Latest news with #NaserAlSanousi
Al Bawaba
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
From the trading hall to the pinnacle of digital innovation: Boursa Kuwait and Markaz empower Kuwaiti youth with UNICODE
Boursa Kuwait and the Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' continued their strategic partnership with CODED Academy, sponsoring the fifth edition of the Academy's UNICODE Program, which targets over 300 university students and recent graduates across three cohorts from August to October program, hosted by Boursa Kuwait at its premises, aims to equip participants with essential coding and programming skills, thereby enhancing their readiness to compete in the rapidly evolving digital job market. It features specialized training tracks in cybersecurity as well as mobile application and web development, offering participants a wide range of potential career pathways. Since its inception in 2021, the program has benefited over 750 students from diverse academic UNICODE Program's fifth edition will commence on August 9 and is comprised of three intensive two-week training cohorts, culminating in a graduation ceremony to be held in November. Participants will undergo hands-on training in a range of essential technical skills, including website development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, mobile application development using the Flutter platform as well as foundational cybersecurity and digital safety practices.'Boursa Kuwait firmly believes that investing in human capital is the cornerstone of any meaningful development and that Kuwaiti youth are the driving force behind a sustainable future,' said Mr. Naser Al-Sanousi, Boursa Kuwait's Senior Director of Marketing and Communication.'Our strategic partnership with CODED Academy, along with our sponsorship and hosting of the UNICODE Program, reflects this belief, reaffirming our commitment to initiatives that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the evolving needs of the Kuwaiti labor market. These efforts are also an embodiment of Boursa Kuwait's strategic commitment to building a knowledge-based society capable of driving digital transformation and enhancing national competitiveness,' he Kuwait will host the program's workshops and interactive training sessions at its headquarters, which has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to offer students a stimulating learning environment that mirrors real-world professional settings and inspires them to explore promising career opportunities in the financial sector. 'Boursa Kuwait is proud to host UNICODE at its premises, reinforcing the connection between program participants and capital markets,' Al-Sanousi year's edition of the program introduces enhanced content through the integration of financial technology (FinTech) and artificial intelligence concepts across all training tracks, an approach that reflects Boursa Kuwait's strategic focus on innovation as a key driver of sustainable development. The program also aims to empower participants to devise practical solutions to the contemporary challenges of the financial sector, expanding their professional horizons and supporting their long-term career growth.'The fifth edition of this program serves as an effective bridge between academic aspirations and practical application in the workplace, representing a true launchpad for innovation. By supporting this initiative, we aim to help prepare a generation equipped with the skills and capabilities to drive Kuwait's economic growth and support its efforts for diversification. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to CODED Academy for its instrumental role in nurturing young talent and enhancing their skills, and I wish all participants continued success in their pursuit of excellence and innovation,' added strategic partnership between Boursa Kuwait and 'Markaz' with CODED Academy and sponsorship of its UniCODE program forms part of both companies' efforts to develop and educate Kuwaiti society and create a lasting meaningful impact on the communities where they operate. Part of their Corporate Sustainability (CS) strategies, the initiative is also in line with Goal 4 – Quality Education – and Goal 17 – Partnership for the Goals - of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Senior Vice President of Wealth Management and Business Development Ms. Maryam Al-Rifae also spoke about the partnership with CODED Academy, stating, 'Markaz takes great pride in being one of the earliest supporters of CODED Academy since its inception. This marks our fourth sponsorship of the academy's initiatives since 2019, a commitment that underscores our dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Kuwait. It also reflects our broader vision of empowering youth to pursue promising fields such as programming and coding, while reinforcing our belief in human capital development as a cornerstone of our corporate social responsibility strategy.'She added, 'Technology has become an essential part of everyday life, and we have a responsibility as institutions to nurture this shift by cultivating an environment conducive to the growth of start-ups and the development of competitive, homegrown tech solutions. A recent McKinsey report found that supporting educational tech initiatives like the UNICODE program can boost youth employment opportunities by up to 50%, which is a compelling validation of the program's impact and importance.''We are proud to collaborate with Boursa Kuwait on this initiative that reflects our shared commitment to empowering Kuwaiti youth, equipping them for digital transformation and helping them adapt to the fast-evolving demands of today's job market. At Markaz, we firmly believe that institutional partnerships are essential to driving inclusive development, led by a generation armed with knowledge, skills and a spirit of innovation," Al-Rifae Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' was established in 1974 and is one of the first financial institutions in Kuwait to offer asset management and investment banking services in the Middle East and North Africa. Listed on Boursa Kuwait since 1997, it currently manages assets worth KD 1.44 billion (equivalent to USD 4.67 billion) as of March 31, Academy Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Hashim Behbehani expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Boursa Kuwait and the Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' for their continued support of the Academy and generous sponsorship of the Unicode Program, emphasizing that this strategic collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering Kuwaiti youth and cultivating a new generation of highly skilled tech professionals.'We are proud to launch a new edition of the Unicode Program, purposefully designed to equip participants with the most in-demand technical skills in today's job market,' he said. 'This year's curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on training in fintech and cybersecurity, offering an immersive learning experience aligned with the dynamic needs of the labor market.''Hosting the program at Boursa Kuwait provides participants with an immersive environment that elevates their learning journey and reinforces the program's growing reputation as a vital step in their career development. CODED Academy remains committed to offering practical, high-quality training that aligns with the aspirations and ambitions of today's students,' added in 2015, CODED Academy is the first coding academy in the Middle East, educating participants in software development, cybersecurity, data science and artificial intelligence, enabling the youth to navigate the evolving demands of a competitive job market and enter the workforce with confidence and Kuwait's Corporate Sustainability strategy stipulates ensuring initiatives apply and fall in line with the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR), industry best practice standards, and investor expectations, creating strong and sustainable partnerships that ultimately achieve success and allow Boursa Kuwait to leverage the capabilities and strengths of other companies or organizations that have experience in different fields, and integrating sustainability efforts with the company culture, to achieve longevity and ongoing impact that is carried on and instilled in the day-to-day operations of the stock exchange. As part of the strategy, Boursa Kuwait has launched many initiatives in partnership with local and international organizations, focusing on support for nongovernmental organizations and charity programs, financial literacy and capital market awareness, the empowerment of women, and environmental protection.
Al Bawaba
22-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Boursa Kuwait champions solidarity on World Refugee Day
Reaffirming its commitment to social and humanitarian responsibility, Boursa Kuwait lit its building in blue in a symbolic gesture of solidarity with refugees worldwide on World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20. Marking the occasion for the fifth consecutive year, the company continues to highlight humanitarian crises and advocate for the most vulnerable communities, underscoring its dedication to corporate social responsibility and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This year's World Refugee Day is held under the theme of 'Solidarity with Refugees,' serving as an open call to the international community, particularly the private sector, to show their support refugees through tangible initiatives that empower them to rebuild their lives amid growing global challenges from the rise in forced displacement to the decline in humanitarian funding. 'Boursa Kuwait's participation in World Refugee Day reflects its strong belief in the vital role of the private sector in driving positive, sustainable change. Through its strategic partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the company continues to support impactful initiatives and institutional partnerships that empower refugees to meet their basic needs—including cash assistance, education, and healthcare,' said Mr. Naser Al-Sanousi, Boursa Kuwait's Senior Director of Marketing and Communication. 'Boursa Kuwait remains committed to raising community awareness and fostering a culture of solidarity, social responsibility and meaningful giving that contributes to the development of more inclusive and equitable societies,' he added. To mark the occasion, Boursa Kuwait announced the continuation of its strategic partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), reaffirming its ongoing support for the agency's initiatives across the region. Since 2020, the bourse has helped deliver aid to more than 1,980 refugee families through various relief programs, including winter assistance, education and emergency response. In 2025, Boursa Kuwait supported UNHCR's cash assistance and protection program, empowering refugees and displaced persons to meet their essential living needs with dignity. This initiative reflects the bourse's ongoing commitment to adopting best-in-class practices in corporate sustainability, governance, environmental and social responsibility (ESG). 'On World Refugee Day, let us remember that solidarity with refugees is a humanitarian duty—an act of extending support to people who have been forced to flee their homes and countries due to circumstances beyond their control. By opening our doors and listening to their stories—stories that blend pain with hope—we affirm the importance of supporting initiatives that empower them and facilitate their integration into host communities,' said UNHCR Representative in Kuwait Ms. Nisreen Rubaian. 'I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Boursa Kuwait for its continued support of refugee families across the Middle East and North Africa, especially recognizing the bourse's backing of initiatives dedicated to unaccompanied children and its efforts to amplify the noble message and objectives of World Refugee Day. I urge everyone to unite in building a more welcoming world for refugees, one that offers dignity, hope and the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future,' added Rubaian. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization committed to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. As the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR leads international efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and forcibly displaced communities around the world. The initiative forms part of Boursa Kuwait's efforts to create a lasting meaningful impact on the community as part of its Corporate Sustainability strategy, and is in line with Goal 1 – No Poverty, Goal 2 – Zero Hunger, Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 4 – Quality Education, Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities and Goal 17 – Partnership for the Goals - of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Boursa Kuwait's Corporate Sustainability strategy stipulates ensuring initiatives apply and fall in line with the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR), industry best practice standards and investor expectations, creating strong and sustainable partnerships that ultimately achieve success and allow Boursa Kuwait to leverage the capabilities and strengths of other companies or organizations that have experience in different fields, and integrating sustainability efforts with the company culture, in order to achieve longevity and an ongoing impact that is carried on and instilled in the day-to-day operations of the stock exchange. As part of the strategy, Boursa Kuwait has launched many initiatives in partnership with local and international organizations, focusing on support for nongovernmental organizations and charity programs, financial literacy and capital market awareness, the empowerment of women, and environmental protection.
