NBK celebrates graduation of second cohort of ‘NBK RISE’

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of NBK RISE, the first-of-its-kind initiative dedicated to advancing women leaders by equipping them with the skills, opportunities, and support needed to realize their full potential and ascend to the highest leadership positions. The graduation ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters was attended by the bank’s executive management, along with CEOs and representatives from leading companies and banks, including Kuwait Banking Association, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Abyat, Gulf Bank, and Kuwait Financial Centre Company (Markaz).

The ceremony was also attended by representatives from the participating universities, including IE Business School, and featured inspiring speeches, success stories, and tributes to the commitment and achievements of the participants throughout the program. The event welcomed 25 trainees from diverse professional backgrounds, including NBK Kuwait, NBK’s international branches, and NBK Wealth, alongside participants from partner organizations including Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Ooredoo, Kuwait Banking Association, Abyat, Gulf Bank, Kuwait Financial Centre Company (Markaz), J’s Bakery, and Intervest Capital Partners, New York.

The second edition of the program spanned nine months and featured a comprehensive range of activities and integrated training courses aimed at developing core competencies, building confidence, fostering networking, and enhancing the skills required to navigate a dynamic work environment. The curriculum also focused on implementing strategic initiatives, leading transformation and change, practicing inclusive leadership, and making effective decisions. The program further offered mentorship and coaching from accomplished industry leaders, complemented by collaborative projects that translated ideas and proposals into tangible outcomes.

Part of the audience.

Part of the ceremony

Female graduates of the second batch of the program.

Sheikha Al-Bahar delivers a speech during the ceremony.

Sheikha Al-Bahar

Sheikha Al-Bahar, Shama’il Al-Sharakh and Dhari Al-Gharballi.

Launched in 2022 by Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group CEO at NBK, the program represents a strategic effort to empower women to realize their full potential, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to diversity and inclusion as essential drivers of sustainable success for organizations. In a short period, the program has significantly advanced women’s leadership by engaging, inspiring, and empowering women across diverse sectors and disciplines. It has also aimed to foster a community of women leaders, ensuring the sustained growth and long-term impact of the initiative.

NBK is dedicated to fostering a culture of women’s empowerment across the Group and enhancing their representation in leadership positions by offering tailored guidance and career development opportunities. The Bank collaborates with leading universities and training centers worldwide to deliver specialized programs and workshops that equip women leaders with the skills, tools, and techniques necessary for effective leadership.

NBK RISE serves as an exceptional platform for aspiring women to unlock their potential and achieve their career aspirations. Building on the remarkable success of its first edition, the program reflects NBK’s ongoing commitment to empowering women in the workplace and advancing their careers, grounded in the Bank’s belief that diversity and inclusion are essential drivers of sustainable organizational success. NBK remains committed to promoting equal opportunities and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace through its strategic initiatives and specialized programs aimed at supporting and developing women leaders.

These efforts have contributed to a notable increase in the number of women holding leadership and supervisory positions across the Bank. Enhancing the representation of women leaders and providing them with opportunities to contribute to critical organizational decision-making is a key strategic priority for global organizations. As women increasingly engage in social and community issues, their participation helps foster environments that drive sustainable development and generate lasting positive impact on society.

NBK RISE offers an inspiring experience that extends beyond the Bank’s individual efforts, engaging a number of leading institutions in Kuwait that have signed a pledge to increase the representation of women in leadership positions, reaffirming their collective commitment to advancing the objectives of this initiative. The program has garnered several prestigious international accolades, including MERIT’s Special Recognition for ‘Developing Women Leaders’, the Silver Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award from the prestigious Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) at its MENA Annual Awards, and a distinguished award from Euromoney.