KUWAIT: In an unprecedented step towards enhancing its sustainable efforts and responsible environmental practices, National Bank of Kuwait signed an agreement with the Kuwait Green Building Council (KGBC) by which it has become a Platinum member and the first bank in Kuwait to join the council. NBK is the only bank to have obtained the LEED Gold Certification for its headquarters, mirroring its dedication to adopting the highest sustainability standards in the design and construction of its facilities.

This agreement aims to enhance collaborations between NBK and KGBC to shape a sustainable future for Kuwait. The agreement will involve the bank’s active participation in the council’s programs, campaigns, initiatives, and the sharing of its expertise in this field. Under this agreement, NBK can benefit from a variety of programs, including specialized training, workshops, and seminars that have been tailored to enhance the knowledge of KGBC members in green buildings and sustainable construction practices, keep them updated with the field’s latest development, and provide them with technical consultations that help them understand and apply green standards and practices.

Moreover, council members can attend all NBK’s activities, including conferences, seminars, and panel discussions, which presents a remarkable opportunity for field enthusiasts to communicate and exchange ideas. In this light, NBK is organizing an exclusive tour for approximately 30 visitors from KGBC at its LEED Gold certified headquarters to explore the features of the building’s sustainable design and energy-saving operations in addition to its environmental responsibility as per world green building standards. NBK constantly supports sustainable development and promotes green practices in the construction field aimed at conserving natural resources, as it firmly believes that green buildings play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and safe future for Kuwait. As a responsible and sustainable financial institution, NBK strives to make positive impact that reflects its continuous efforts during the past years in promoting all sustainable practices and supporting Kuwait’s low-carbon emissions agenda.

Additionally, NBK continues to work hand in hand with its strategic partners to develop and execute sustainable projects that aim to make real and tangible changes, as well as participate in several purposeful initiatives to raise awareness about the significance of green buildings. The Kuwait Green Building Council was established as a non-profit, non-governmental entity in 2017. As a membership-based organization, KGBC aims to encourage and promote sustainable development in Kuwait, and it’s a member of a global network of more than 75 green building councils operating under the umbrella of the World Green Building Council. It is worth noting that NBK has always been the first to take the initiative and support all green projects aimed at enhancing sustainability efforts. It has also made significant strides in the field of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG), making sustainability a fundamental pillar in all its business operations and corporate culture, which enhances the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy in line with Kuwait’s strategic agenda.

•NBK is committed to promoting sustainable development by incorporating sustainable practices in the construction field.

•This partnership reflects a joint vision that strives to build a sustainable future for Kuwait.

  KUWAIT: 1997 — First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah signed a resolution to establish a free-trade zone at Shuwaikh port.

2002 — A team of surgeons conducted a heart surgery at the Chest Diseases Hospital, the first of its kind in the Middle East, by using laser to open arteries of a 60-year-old woman.

2003 — Information Ministry granted licenses for private radio channels. The license last for five years eligible for renewal.

2003 — The Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah signed a decree appointing Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as a Prime Minister and assigned him to form a cabinet. This was the first time in Kuwait’s history that the posts of Crown Prince and Prime Minister were separated.

2005 — Deputy Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah signed a law waiving KD 2,000 (some USD 6,500) in overdue water and electricity bills on citizens. If the bill exceeded this amount, citizens could pay the amount in instalments.

2005 — Deputy Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah signed a law on regulating professional practice of sport.

2010 — Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) loaned KD four million (nearly USD 14.4 million) to Gambia University project.

2011 — Kuwait’s Health Ministry signed; in Berlin, a cooperation agreement on orthopedic and neurosurgery.

2011 — The Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah launched the national campaign for the protection of environment (Senyar 5).

2017 — KFAED signed a loan agreement with the Maldives worth KD 3.6 million (USD 12.2 million) to finance the eastern coast protection project.

2023 — The National Assembly passed a draft law on establishing cities and residential areas construction companies. The law was referred to the government.

2023 — The National Assembly approved amendments to article two of law 114/2014 concerning health insurance for pensioners (Afiya) adding housewives to the scheme.

2024 — Media figure Khalil Ibrahim passed away at age 71 after an illustrious career in Kuwait Radio. — KUNA

 PARIS: The French Presidential Palace (Elysee) affirmed that His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s visit to France embodied the deep historical ties and distinguished partnership between the two friendly countries.

The Elysee, in a statement obtained by KUNA, said that this visit, the first by His Highness to France since assuming power, came within the framework of strong relations based on trust and mutual respect.

The two sides seek to develop their relations in a way that enhances the strategic partnership in various sectors, including diplomacy, defense, the economy, education, health, culture, and scientific research.

The Amir’s visit also comes ahead of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and France in 1961, an occasion that affirms the depth of the historical ties between the two countries.

His Highness will visit Paris on Sunday and Monday to attend the official military parade marking France’s National Day (Bastille Day) on July 14, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, and then the two will meet up at the Elysee Palace for a work lunch.

France was among the first countries to support Kuwait’s independence and actively contributed to its liberation in 1991, strengthening ties of political trust and laying a solid foundation for growing Kuwaiti-French relations.

The two countries are keen to strengthen this relationship through high-level meetings and ongoing cooperation in international forums, where their views converge on many issues, particularly respect for international law and support for mediation and dialogue efforts to resolve disputes peacefully.

On the economic front, the amount of trade exchange between the two countries reached approximately EUR 2.8 billion in 2023, with France ranking fourth among Kuwait’s European trading partners, with French companies active in the fields of infrastructure, energy, and construction.

In the cultural field, France continues to support the French language and culture in Kuwait through the French School and the French Institute, with more than 1,000 students benefitting from joint educational programs, while Kuwaiti students participate in academic and university programs in France.

Additionally, French medical institutions such as the Gustave Roussy Institute, contribute to supporting the Kuwaiti health sector through technical consultations and specialized projects. Kuwaiti-French relations are an example of a strong partnership and long-standing friendship, which both sides are keen to continuously develop to enhance bilateral cooperation and support stability in the region and the world. —KUNA