Kuwait Finance House (KFH) launched the “Growing Sustainably” Training Program for SMEs to support sustainable business practices in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Through this training, KFH and UNDP will equip SME founders, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and Managing Directors with practical tools to improve operations, assess sustainability readiness, and prepare for sustainable financing opportunities.

Group Chief Corporate Banking Officer at KFH, Yousef Al-Mutawa said “At KFH, we view SMEs not merely as clients, but as essential partners in Kuwait’s economic development and diversification.”

He mentioned that KFH has reaffirmed its strong commitment to SMEs, highlighting their vital role in building a resilient, competitive, and diversified national economy aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035.

Al-Mutawa stated that this training program reflects a forward-looking mindset, one that goes beyond day-to-day operations to focus on long-term growth, adaptability, and sustainability in an increasingly dynamic market environment.

“SMEs represent nearly 90 percent of all businesses in Kuwait, with an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 active companies operating across key sectors, including trade, hospitality, construction, and industry, beyond their scale. SMEs are a major driver of economic dynamism. They play a central role in job creation, respond swiftly to evolving market needs, and continuously innovate to remain competitive,” added Al-Mutawa.

He continued saying, “As Kuwait advances its diversification agenda under Vision 2035, the resilience, efficiency, and competitiveness of SMEs will be decisive in shaping the country’s future economic landscape, this is precisely why SMEs occupy a central position in KFH’s long-term growth strategy.”

Al-Mutawa indicated that from a business perspective, sustainability is fundamentally about how effectively a company manages its resources, anticipates risks, and prepares for future opportunities ensuring continuity, stability, and long-term value creation.

He reiterated KFH’s dedication to supporting SMEs, enhancing their current business capabilities, and ensuring they are well‑positioned for long‑term, sustainable growth.

He added, “Sustainability has become a fundamental business capability rather than a passing trend. SMEs that manage resources efficiently, strengthen governance, and plan for long-term risks are more resilient and better positioned for sustainable growth.

During his opening remarks at the launch of the training program, Zein AlAbdeen Itani, Acting Deputy General Manager of SMEs at KFH, noted that this initiative reflects a shared belief in the critical role SMEs play in Kuwait’s economic future. He highlighted that KFH and UNDP aim to equip participants with clear guidance, practical tools, and relevant frameworks tailored specifically to the needs and realities of SMEs operating in Kuwait.

He emphasized that new models of sustainable and green financing continue to emerge. He noted that SMEs capable of clearly articulating their current practices, identifying areas for enhancement, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to responsible business will be better positioned to access these evolving financing opportunities.

“SMEs that engage in these practices can expect to enhance their competitiveness in local and regional markets, build stronger, more transparent relationships with banks and business partners, and improve access to future financing and investment opportunities”, Itani concluded.

Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative in Kuwait, Ms. Emma Morley said, “UNDP works in 170 countries worldwide, partnering with governments and the private sector to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. In Kuwait, our work aligns closely with Kuwait Vision 2035, including supporting financial institutions and businesses to shape markets that generate long-term environmental, social, and governance value.”

She added, “We are proud of our strategic partnership with KFH, which reflects a shared understanding that a strong private sector, with SMEs at its core, is essential to Kuwait’s economic transformation. KFH’s commitment to embedding sustainability into its operations demonstrates leadership in advancing inclusive growth, resilience, and employment, while positioning SMEs as key partners in achieving Vision 2035.”