30/07/2026 04:16 AST
Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Head of Group Public Relations and Media, Yousef Abdullah Al-Ruwaieh, emphasized that KFH continues to lead in social responsibility and sustainability. By expanding programs across education, healthcare, environmental protection, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and volunteerism, the bank deepens its positive impact on community development.
World's Best Islamic Bank for CSR
Al-Ruwaieh highlighted that KFH's recognition as the World's Best Islamic Bank for CSR 2025 by Global Finance marks a major milestone, reflecting its leadership and commitment to high sustainability and community service standards locally and globally. He added that the Bank's 2025 Sustainability Report highlights over 200 community programs executed under a vision to drive lasting positive impact and community development across multiple sectors with local and international partners.
Broad development impact through strategic initiatives
Al-Ruwaieh highlighted KFH's impactful community initiatives and major social responsibility investments across various societal segments. These efforts reinforce the bank's status as a leading CSR model in the sector and a key partner in achieving sustainable development.
Among the Bank's most notable initiatives are: - A contribution of over KD 61 million to settle debts for financially distressed individuals, restoring financial and social stability to thousands of families. - A contribution of nearly KD 8 million to reconstruct damaged areas in Al Mubarakiya, preserving Kuwaiti national heritage and boosting local business. - Provision of KD 20 million to construct 15 ambulance centers, expanding national healthcare capacity and emergency response speed. - Role as the lead donor to the KD 10 million government pandemic relief fund during COVID-19. - Support for a sustainable initiative to develop the Al Wataniya area. - Funding and equipping of ward 10 at the Addiction Treatment Center, expanding on the facility originally built by the Bank in 2005. - A donation of $20 million to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society for earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria. - Strategic partnerships on community initiatives with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). - Continued leadership in funding the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), the national labour support program, the Institute of Banking Studies, and local community projects.
Leading environmental sustainability
Al-Ruwaieh noted that KFH takes a comprehensive approach to environmental awareness and conservation, balancing responsible resource use with community duty. Through its "Keep it Green" campaign, the Bank runs integrated initiatives to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices. These include cleaning beaches and islands, planting trees on a large scale, and leading awareness programs for school and university students. Among the Bank's notable achievements is collaborating with the Green Vision team to plant over 12,000 trees across 25 native species, expanding vegetation cover and protecting biodiversity in Kuwait's desert environment. KFH also organized community walking initiatives with over 10,000 participants, directing all proceeds toward afforestation projects.
Environmental sustainability award
Al-Ruwaieh noted that KFH strengthened partnerships with the Environment Public Authority and Ministry of Social Affairs, organized student environmental competitions with Kuwait University, and established the annual Environmental Sustainability Award at the College of Engineering and Petroleum to drive sustainable development projects.
Digital initiatives
Al-Ruwaieh noted that KFH's sustainability efforts feature the Digital Print initiative to cut paper use through digital operations, alongside a water conservation program using Atmospheric Water Generator technology to turn air moisture into water for future resource preservation. At the international level, KFH joined the Global Takaful Alliance, in cooperation with UNDP, to provide Islamic Takaful insurance and empower nearly 100 million farmers worldwide, reflecting the Bank's global commitment to sustainable development.
Empowering youth and investing in the future
As part of KFH's vision, Al-Ruwaieh said that the Bank prioritizes empowering society through education, innovation, and national youth development. He highlighted the Bank's long strategic partnership with CODED Academy as a model for advancing tech education. Under the CODED Juniors initiative, over 1,700 children have gained programming and creative skills across nearly 50 training programs.
KFH Academy
KFH also builds professional talent through KFH Academy, which delivers advanced training in public relations and media, digital transformation, and business administration to prepare young professionals for the labor market and boost their career readiness.
Supporting education and academic cooperation
The Bank continues to advance education through its strategic partnership in the "Ma'aAttalaba" program to highlight young talent. In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, KFH also hosted the largest ceremony honoring about 140 top performing high school students in Sciences, Arts, special education, and international award winners. Al-Ruwaieh emphasized KFH's ongoing support for education, student activities, and innovation by expanding partnerships with Kuwait University, Abdullah Al Salem University, Gulf University for Science and Technology, the College of Engineering and Petroleum, alongside other public and private higher education institutions, while supporting student clubs that create impactful initiatives for youth. He added that KFH continues as the primary supporter of students at Kuwait University's College of Engineering and Petroleum and maintains its strategic partnership with the Engineering Design Exhibition.
Talented Kuwait youth
Al-Ruwaieh affirmed that KFH continuously supports talented Kuwaiti youth by developing their skills and sponsoring their participation in major global athletic, cultural, and social competitions through the KFH Strategic Partnerships initiative.
Promoting financial literacy
To enhance financial literacy, KFH held seminars and workshops for hundreds of students, promoting responsible money management, saving, and investment.
Sustainable partnerships
Al-Ruwaieh credited the Bank's broad community impact to strategic partnerships with government bodies, nonprofits, and international institutions, which maximize the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of its initiatives.
'Increase Good Deeds in Ramadan' campaign
KFH continues to implement impactful seasonal community programs, most notably its "Increase Good Deeds in Ramadan" campaign, which included distributing thousands of Iftar meals, supporting underprivileged families, organizing health, sports, and awareness activities, as well as Quran competitions and various community initiatives serving different segments of society.
Supporting innovation
Reflecting its commitment to technological advancement and innovation, KFH continued its participation in the NEXUS Technology Exhibition 2025, one of Kuwait's leading platforms supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Digital sustainability award
KFH introduced the Digital Sustainability Award to guide Kuwait Codes participants toward building practical skills for eco-friendly apps that meet sustainability standards.
Positive impact
In conclusion, Al-Ruwaieh reaffirmed KFH's commitment to investing in high-impact initiatives and expanding partnerships across government, academic, community, and international organizations. This aligns with the Bank`s vision as a leading financial institution driving sustainable community development in accordance with international best practices.
World's Best Islamic Bank for CSR award crowns KFH's pioneering journey in sustainable community development
Kuwait Times
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