Boursa Kuwait Strengthens ESG Compliance with Fifth Sustainability Report for 2025

Kuwait City – Boursa Kuwait has unveiled its fifth Sustainability Report, which outlines its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance for the year 2025. This report signifies a pivotal shift in the Kuwaiti capital market, transitioning sustainability disclosures from voluntary measures to mandatory regulatory compliance.

The report adheres to several internationally recognized frameworks, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards for Exchanges and Commodity Markets, and relevant components from the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). It also integrates Boursa Kuwait’s ESG Reporting Guide and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby improving alignment with global trends in leading capital markets.

Noura AlAbdulkareem, Head of Markets Sector at Boursa Kuwait, highlighted the report’s importance, stating that it continues the organization’s mission to enhance transparency and promote responsible market conduct. She emphasized that sustainability has become a vital criterion for evaluating investment viability and building trust among investors and stakeholders. As Kuwait’s official stock exchange, Boursa Kuwait aims to cultivate a more mature disclosure ecosystem while assisting listed companies in improving their governance, environmental, and social responsibility practices.

Regulatory Context and Compliance

The 2025 Sustainability Report is timely, coinciding with Capital Markets Authority Circular No. 4 of 2025. This circular mandates that “Premier” Market companies prepare and publish sustainability reports for 2025, which must be disclosed on the Boursa Kuwait website by the end of the second quarter of 2026. Boursa Kuwait, fulfilling its dual role as both the official stock exchange and a listed entity, has reaffirmed its commitment to early compliance with this requirement, setting a benchmark for institutional disclosure.

The report is also aligned with the updated edition of Boursa Kuwait’s ESG Reporting Guide, designed to assist listed companies in preparing their reports according to best practices. This initiative enhances transparency and responsiveness to the expectations of investors and stakeholders.

AlAbdulkareem noted that Boursa Kuwait’s consistent publication of sustainability reports reflects a well-established disclosure strategy that goes beyond mere regulatory compliance, aiming to set a high standard in the sector.

Technological Advancements and Market Development

Boursa Kuwait’s fifth Sustainability Report underscores its commitment to advancing the capital market and fostering innovation. This includes ongoing improvements to the market’s digital infrastructure, enhanced operational efficiency, and support for the introduction of financial instruments and products aimed at deepening the market and broadening the investor base.

These initiatives are part of a comprehensive vision to create a diversified capital market capable of adapting to global developments and accommodating new asset classes, thereby bolstering the competitiveness of the Kuwaiti market and reinforcing its role in supporting the national economy.

The report also emphasizes Boursa Kuwait’s commitment to responsible market conduct and sustainable growth, building on its institutional approach initiated with its membership in the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative in 2017. This commitment has been maintained through the publication of sustainability reports, the development of guiding frameworks, and the establishment of strategic partnerships that support community and environmental initiatives.

ESG Performance Metrics

The 2025 Sustainability Report presents several key performance metrics, reflecting Boursa Kuwait’s dedication to environmental stewardship and social responsibility:

• 471 tons of plastic recycled through a partnership with Omniya Plastic Collection.
• Over 173 tons of hazardous waste removed from Kuwait Bay.
• Over 1,100 students benefited from financial literacy programs.
• 44 environmental field missions conducted in 2025.
• 1,972 kilograms of operational waste disposed of efficiently.

These figures illustrate the tangible impact of Boursa Kuwait’s sustainability initiatives and its commitment to fostering a responsible business environment.

Human Capital Development and Community Engagement

Boursa Kuwait has also concentrated on enhancing the efficiency of its operational resources and embedding responsible management practices throughout the organization. In 2025, the company processed approximately 1,972 kilograms of waste, including 472 kilograms of plastic and 1,500 kilograms of paper, which were either recycled or securely disposed of. This reflects Boursa Kuwait’s commitment to minimizing its operational environmental impact and promoting sustainability within the workplace.

The organization continues to invest in its human capital, recognizing it as a crucial pillar of sustainable institutional performance. Training programs and internal initiatives focus on developing leadership and professional capabilities, fostering a culture of engagement and growth.

Boursa Kuwait has also supported initiatives aimed at promoting financial literacy and empowering youth. Collaborations with organizations such as CODED Academy and INJAZ Kuwait have facilitated educational programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and life skills for over 1,100 students.

Environmental Initiatives and Partnerships

Boursa Kuwait has actively engaged in initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and enhancing resource efficiency. This includes sponsorship of the Environmental Voluntary Foundation’s Kuwait Dive Team, which works to preserve Kuwait Bay, a vital economic and environmental asset.

In 2025, the team conducted 44 field missions, successfully removing over 173 tons of waste, including hazardous materials and abandoned fishing nets. These efforts underscore the importance of long-term partnerships in addressing environmental challenges and promoting responsible practices.

Additionally, Boursa Kuwait’s partnership with Omniya Plastic Collection Company has facilitated significant plastic recycling efforts, successfully recycling over 471 tons of plastic waste in 2025, equivalent to approximately 23.6 million plastic bottles.

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Published on 2026-06-06 22:58:00 • By the Editorial Desk