National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has launched more than 150 social initiatives during 2013. NBK’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program covers a range of education, environment, health, philanthropic, social and sports-related initiatives. “NBK has a long tradition supporting social and community oriented activities in the country,” said Manal Al Mattar, NBK Public Relations Executive Manager. “We believe that our people are our most valuable resource and to that end we’ve implemented numerous professional development and training programs to encourage the education and professional development of Kuwait’s youth,” added Al Mattar.

As part of its commitment to providing job opportunities to new graduates, NBK actively recruited more than 243 Kuwaitis, reaffirming its position as a leader among private sector institutions in Kuwait recruiting and hiring national manpower. During 2013, NBK has provided more than 90 training programs including NBK Academy, the Summer Internship Program and the first of its kind in the region NBK Advanced Academy for high fliers. NBK provided more than 1600 training opportunities as part of its specialized training program. NBK hosted more than 3000 high school and university students as part of the bank’s strategy to work in coordination with various educational institutions with the aim of helping students successfully transition to the work force.

NBK strongly supports the country’s health care institutions. This year, NBK continued its support to build a new state-of-the-art cancer center at NBK’s Children Hospital. The new center will expand the hospital’s ability to treat children with cancer and blood diseases. For the 20th consecutive year, NBK organized Iftar banquets for fasters during the Holy Month of Ramadan.  Throughout the year, NBK also organized several social awareness programs including blood donation drives and breast cancer awareness campaigns.  NBK’s Annual Walkathon in its 19th year attracted thousands of participants from all ages and both genders. As an environment-friendly bank, NBK has launched a range of initiatives - including beach cleanup, energy saving, paper recycling and desert campsite cleanup campaigns.