CMA LAW: “Integrating Sustainability into Economic Systems ”, Highlighted in an Awareness Workshop by the CMA at the Kuwait Economic Society

Kuwait, October 31, 2026 - The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) participated in an extensive awareness workshop organized by Kuwait Economic Society on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the society’s headquarters, in the participation of local and gulf experts, and representatives from regulatory entities, listed companies, and those concerned with sustainability, capital markets and investment.

The workshop reassured that sustainability, nowadays, is no longer a luxury or an option, but rather an extreme necessity for entities, institutions, and economics.  The workshop also highlighted the mechanisms required to translate sustainability concepts and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into tangible economic and operational value, practical practices and executive decisions that support developmental visions, in addition to the need for developing impact measurement tools in compliance with applicable international standards. 

As for the CMA’s participation in this event, it was represented by Mr. Khaled Youssef Al-Saqer, Director of the Awareness and Public Relations and Communication Office, in addition to Mr. Abdulrahman Youssef Al-Failakawi, Director of Markets Regulation Department, who participated as a speaker at the event.

At the beginning of his speech, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Failakawi pointed out that transitioning toward a more sustainable economy poses a significant financing challenge, making capital markets a pivotal channel for mobilizing and directing capitals  toward projects and activities capable of achieving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability goals.

Mr. Abdulrahman reviewed the CMA’s role in regulating sustainable finance through the regulatory framework it established. This framework includes requirements for sustainability reporting, enhancing governance and managing risks related to sustainability, and regulating sustainable investment funds, alongside rules governing the issuance of green, social, and sustainable bonds and Sukuk. He also highlighted the Premier Market’s experience with the first mandatory implementation of sustainability reports disclosure in 2026, noting that the CMA is currently reviewing the quality of those reports and the companies' compliance with the Executive Bylaws.

In this context, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Failakawi mentioned that the preliminary observations indicated that the topics and indicators included in the reports of approximately 92% of Premier Market companies align with the indicators of the National Development Plan 'Kuwait 2035', which reflects the role of the listed companies in supporting the state efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. He also pointed out to the CMA’s future direction toward studying the gradual and balanced implementation or adoption of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards, taking into consideration market readiness and investor needs and enhancing the comparability of disclosures both locally and internationally. Furthermore, event participants highlighted an existing gap between the requirements for implementing sustainability systems and the skills required by the personnel involved.

The workshop concluded with recommendations highlighting the urgent need to accelerate the academic and professional qualification of human resources involved in implementing sustainability standards. Additionally, it emphasized the necessity of unifying sustainable disclosure frameworks across GCC financial markets and strengthening public-private partnerships (PPP) in these countries to build a technological infrastructure that supports green economy and sustainable finance.

Ends-
Notes to Editors:
The Capital Markets Authority was established pursuant to Law No. 7/2010, approved by the Kuwaiti Parliament in February 2010. Pursuant to the Law, the CMA shall regulate and supervise the securities activities, achieve transparency and fairness, observe listed companies’ execution of Corporate Governance regulations, and protect investors from unfair practices which violate the CMA's Law.

Furthermore, the Law's provisions stipulate the supervision of mergers, acquisitions, and disclosure operations. The CMA also aims to provide awareness programs related to securities activities.

For further information, please contact:
Awareness, Public Relations and Communication Office
Tel: 1888898
Email: pr-media@cma.gov.kw
 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only, visitors are encouraged to review and understand the information provided in the official scanned document attached in the link above (if available). The CMA endeavors to ensure that the information on this page is complete and accurate, but the CMA does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, or completeness of any content at any time. In the event the information on this page is different from the content in the official scanned document attached in the link (if available), the official scanned document attached shall take precedence.