10/06/2026 06:30 AST
In line with its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and raising community awareness about the importance of protecting natural resources, Gulf Bank launched a beach cleanup campaign near Kuwait Towers to mark World Oceans Day, in collaboration with National Geographic Ultimate Explorer and with active participation from the Sawaaed Al-Khaleej Volunteer Team and the "Green Hands Environmental Team."
This campaign is part of a series of continuous initiatives organized by the bank to raise awareness of the dangers of plastic waste and its harmful impact on beaches, marine life and the environment in general. It encourages all segments of society to actively participate in protecting Kuwait's coasts and maintaining the cleanliness of public spaces.
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today. Global plastic production amounts to nearly 400 million tons annually, with only a small percentage being recycled. A significant portion ends up in landfills or leaks into the natural environment. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, between 19 and 23 million tons of plastic waste enter lakes, rivers, and seas each year, making awareness and participation essential components of any long-term environmental solution.
Commenting on the campaign, Najla Aleisa, Chief Marketing Officer at Gulf Bank stated: "Sustainability at Gulf Bank is not tied to a single initiative or occasion; it is a continuous commitment that requires cooperation, education and action. Our beaches are an important part of Kuwait's natural identity, and protecting them is a shared responsibility. Through this campaign, we aim to go beyond a single cleanup activity by creating an ongoing platform to raise awareness of plastic waste, encourage behavioral change, and unite the community around an issue that affects us all."
Gulf Bank seeks to contribute to changing daily habits and encouraging society to reduce plastic use, dispose of waste responsibly, participate in cleanup efforts and adopt more sustainable practices. This aligns with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Sustainable Cities and Communities and Partnerships for the Goals.
The campaign also reflects Gulf Bank's belief that environmental protection begins with collective responsibility. While beach cleanups help remove visible waste from public spaces, the broader goal is to address the root causes of plastic pollution by raising awareness, educating younger generations and encouraging individuals to reconsider their daily consumption habits.
Additionally, the campaign aims to promote a culture of volunteerism across different segments of society, especially children and youth, by engaging them in interactive and educational activities that highlight the importance of keeping beaches clean and preserving the natural balance of the marine ecosystem.
The event included competitions, recreational activities, and educational programs for children, designed in a simple and engaging way to teach them about reducing plastic waste, protecting marine environments, and adopting more sustainable practices in their daily lives. These activities also emphasized the vital role oceans play in maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth.
National Geographic's participation underscored its important role in spreading environmental awareness and enhancing public knowledge about nature, wildlife and marine ecosystems. Meanwhile, the Sawaaed Al-Khaleej Volunteer Team played an active role in organizing and implementing the campaign's activities, reflecting its ongoing commitment to supporting community initiatives and fostering a culture of volunteerism and teamwork within the bank, while contributing to causes that positively impact society and the environment.
This campaign extends Gulf Bank's broader efforts in environmental sustainability, highlighted in its annual ESG report, which reflects the bank's commitment to integrating sustainability into its operations and community programs. These include converting street advertisements into reusable bags, safe disposal of operational waste such as paper, plastic, e-waste, and general office waste, as well as environmental awareness activities and training sessions at Sadeer Farm - all contributing to greater environmental awareness and more sustainable behaviors among employees and the wider community.
Among the key environmental achievements highlighted in the report is the development of a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for 2025, serving as a unified technical reference for measuring and monitoring the bank's emissions in the future. The year 2025 has been adopted as the baseline for emissions tracking and performance monitoring. These efforts reflect Gulf Bank's broader commitment to responsible banking, operational efficiency, and environmental protection, reinforcing its belief that sustainability must be addressed through both internal practices and community engagement - combining responsible operations, public awareness, volunteerism and long-term behavioral change.
Kuwait Times
Please wait...
