KUWAIT: President of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Sheikh Hmoud Mubarak Al-Hmoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah held talks Sunday with Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation Dr Sameh El-Hefny on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector. The meeting, attended by Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout, focused on strengthening strategic partnerships between the two countries in air operations, technical training, and expertise exchange.

Speaking to KUNA following the meeting, Sheikh Hmoud reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Egypt, describing the partnership as strategic and long-standing. He emphasized the importance of building on the achievements made in recent years, particularly in professional and technical domains within the aviation industry.

He noted that discussions addressed a range of topics aimed at advancing airport infrastructure, modernizing the air transport system, and aligning with global standards to ensure safety and operational efficiency. He further stressed the importance of continued coordination between the relevant authorities in both countries to implement joint programs and achieve integration that serves mutual interests.

For his part, Dr El-Hefny expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s warm reception and generous hospitality, lauding the strong ties between the two countries, particularly in the civil aviation sector. He underscored the sector’s significance to both leaderships and praised the ongoing cooperation. The Egyptian minister described the meeting as a valuable opportunity to exchange views on mechanisms for advancing air transport and developing the civil aviation system through joint coordination and technical collaboration. He also highlighted the need for continued efforts in training, qualification, and long-term planning.

The two sides reviewed several issues of mutual interest, including the facilitation of air transport procedures, enhancing aviation safety and security, developing specialized training programs, and supporting sustainability initiatives in the sector. This visit comes within the framework of the robust and brotherly relations between Kuwait and Egypt. The civil aviation sector continues to witness steady coordination and fruitful cooperation in both operational and technical areas, reflecting the shared determination of both nations to further develop their aviation systems and institutional ties. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The 34th regular session of the Arab League’s Committee for Coordination and Follow-up of Organizations, under the umbrella of the Arab Economic and Social Council, commenced Sunday with participation from representatives of member states’ ministries of finance, economy, and trade, in addition to specialized Arab organizations.

In his opening remarks, Director of the Arab Organizations and Federations Department and Technical Secretary of the Committee, Dr Raed Al-Jubouri, stated that the five-day session will focus on administrative, financial, organizational and structural matters concerning specialized Arab organizations. The outcomes of the discussions will be submitted to the Economic and Social Council during its 116th regular session, scheduled for August 31 to September 3, 2025.

Dr Al-Jubouri noted that the committee, a technical body operating under the Economic and Social Council, was established in line with the Council’s mandate and decisions — particularly the resolution issued during the extraordinary session held on July 6, 1988 — affirming the Council’s central role in overseeing and coordinating the work of Arab organizations. He added that the committee convenes annually to review key reports, including those of financial oversight bodies, internal audit heads of specialized Arab organizations, final account statements and reports from external auditors. The agenda also includes periodic reports on member states’ arrears to the budgets of Arab organizations, updates from the Arab Monetary Fund, and the General Secretariat’s participation in meetings of legislative and executive bodies of these organizations. Kuwait is taking part in the session with a delegation from the Ministry of Finance. — KUNA

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.