KUWAIT: stc has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting the community through its comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, which was further strengthened this year with its Sustainability Program. As a pioneer in Kuwait’s telecom and digital industries, stc has been a catalyst for positive change by implementing or participating in initiatives within the key areas of education, environmental sustainability, sports, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship. Through these activities and initiatives, stc aimed to make lasting contributions in the community, while also aligning with the company’s strategic focus on enabling digital transformation.
Danah Al-Jasem, General Manager of Corporate Communications at stc, said: "Over the years, stc broadened its CSR framework to include various sub-programs that have played a role in shaping the company’s commitment to its key pillars. Initiatives such as ‘Weyak’, the educational ‘upgrade’ initiative, and ‘Because We Care’ have now taken on a more prominent role under the framework, with annual reoccurring initiatives launched under their respective umbrellas.”
Aside from its partnerships and collaborations, stc launched its own unique initiatives focused on addressing and highlighting key topics that impact the community. The initiatives, in alignment with the company’s CSR pillars, aimed to either engage with the community or the company’s employees in different positive ways. One key subject that stc strongly stands by is empowering the youth and supporting the younger generation. In launching its own initiatives under this category, stc held its annual programs for students, while introducing various educational platforms. These efforts, as well as other activities implemented by stc, have significantly contributed to strengthening the social fabric and fostering unity across diverse segments of Kuwait’s society.
Sustainability program
With a newfound outlook on sustainable practices, stc announced its Sustainability Program, an annual initiative that reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability across the ESG pillars. Under this program, stc implemented a series of strategic initiatives to enhance its carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices through community-driven projects focused on education, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, stc worked closely with government bodies and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with the highest governance standards, further embedding transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices into its operations. Through this comprehensive approach, the Sustainability Program reflects stc’s long-term vision of integrating sustainability into every aspect of its business, creating a positive and lasting impact on society and the environment.
A highlight of the ‘Sustainability Program was the launch of the first standalone Sustainability Report in line with our commitment to transparency and progress. This milestone reflects our dedication to integrating sustainable practices across all aspects of our business while creating long-term value for our stakeholders. As part of the campaign, stc collaborated with the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy (MEW), through an awareness-based social media campaign highlighting the importance of conserving water and electricity.
Another initiative was the partnership with Tadwire to launch an e-waste recycling initiative. Supported by the Kuwait National SME Fund, Tadwire complemented stc’s sustainability initiative for the year 2024, focusing on ways to reduce the waste footprint in its offices, operations, and the community.
stc partnered with SEEDs by sponsoring Bloom Market, the first market dedicated to promoting sustainable lifestyle and entertainment in Kuwait, in addition to launching the Plastic Free July initiative, which included 17 sustainable Kuwaiti projects. All vendors in the market were committed to not using plastic, and participants ranged from recycled furniture stores to eco-friendly daily consumer goods and fashion clothing.
As part of a series of initiatives, stc announced its strategic sponsorship of the sustainability forum organized by the Kuwait Transparency Society. stc also collaborated with the Ministry of Municipality to launch a significant cleaning campaign in the Mutlaa desert area. With the spirit of environmental consciousness and community service in mind, employees were invited to participate in the clean-up, where they were presented with an opportunity to actively contribute to the preservation of the environment.
Community events
In celebration of Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days, stc launched a TVC concept which blended modernity and tradition through a focus on the importance of progression and sustainability in the community. The production featured several influential figures that have played a role in empowering the community, especially the younger generation. Following its long-standing commitment to sustainability, coupled with its extensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, the TVC aimed to reflect the values that stc stands by along with the importance of these activities in nurturing and empowering entrepreneurs, innovators, and the younger generation.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, stc launched its "With good, we go further” campaign, which consisted of different activities and programs designed to emphasize the importance of performing good deeds for the greater good of the community. These initiatives came in the form of distributing meals, supporting worshippers during Ramadan, spreading awareness on various issues, and engaging with the community. The initiatives launched during the campaign included partnering with the Zajel Volunteer Team to organize various activities including the largest Futoor with over 3,000 meals distributed in Souq Al-Mubarakiya in collaboration with several partners. This came in addition to distributing Eid gifts at the Zajel Expo to families in need.
‘Weyak’ initiative
Al-Jasem added, "The ‘Weyak’ initiative remained to be an integral part of stc’s CSR efforts in 2024, with innovative approaches to inspiring and empowering Kuwaiti youth while nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the community. Designed to support the aspirations of young innovators, startups, and SMEs, ‘Weyak’ provided tools and resources needed to either bring ambitious ideas to life or support existing concepts in thriving. With a special focus on blending creativity with business skills, the various programs under the initiative helped individuals achieve their set out objectives while contributing to the progression of Kuwait’s economy.”
With its objectives set on supporting SMEs in Kuwait, stc’s ‘Weyak’ initiative engaged with aspiring entrepreneurs throughout various activities and programs. The company organized several gatherings for entrepreneurs and SMEs as part of its strategic focus on empowering the private sector to drive economic growth and societal advancement. The interactive experience enabled like-minded individuals to share their experiences and unique journeys in starting their own businesses, while discussing the entrepreneurial landscape in Kuwait.
Aside from that, stc strengthened its strategic partnership with Flare Fitness by sponsoring the ‘Flare Festival’ for the fifth consecutive year. stc also organized its first gathering for Kuwaiti female photographers coinciding with ‘World Photography Day’, with a workshop conducted by Kuwaiti photographer, Haya Buqammaz.
‘Upgrade’ educational initiative
Commenting on the educational ‘upgrade’ initiative, Al-Jasem said: "Education remains one of the key pillars of stc’s CSR framework, especially in 2024. Since the launch of its educational ‘upgrade’ initiative, stc focused on supporting educational programs and platforms that aim to uplift the education sector while spreading knowledge to members of the community. Several initiatives were launched throughout the year under the umbrella of the educational ‘upgrade’ initiative, each serving a different purpose. This focus mirrors stc’s understanding of the nature of academic excellence in building a sustainable future.”
Throughout the year, stc formed strategic partnerships with various institutions such as the National Union of Kuwaiti Students (NUKS) – Kuwait University Branch, Kuwait College for Science and Technology (KCST), Kuwait Technical College (KTECH), and the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity (SACGC). The strategic partnerships focused on launching and sponsoring different programs that aimed to enhance the accessibility to educational platforms that can assist students and individuals in learning more about different subjects.
The company also participated in several honoring ceremonies for academic excellence. stc honored top performing high school students at stc’s headquarters in Olympia Tower which was attended by Maryam Al-Enezi, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Development & Activities Sector at the Ministry of Education, and stc executives including Muataz Aldharrab, CEO of stc. The Company also honored 130 exceptional students with physical disabilities for the third consecutive year. Sixty Kuwait University students who displayed academic excellence in the College of Arts were also celebrated by stc during 2024.
‘Because we care’
As for stc’s commitment to the environment and the community, Al-Jasem stated: "Environmental preservation, sustainable practices, and personal wellness are all key themes under stc’s ‘Because we care’ initiative. Throughout 2024, stc launched and participated in numerous campaigns that aimed to spread awareness on various health issues and environmental causes that impact the community.” Under the ‘Because we care’ initiative, stc carried out its annual health initiatives related to blood donation, breast cancer and prostate cancer. The company collaborated with various entities to promote and raise awareness on these health issues and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
stc welcomed arriving pilgrims at Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 4 from Mecca for the third year in a row, in collaboration with the Kuwait International Airport and the Directorate General for Civil Aviation and Incheon Korea for Airports Services- T4. In celebration of Eid Al-Adha, stc organized a visit to Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Hospital in the presence of Gergasha Characters and stc Sofara’a Team from all departments to distribute gifts and bring joy to the children who are seeking medical needs. As part of stc’s ongoing commitment to foster health and wellbeing across the community and in collaboration with the Kuwait Oncology Association and other strategic partners, the company launched its annual breast cancer awareness campaign to promote early detection and prevention
‘inspireU’ entrepreneur accelerator
In collaboration with inspireU from stc group, this year witnessed the launch of the second edition of the inspireU Program in Kuwait, an entrepreneurial state-of-the-art incubator and accelerator designed to support startups and SMEs in Kuwait, which focused on several areas including fintech, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, and online gaming. The program aims to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance needed to turn their ideas into successful projects, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to create new job opportunities and enhance sustainable growth, in line with stc’s vision for enabling digital transformation
By the end of 2024, stc celebrated the graduates of the "inspireU” program in a graduation ceremony held by stc Group in its HQ in Riyadh that recognized 44 businesses and startups that completed the inspireU program, including five startups from Kuwait. This marked the successful conclusion of the program’s 10th and 11th intakes, as well as the first season of the advanced inspireU program.
A lasting positive impact
As stc looks ahead, the Company remains deeply committed to creating a positive and lasting impact on the community through its comprehensive CSR and sustainability programs. These initiatives, rooted in stc’s core values, aim to empower individuals, drive social and economic progress, and foster environmental stewardship. By addressing immediate community needs while laying the groundwork for long-term benefits, stc continues to build a legacy of positive change that resonates across Kuwait.
Al-Jasem concluded: "The progress we have made through our CSR and sustainability programs, as well as our collaborations with various institutions in Kuwait, align with our overall mission to drive positive and lasting change in the community. We are grateful for the opportunities we have had to contribute meaningfully to the lives of individuals and society as a whole. Moving forward, we aim to build on these achievements by strengthening our partnerships and exploring new ways to address the evolving needs of our community, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.”
Looking ahead, stc envisions deepening its role as a responsible corporate citizen by further integrating sustainability into its core business strategy and operation. Having set its long-term strategic goals, stc will continue to build strategic partnerships with local and international organizations, adding value to its programs through wider reach and exposure to remain impactful and relevant. The Company will also continue focusing on expanding its environmental initiatives, with plans to launch new projects that contribute to Kuwait’s sustainability goals. By aligning its CSR and Sustainability programs with both national and global objectives, stc reaffirms its commitment to creating lasting, positive change across the community and driving sustainable development for future generations.