The Kuwait Economic Society (KES) held a workshop on Tuesday titled “Integrating Sustainability into Economic Systems,” highlighting ways to turn sustainability, governance and environmental and social responsibility into practical decisions and tangible economic value.
Society Chairman Abdulaziz Al-Humaidhi said sustainability was no longer optional but had become an essential part of the Kuwaiti and global economies. The workshop brought together experts from Oman and Bahrain to share experiences and discuss best practices for applying sustainability across economic sectors.
Society Treasurer Mohammad Al-Rasheed said the sessions covered regulation, financial markets, banking, insurance, risk management, industry and environmental impact, focusing on turning sustainability-related costs into economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Muscat Stock Exchange CEO Haitham Al-Salmi said sustainability standards could help companies reduce risks, improve financial performance and valuations, and benefit from financing incentives, ultimately serving shareholders’ interests.
He noted that companies listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange recorded a 12 percent rise in profits in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, reflecting the resilience of Gulf economies despite regional challenges.
In turn, International University accounting and finance professor Dr. Bader Al-Shallal stressed that integrating sustainability and governance into economic systems required coordinated financial and economic efforts, alongside monitoring and auditing to support reforms and sustainable development.
— KUNA