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NBK launches taskforce on climate-related financial disclosures

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KUWAIT: In an unprecedented move as the first and only bank in Kuwait, the National Bank of Kuwait published its first annual Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures Report (TCFD) for the year 2024. This report emphasizes NBK’s awareness about the importance of following a proactive approach to incorporate climate considerations into its decision-making process and comes as a response to continued transparency requirements about climate-related risks and their potential impact on businesses.

This report echoes NBK’s pioneering role and institutional approach towards fully incorporating sustainability in its operations and businesses, in line with its environmental, social, and institutional governance strategy, and in compliance with its continuous efforts to align its financial disclosures with the best practices within internationally recommended climate-risk frameworks. Moreover, the report evaluates the extent to which the bank’s non-retail portfolio is exposed to climate-change risks, how its mitigating impact, and the opportunities climate change provides as per the recommendations of the TCFD.

The report also explores several achievements by NBK in the field of sustainability in the year 2024, including issuing its debut $500 million Green bond, which is the first of its kind among local financial institutions. In addition, it highlights NBK’s sustainable asset, which reached $5 billion as of end of December 2024 and constitutes 50 percent of its aim to reach $10 billion by 2030.

It also points to the initiatives that NBK presented in 2024 that aim to minimize the impact of climate change, accelerate the transformation into a low-carbon economy, support green projects, and enhance economic flexibility in facing environmental crises.

Additionally, the report outlines NBK’s development of an innovative approach aimed at integrating climate- risk with the internal capital adequacy assessment process (ICAAP) in line with pillar 2 capital requirement, which reflects NBK’s commitment to organizational resilience and business continuity.

In the report, the bank also states the objectives for the year 2025, including incorporating environmental, social, and institutional governance measures in its credit evaluation process of current and new corporate clients as well as conducting a comprehensive evaluation of their ESG performance, particularly with regards to mitigating and adapting to climate-risks. The National Bank of Kuwait strives to enhance its capabilities to support transformation plans for its clients and provide sustainable financial solutions, while expanding its sustainable retail offers that include eco-friendly auto loans and eco-friendly residential loans.

In 2024, NBK institutionalized its process of aligning its standards with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). This comes as part of its awareness of the significant impact that climate change could have on its operations, customers, and the broader financial landscape, and as part of its commitment to factoring climate-related risks and opportunities into its strategy to ensure preparedness for future changes. Recognizing the essential role of appropriate management of climate-related risks and opportunities in enhancing governance resilience, NBK skillfully manages the balance of environmental, social, and corporate governance issues in its strategic and operational decisions.

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos

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Workshop discusses health competency framework

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated a regional workshop titled “Competency Framework”, aimed at reviewing the preliminary draft of a competency framework for public health professionals. The three-day workshop is organized by the Gulf Center for Disease Control in cooperation with the Gulf Health Council and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry, Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, welcomed a distinguished group of public health leaders and specialists from GCC countries, emphasizing the workshop’s importance in light of the increasing need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health workforce. Al-Hasawi stressed the critical role of investing in human capital through training, capacity building, and well-structured competency frameworks grounded in scientific and practical methodologies. He noted that public health competency goes beyond technical expertise, encompassing key administrative and interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.

“Competency in public health is the ability to deliver appropriate, effective services to communities while achieving optimal outcomes,” Al-Hasawi said. “It includes service delivery, resource management, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.” Chairing the workshop, Dr Mohammed Al-Saeedan, Head of the Emergency Department – Public Health at KCDC, told reporters that the session aims to discuss and refine the initial draft of the framework with input from regional decision-makers and experts. The goal, he said, is to develop a comprehensive guide to strengthen the capabilities of the health workforce across GCC countries.

“Competency frameworks contribute to improving public health, increasing life expectancy, reducing the overall health burden, and advancing sustainable development,” Al-Saeedan explained. “Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to society.” He emphasized the importance of continuously updating public health guidelines and competency standards to build professional readiness and effectively address evolving health challenges. “Guidelines serve as essential tools in disease prevention and health promotion, guiding individuals and communities in making informed health choices that enhance quality of life,” he said.

Al-Saeedan noted that global shifts and the rising prevalence of diseases demand heightened preparedness and response capabilities. “As the world increasingly prioritizes prevention over treatment, public health professionals must be equipped with the highest level of skill and knowledge to manage emergencies and implement effective interventions,” he added. The workshop is expected to result in key recommendations that will shape a unified GCC approach to public health competency development and workforce excellence. — KUNA

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The hidden drivers behind high prices in Kuwait

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Although Kuwait was ranked earlier this year as the second least expensive Gulf country in the 2025 World Cost of Living Index, many residents feel that the prices of certain goods or services remain disproportionately high compared to other countries. While essential services — such as electricity, water, and fuel — are heavily subsidized and therefore inexpensive, other aspects of life, including housing, entertainment, and branded products, often carry a much steeper cost.

Therefore, according to economic expert Dr. Amer Al Tamimi, the root of the issue lies not in government policy, but in people’s behavior — whether it’s business owners inflating prices or consumers adopting high-cost lifestyles. Each year the state allocates no less than KD 6 billion in subsidies for electricity, water, fuel, and even certain food items. “In fact, the government has made life remarkably affordable for citizens — perhaps even too affordable.” But while basic goods may be inexpensive, the same cannot be said for luxury and lifestyle products. According to Al Tamimi, the high standard of living and strong purchasing power among Kuwait’s resident’s fuels intense demand for premium items — from cars and watches to high-end services and entertainment.

“These items might be cheaper elsewhere, but in Kuwait, the appetite for luxury pushes prices higher,” he explained. Even mid-range categories, such as transportation and clothing, are considered expensive when compared to regional or global averages. Social behavior plays a significant role in shaping price dynamics. “Some individuals, despite earning modest incomes, make choices driven by appearances,” said Al Tamimi. “Someone earning KD 1,000 might buy a car with KD 500 monthly installments just to keep up an image.”

This desire to showcase wealth creates an artificial demand for high-end goods and services. As demand rises, so do prices, creating a feedback loop that affects everything from café menus to car dealerships. “There’s a culture of excessive consumption. People need to rethink their habits, as rational consumption can lead to lower prices overall,” he suggested. This culture of overspending is reflected in many lifestyle choices. “I am surprised to see people pay for coffee delivery when they can simply an easily make it at home,” said Altamimi.

While some spending habits may be avoidable, others — like housing — are fundamental and affect nearly everyone. Al Tamimi pointed to Kuwait’s real estate market as one of the most significant contributors to the high cost of living, citing the soaring price of land. “Land alone accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of the total cost of any building,” he explained. “This is very different from many other countries, where land is more affordable and makes up a smaller portion of overall costs.” This imbalance has driven up both property prices and rent, placing a heavy burden on households and businesses alike. For many residents, housing expenses consume a large share of their monthly income.

Another key issue, Al Tamimi argued, is the lack of competition in certain markets. “Some goods are effectively monopolized by one, two, or three importers,” he noted. This concentration of market power gives a small number of players the ability to set prices with little competitive pressure. To address this, he urged efforts to open up the market. “Breaking these monopolies and encouraging more entrepreneurs to enter different sectors could help,” he said. “We need to streamline business procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that currently discourage new players. In many cases, we only have a handful of stores selling certain products. More competition will ultimately benefit the consumer.”

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