Gulf Bank spearheads CSR initiatives among local companies

The Conference focused on highlighting the importance of setting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) standards and strategies that are appropriate for each company or organisation.

The conference, which included a welcome address by Etedal Al Ayyar- the Chairperson, Organizing Committee; Managing Director-Way Communications, and a key note address by Valerie Cliff, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP president representative, built on previous conferences in Kuwait and further developed the national understanding of the benefits, opportunities and challenges of effective long-term CSR strategies.

The conference also included several workshops, covering such topics as "Bespoke corporate social responsibility - one size does not fit all", "Designing your CSR Strategy beyond Zakat to reach your business strategy goals" (led by Richard Linning, Founder and Senior Partner, The Stable House Partnership; President Elect and Board member IPRA; FCIPR Member EUPRERA) and "Developing a CSR system that works" (led by Stephen Frost, Co-Founder, Executive Director; CSR ASIA.)

Gulf Bank's approach to Corporate Social Responsibility begins with a fundamental principle; that, as a Kuwaiti company, its values, conduct and policies should be aligned with the needs and interests of the Kuwaiti society and with those of the people who rely on the Bank.

Gulf Bank made a strategic decision to focus its CSR initiatives on an area of greatest need for Kuwait, the development of the country's skills base and human resources through the employment, training and development of nationals for a better and more prosperous Kuwait, and supporting other equally important community and educational initiatives. Gulf Bank was awarded the coveted Localization Award for the fourth year in a row by 'The GCC Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs,' which is an acknowledgment of the Banks' outstanding success in achieving one of the highest employment percentages of Kuwaiti nationals in the Kuwait private sector.