible. Throughout the month, the Bank also lit up its head office branch in Kuwait City in pink in an effort to encourage everyone to learn more about breast cancer.
Economic Sustainability In the past year, Gulf Banks economic sustainability efforts also aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of: 4) Quality Education, 5) Gender Equality, 8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9) Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and 17) Partnerships for the Goals.
In keeping with annual tradition, Gulf Bank extended its support to INJAZ Kuwait, a non-profit, non-governmental organization for education and training in workforce readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship. As part of our strategic partnership with INJAZ, Gulf Bank sponsored numerous educational and entrepreneurial courses for high school and college students across both the public and private sectors.
To date, Gulf Bank has participated in five INJAZ Al-Arab programs, two INJAZ Kuwait Job Shadow Days, seven INJAZ Kuwait Innovation Camps and four INJAZ Kuwait Entrepreneurship Master Class workshops. Additionally, 282 Gulf Bank staff members have volunteered their time and efforts at numerous schools and universities across Kuwait, inspiring over 3,275 students.
This year, Gulf Bank has also extended its economic sustainability role to social media. In an effort to promote financial literacy and create a culture of financial awareness, Gulf Banks Economic Research Unit prepares weekly videos on topics including fintech, investment, saving, and general tidbits about the state of the economy. The one-minute tips are delivered by Tareq Al-Saleh, Deputy General Manager of the Economic Research Unit at Gulf Bank, and are aired across Gulf Banks various social media channels.
Gulf Bank also participated in a number of other activities as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the local business environment. In October 2019, Gulf Bank hosted a real estate market focus group to discuss the current state of the real estate market and its latest developments. Gulf Bank also sponsored the Central Bank of Kuwaits annual International Banking Conference.
In collaboration with the Manpower Restructuring Program, Gulf Bank also held the first-ever career fair for people with disabilities in Kuwait. In January 2019, Gulf Bank employees also participated in the Fikra Program, designed to equip Kuwaiti youth with the essential business skills and knowledge required to transform their ideas into businesses.
Environmental Sustainability Gulf Bank is committed to environmental conservation and sustainability with its community sustainability efforts in 2019 going hand in hand with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals: 12) Responsible Consumption and Production, 14) Life Below Water, 15) Life On Land, and 13) Climate Action.
In 2019, the bank partnered with Omniya, a nationwide recycling initiative founded in 2015 by young Kuwaitis aiming to raise awareness for waste recycling. Through this partnership, the Bank committed to recycling paper and plastic waste, and strategically distributed recycling receptacles in front of Gulf Banks Head Office. By placing the recycling receptacles in one of the most visible locations in the heart of Kuwait City, Gulf Bank is raising awareness for recycling not only with its employees, but also with members of the local community.
The bank also held a beach cleanup at the Kuwait Towers as part of its commitment to Earth Day. A non-profit NGO provided an awareness session on the hazardous effects pollutants have on our environment and assisted Gulf Bank employees in cleaning the beach. The Bank also joins global community efforts in reducing power consumption during Earth Hour, a worldwide initiative that encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights.
With multiple CSR initiatives throughout the year, Gulf Bank is setting an example for local and regional players to make even more progress in line with international efforts by the United Nations. Through a combination of efforts promoting community, economic and environmental sustainability, Gulf Bank is proud to wrap up 2019 with an impressive round-up of CSR initiatives and activities, with even more initiatives to come in 2020.
See the article here:
Gulf Bank's 2019 sustainability efforts progress in line with global efforts by the United Nations - Kuwait Times
- Master Keys to Success Video [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2011]
- Barbara Marx Hubbard, Conscious Evolution [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2011]
- Personal Empowerment - Counselling and Hypnotherapy in ... [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- How to Increase Self Empowerment | EnergyFanatics.com [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- What is Empowerment, why is it so important, how do I get it? [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Self Empowerment Exercise - Inspired Personal Development [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Empowerment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Quotes About Self Empowerment (203 quotes) - Goodreads [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Personal Empowerment Solutions.com [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2015]
- The Self Empowerment Guide [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2015]
- Empowering Women - Self Empowerment, Personal & Spiritual ... [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- Dolphin Empowerment for Energy Healing with Takara Home [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- Ten Guideposts to Self-Empowerment - Possibility Coaches [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2015]
- Minds Of Power: What Is Personal Empowerment? [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2015]
- Personal Empowerment - Empowerment Institute [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2015]
- destressifying: The Real-World Guide to Personal ... [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2015]
- Leadership Skills for Nurse Managers: Personal Empowerment [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Group . com - Empowering You [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2016]
- Definition: Personal Empowerment - SelfGrowth.com [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Institute | Personal Empowerment ... [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Today [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Is More Than a Feeling | Psychology Today [Last Updated On: January 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 26th, 2016]
- Self Empowerment Appears Fundamental For Personal Development [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Coach Certification - The S.W.A.T ... [Last Updated On: February 1st, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 1st, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Program : World Youth [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2016]
- Series On Personal Empowerment at Psychology, Philosophy ... [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2016]
- The Secrets of Personal Empowerment [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2016]
- Exercise - Articles and Advice [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Fly Charts: Warren Buffett's Good Mood and Organic Activism - Bloomberg [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2017]
- Distinguished Young Women inspire Westminster Boys and Girls - Carroll County Times [Last Updated On: July 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 9th, 2017]
- Susan Lake and Laura Meeks, life coaches, to speak - Idyllwild Town Cier [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Shamanic Healer and Teacher Anahata Ananda Presents Powerful 2-Day Shamangelic Breathwork Facilitation ... - Benzinga [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Kathleen Mitchell obituary - The Guardian [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Sowing education and empowerment with needle and thread - The San Diego Union-Tribune [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Art auction to support local charities - La Crosse Tribune [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- I took an empowering women's self-defense workshop at a boxing gym, and here's why everyone should try it - HelloGiggles [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Q&A: New YWCA CEO Vanessa McDowell emphasizes empowerment - Madison.com [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- RadKIDS combines safety and fun | K-12 Education ... - Columbia Missourian [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Empowerment - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Claire Saenz, Looking in the 'Mirror' and Seeing the Self - The Good Men Project (blog) [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- Quota for three tribes in Arunachal pageant: Case of cross-wired activism - Hindustan Times [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- What does a reconciled town look like? - Toward Reconciliation [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- National women's conference focuses on empowerment - The Philadelphia Tribune [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- Republican leader's 1898 tweet a pathetic overture - Myrtle Beach Sun News [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- More than one way to address San Diego homeless crisis - The San Diego Union-Tribune [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- Personal Empowerment | SkillsYouNeed [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- How to Find Success Where You Least Expect It - Influencive [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2017]
- Control Your Emotions, Direct Your Thoughts, Ordain Your Destiny - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2017]
- Kellogg column: Launch your unstoppable cycle of success, attain financial freedom - Glenwood Springs Post Independent [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2017]
- Entrepreneurs, time to test your business knowledge - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2017]
- The Primary Barrier Stopping You From Everything You Want In Life ... - Inc.com [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2017]
- Think and Grow Rich - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2017]
- Back-to-School Corner | Multiple education pathways at secondary level - Jamaica Gleaner [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- The Telegraph | SIUE students learn about community service - Alton Telegraph [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- Baynes: African Americans giving back - Sarasota Herald-Tribune [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- To Inspire Future Space Travelers, Bring Space-Based Research to Schools - Space.com [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- Youth Empowerment: Punjab leads the way - The Nation (blog) [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- Why Zuckerberg won't be president, Uncle Sam's role in Houston's floods & other comments - New York Post [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- Mrs Universe contestants empower Durban pupils - Rising Sun Chatsworth [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- Naqvi-Mohamed: Communities join forces to battle prejudice and fear - Montreal Gazette [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- Home - Pandora Astrology [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- Center for High Impact Philanthropy's new report outlines how to best help women and girls around the world - Generocity [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2017]
- Youth Empowerment: Punjab leads the way - Daily Times [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2017]
- Community empowerment, not walls, will prevent Zika - The Hill (blog) [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2017]
- 'Be not afraid.' Why the words of John Paul II still resonate - Troy Media [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2017]
- On Shakti-goddesses, who were fierce and emancipated - The Hindu - The Hindu [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2017]
- Does Loyalty in the NBA Still Exist? - The Ringer (blog) [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2017]
- Jaspers Attend Lasallian Women's Symposium in New Zealand - The Quadrangle [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2017]
- Faith In Recovery 7: How Religious Communities Combat Addiction - World Religion News [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2017]
- Why the Cambodian government arrested our father in the middle of the night - Washington Post [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2017]
- Beware the cult of 'tech fixing' it's why America is eyeing the ... - The Conversation UK [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2017]
- Run The Jewels On Empowerment And Shared Humanity - NPR - NPR [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2017]
- 'Home Again' Finds Reese Witherspoon Trying To Resuscitate The Rom-Com - UPROXX [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2017]
- A job after prison: Advocates make the case for an under-used workforce - WatertownDailyTimes.com [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2017]
- Quotes About Self Empowerment (245 quotes) - Goodreads [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2017]
- Charlotte Kasl [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2017]
- Beth Koehler, CPC | Personal Empowerment Life Coach ... [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2017]
- Hope Ranch Personal Empowerment Through Horses [Last Updated On: November 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: November 24th, 2017]
- destressifying: The Real-World Guide to Personal Empowerment ... [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2017]
- IUC Journal of Social Work Theory and Practice [Last Updated On: January 14th, 2018] [Originally Added On: January 14th, 2018]