Kuwait's investments in Africa Increased $28 billion

The dean of the African diplomatic corps and Ambassador of the Republic of Togo, Mohamed Ouro, praised on Wednesday the pioneering role undertaken by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and aid for development in 51 African countries. The ambassador was speaking to KUNA after partaking in a seminar organized by the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute, titled “Sixty Years of Kuwaiti-African Relations,” attended by the Foreign Minister’s assistant for Institute Affairs, Ambassador Nasser Al-Sebeeh, and heads of foreign diplomatic missions.

Ambassador Ouro said Kuwaiti-African relations are distinguished by brotherly and strong bonds based on fruitful cooperation, citing the endorsement of various accords and visits’ swaps by senior officials and diplomats. The cordial dialogue organized by the institute on the 60th anniversary of the distinguished ties is a good opportunity to examine means of fostering these relations further, he said.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister’s Deputy Assistant for African Affairs Naif Al-Mudhaf said Kuwait hosts 34 African diplomatic missions, the largest entity in the sector in the country. Kuwait, for its part, maintains up to 17 missions on the African continent. He valued Kuwaiti investments in Africa at $28 billion and the trade exchange volume at more than $10 million. KFAED, for its part, has contributed 500 loans worth $10 million to fund development projects in Africa. — KUNA

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Namaa Launches Several Charitable Banks and Projects

 Orphan Sponsorship Bank

Namaa Charity and the Social Reform Society announced the launch of the “Orphan Sponsorship Bank” project in cooperation with the Private Banks Department in the General Secretariat of Endowments. This project aims to implement the conditions of the endowment and the donors as stipulated by the endowment arguments, to enhance the role of the endowment in caring for orphans until they reach adulthood and providing their basic and living needs. Within the State of Kuwait, in addition to achieving social security and preserving their dignity in society.

In this context, the Head of the Financial Resources and Development Sector at Nama Charity, Walid Al-Bassam, stated that the project aims to raise orphans in an Islamic manner that achieves family cohesion and social solidarity, and provides them with moral and material care from their birth until they complete their education.

Al-Bassam confirmed that Nama Charity, in accordance with the higher directives to support charitable projects inside Kuwait and seek to localize charitable work, has expanded its efforts in cooperation with the General Secretariat of Endowments to support orphan families inside Kuwait.

Al-Bassam explained that our Islamic religion gives great status to caring for the orphan, and that the sponsor of the orphan has great merit, as sponsoring orphans is considered one of the greatest acts of kindness encouraged by Islamic law, and he cited the noble verse: (They ask you what they should spend. Say, “Whatever good you spend is for the parents and the relatives and the family.”) Orphans, the poor and the poor The path and whatever good you do, God is All-Knowing of it” (Al-Baqarah: 215).

Al-Bassam pointed out that sponsoring an orphan aims to revive a soul that has lost the meanings of security and support represented by the presence of a father or both parents. Through this partnership, we contribute to compensating these children and giving them hope for a brighter future, stressing that the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, who grew up as an orphan, is a message. Hope for all humanity.

Al-Bassam praised the positive and humanitarian role of the General Secretariat of Endowments, considering it a strategic partner for Namaa Charity in various fields concerned with caring for and ensuring needy families. He expressed his appreciation for the charitable and humanitarian role played by the General Secretariat of Endowments.

Al-Bassam stressed that this project works to implement the conditions of the donors in directing the proceeds of their endowments to serve the sponsorship and care of orphans, especially since they are the weakest segment of society and need care and attention until they reach the age of majority.

He added that the goal of the Orphan Bank is to provide the necessary housing, a healthy environment, and proper nutrition for orphans, in addition to providing appropriate clothing, emotional care, a family environment, and educational care.

Al-Bassam concluded by thanking the General Secretariat of Endowments, expressing his gratitude for the cooperation that enhances the association’s work in serving needy families and sponsoring orphans, and stressing Namaa Charity’s keenness to enhance cooperation with the General Secretariat of Endowments and all its partners.

 Alms Bank

Namaa Charity, affiliated with the Social Reform Society, launched the “Alms Bank” project inside Kuwait in cooperation with the General Secretariat of Endowments. This project aims to develop society, meet its needs in various fields, and provide support to various groups, in accordance with the conditions of the two endowments stipulated in the endowment arguments to activate the role of the endowment in developing... Community and meeting the needs of those in need.

In this context, the Head of the Financial Resources and Development Sector at Namaa Charity, Walid Al-Bassam, stated that the Alms Bank project is one of the annual endowment projects launched by the General Secretariat of Endowments inside Kuwait, with the aim of supporting needy families, reducing the financial burdens of life, meeting their life, medical and educational needs, and providing solutions to improve... Their standard of living.

He added that the project reflects the importance of compassion and solidarity in Kuwaiti society.

Al-Bassam pointed out that the project targets low-income people, widows, divorcees, and families registered with Namaa Charity, and comes in implementation of the directives of His Highness the Emir of the country to advance charitable and humanitarian work and meet the needs of families internally. Which contributes to regional and international expansion, and enhances Kuwait’s role as a center for humanitarian work.

Al-Bassam stressed that Namaa Charity continues to implement its strategic vision to enhance community partnership with civil society organizations and governmental, private and private charitable institutions.

He stressed the importance of coordination and cooperation between donors and implementers to achieve the best results.

Al-Bassam extended his thanks and appreciation to the General Secretariat of Endowments for its great role in supporting needy families, and praised the strategic partnership between Namaa Charity and the General Secretariat of Endowments, which resulted in distinguished projects within Kuwait.

He also expressed his gratitude to the generous people and everyone who contributes to supporting charitable activities and projects through Nama Charity, whether through various donation methods, the website https://www.namaakw.net, or by visiting Nama Charity’s headquarters in Sabah Al-Salem.

The Conference on Partnership and Social Responsibility for Financial Institutions and Islamic Banks concludes its work in Kuwait

 Under the honorary patronage of His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Maatouq Al-Maatouq, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Islamic Charitable Organization, the activities of the “Eighth Partnership and Social Responsibility Conference and Award for Islamic Financial Institutions and Banks for the Year 2024” were concluded at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the State of Kuwait. The conference was attended by experts and speakers in the field of Islamic banking, economics and social responsibility, on Monday, May 13, 2024 AD.

The conference papers and workshops discussed the topic “Social Responsibility of Financial Institutions and Islamic Banks... Between the Professionalism of Practice and the Achieved Impact.”

The conference was co-organized by the “Excellent Achievement Institute for Training and Consulting” from the State of Kuwait, sponsored by “Mabarat Al-Awazem Charity”.

In his speech to the audience, Professor Youssef Abdel Ghaffar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility, stressed that social responsibility for financial institutions and Islamic banks is considered an essential part of their ethical practice in accordance with the principles of Islamic Sharia. This responsibility includes several aspects, including a commitment to Islamic ethics and values, as well as providing social contributions, transparency and disclosure, as well as awareness and education, and finally guidance and advice.

He stated that the impact of this social responsibility can be huge, as Islamic financial institutions can contribute to improving the economic and social conditions of the communities they serve. Thanks to their commitment to Islamic principles, contribution to development projects and support for vulnerable groups, these institutions can contribute to building more just and sustainable societies.

Regarding the conference, Dr. Shehab Ahmed Al-Othman, Director General of the Superior Achievement Institute for Training and Consulting said; “The conference in its eighth edition, which is being held for the second time in the State of Kuwait, attracted an elite group of experts and speakers from the State of Kuwait and from abroad. During the conference, presentations were made A number of solid working papers, as well as specialized workshops, were held. In addition, a ceremony was held to honor a number of economic and banking entities with excellence awards in the field of social responsibility for the year 2024 AD.

 A ceremony was also held to award Kuwaiti figures with professional honorary titles.  His Excellency Mr. Hamad Al-Basis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Awazem Charity Foundation, and Sheikha Suhaila Fahad Al-Malik Al-Sabah, honorary member of the Arab Fund for Social Responsibility Research, were awarded and honored with the title of “United Nations Ambassador for Community Partnership” by the network. Regional social responsibility.

This is the only annual conference in its field held in the Arab region.