NBK 2019 CSR initiatives: A significant approach to sustainability
National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) pioneered its corporate social responsibility programs in 2019, maintaining its position as the largest contributor to the Kuwait community in the private sector and moving a significant step forward towards a more sustainable community.
“NBK considers sustainability an integral part of our success as a bank. On the occasion of the release of our 2019 sustainability report, we take the opportunity to shed the light on our CSR sustainability focused initiatives,” said Manal Al Mattar, NBK Public Relations, Assistant General Manager.
“NBK has a long tradition supporting social and community oriented activities in the country. Our 2019 sustainable practices succeeded to maximize the positive impacts on our society enabling a socially smarter world, thereby making us a responsible bank today and for generations to come,” added Al Mattar.
NBK Implemented Community Related Programs
NBK’s Children Hospital
“We are proud to see our project striving to the international standards regarding strategies, policies, processes and day-to-day practices,” she noted. “NBK will always be committed in supporting the Specialty Hospital and its new unit to move forward in progress at the level of services and care,” she claimed.
During 2019, NBK continued its social program for children the NBK Specialty Hospital and Stem Cell Therapy Unit. The program included the introduction of a library corner, storytelling sessions, fun children-oriented events and movie nights, honoring weekly heroes from the patients and rewarding a nurse every month.
I Dream To Be Initiative
For the fifth year in a row, NBK continued to implement the first-of-its-kind ‘I Dream to Be’ program for children in hospitals Kuwait who are facing life-threatening conditions. The initiative rewarded more than 23 patients by the end of 2019 with the support of BACCH and KACCH. The initiative helps children live their ‘dreams’ in order to promote their emotional and psychological wellbeing and help them fight their illnesses with a positive mind.
Summer Internship
For more than 18 years in a row, NBK organized its Summer Internship Program for school and college students. “This program is the beginning if a long road ahead to empower youth and provide them with valuable insight into real business scenarios,” Al Mattar said. A total of 124 students between the ages 14 and 21 years participated in the 2019 program.
Annual Walkathon
NBK’s 25th annual walkathon kicked off the morning of Saturday 7 December from the Green Island with an astonishing 19,600 participants who have registered for the 11 kilometers race. NBK organized this special occasion to celebrate two and a half decades of this sports festival.
This year, NBK walkathon celebrates its 25th anniversary. As the first sports event in Kuwait and the GCC, NBK walkathon continues today its long tradition in supporting its community.NBK celebrated the top 100 participants, giving away many valuable prizes to both winners and participants.
Do Good Deeds in Ramadan
For more than 25 years, NBK has provided charitable, social and philanthropic programs during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Among its most prominent and successful Ramadan programs is the ‘Do Good Deeds in Ramadan’ initiative. Comprised of a series of activities and events aimed at encouraging community engagement and charity in Kuwait, Do Good Deeds exemplifies NBK’s efforts to serve as a role model and community leader. This year the program reached more than 48,000 Muslims fasting during this Holy month by distributing more than 50,000 iftar banquets. 30 children in need were also aided during this month as a part of the initiative.
Supporting Youth and Education
Support Education
As part of this strategy, NBK honored outstanding high school graduates of public schools for the school year 2018-2019. The Bank expressed its appreciation to the 150 students for their hard work through cash rewards and more importantly, professional training opportunities to encourage them to always work hard and excel.
Al Shaheed Park
As part of its social responsibility, NBK sponsored Al Shaheed park’s cultural events during the year 2018-2019 in order to support cultural and heritage activities and encourage Kuwait’s youth to develop community responsibility and engagement.
KALD, LOYAC & KRCS
NBK continued its commitment and support for educational institutions and non-governmental organizations as well as with other social welfare programs partnerships for the development of Kuwait such as KRCS, LOYAC, KALD and Center 21 for Children with Autism.
NBK is Kuwait Red Crescent Society’s Humanitarian strategic partner for its social support and initiatives with the society. In 2019, the bank continued its support to KRCS’s initiative to help fund the education of children of low-income families in Kuwait. Also, NBK and KRCS distributed winter supplies for families in different areas in Kuwait including electrical appliances and necessity food items as part of its “Winter supplies” Campaign.
BACCH and KACCH
NBK works closely with the Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospital (KACCH) and Bayt Abdullah for the Care of Children in Hospice (BACCH) to maximize its reach to children in need and to give top priority to sick children with life-threatening illnesses. In 2019, NBK organized and supported a children’s carnival at Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice, an initiative which included entertainment and activities for resident children.
Environment
As an integral part of its approach towards sustainable development, NBK launched several recycling campaigns in collaboration with Omniya Project Management Company. The campaigns started by placing recycling containers at NBK’s Headquarters and NBK Children’s Hospital, as well as collecting the waste of the Iftar tables from the NBK Ramadan Tent. In addition, NBK launched a competition with Omniya among Kuwait’s public schools targeting waste collecting of plastic bottles.
Awareness programs
NBK actively supported and celebrated many awareness programs through the year such as Autism Awareness Day, International Children Book Day, Cancer Survivor Day, Mother’s Day, World Cancer Day and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Sports Related Initiatives
Throughout the year 2019, NBK supported several sports related events such as NBK Football and Cricket teams, Flare Fitness Festival, KBA Night Run and Battle Fitness Challenge.
Employee Volunteering
National Bank of Kuwait organized many volunteer and charity initiatives during 2019. Employees arranged volunteer groups to help in organizing the Walkathon, distributing Iftar meals during the month of Ramadan and much more.