At stc, sustainability is a cornerstone of our purpose and strategy, guiding how we operate and innovate. Building on the momentum of last year’s landmark achievement—the launch of our inaugural sustainability report—we are now focused on deepening our commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities in meaningful ways. This year represents an opportunity to evolve our initiatives further, from reducing our environmental impact to enhancing employee well-being and contributing to the communities we serve. By maintaining transparency and accountability, we aim to ensure that our sustainability practices align with global standards while addressing the unique needs of our stakeholders. With each step, we reaffirm our dedication to creating shared value and driving sustainable growth across every level of our organization.
At stc, we understand that environmental stewardship is essential for a sustainable future. We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact by adopting eco-friendly technologies, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing resource efficiency. This includes efforts such as energy conservation in our operations, reducing waste through recycling programs, and actively seeking sustainable solutions across our products and services. By focusing on environmental sustainability, we not only aim to protect the planet but also contribute to global efforts in combating climate change and promoting responsible consumption.
The social pillar focuses on the well-being and empowerment of our people, customers, and the communities we serve. At stc, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive work environment for our employees. Through initiatives like career development programs, mental health support, and flexible working arrangements, we strive to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity. Beyond the workplace, we are deeply committed to creating positive social impact by engaging in community-building projects, promoting digital literacy, and supporting local social initiatives. We recognize that by empowering people, we can contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society.
Good governance is the foundation for sustainable business practices. At stc, we prioritize transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making across all levels of the organization. We uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, ensuring that our operations are conducted with integrity and fairness. Our governance practices are designed to build trust Annual Report 2024 73 with stakeholders, foster long-term relationships, and mitigate risks. We continuously refine our governance practices through annual assessments, measuring our performance against industry best practices and leading local companies. By setting well-defined policies, adhering to regulations, and integrating sustainability into our strategic framework, we establish both shortterm and long-term objectives to drive accountability, transparency, and sustainable growth. This strong governance framework ensures that we remain accountable to our stakeholders and are able to effectively drive our sustainability agenda.
Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a necessity for ensuring the well-being of future generations. As the world faces growing environmental and social challenges, we must recognize that continuing down the path of unsustainable practices threatens the delicate balance of our ecosystems and societies.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were established by the United Nations in 2015 as a call to action to eliminate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030, all people live in peace and prosperity. The 17 SDGs recognize that progress in one area impacts others and that development must balance social, environmental, and governance sustainability. Countries have committed to focusing on the needs of those who are most marginalized. The SDGs aim to be embraced by all industries and sectors to address issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, while promoting health, justice, and prosperity for everyone. Many organizations set their own sustainability objectives, either aligned with the SDGs or tailored to their industry or operations. As a telecom company, we are committed to connecting people and driving a sustainable future. We believe technology holds the key to creating positive change, and we are applying our expertise to shape a more sustainable world for all.
We have aligned our strategic programs with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), setting ambitious sustainability objectives supported by a long-term plan for achievement. Our key objectives include reducing our environmental impact, investing in our workforce, supporting communities, and enhancing our infrastructure and programs. While stc has made significant progress toward these goals, we recognize there is still more work to be done in the years ahead. We remain confident that even small actions can lead to a big impact, and we are dedicated to driving lasting, meaningful change.
At stc, we are committed to aligning our sustainability strategy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrating them into our business operations and longterm objectives. Our sustainability programs - Caring for the Environment, Empowering People, Promoting Digital Innovation & Technologies, Improving Standards of Living, and Operating with Integrity - serve as a foundation for achieving meaningful progress in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas.
While we have made significant progress in these areas, we continue to drive forward with innovative initiatives, strategic investments, and collaborative partnerships. Below are key highlights of how our efforts contribute to specific SDGs:
1. Caring for the Environment (Aligned with SDGs: 6, 7, 13, 14, and 15) Water & Energy Efficiency (SDG 6 & 7): Implemented energy-saving initiatives across operations, reducing water and electricity consumption. Climate Action (SDG 13): Reduced carbon footprint through digital transformation and operational efficiencies. Marine & Land Conservation (SDG 14 & 15): Conducted beach and desert cleanup campaigns in collaboration with the Kuwait Municipality.
2. Empowering People (Aligned with SDGs: 3, 4, 5, and 10) Health & Well-being (SDG 3): Launched employee wellness programs and provided mental health support initiatives. Education & Training (SDG 4): Youth Development Program (YDP) and continuous learning initiatives for employees. Diversity & Inclusion (SDG 5 & 10): Focusing our efforts to increase gender diversity and inclusion efforts to ensure equal opportunities.
3. Promoting Digital Innovation & Technologies (Aligned with SDGs: 9, 12) Technological Advancements (SDG 9): Invested in cutting-edge telecommunications infrastructure and smart solutions. Sustainable Production & Consumption (SDG 12): Signed a partnership with Tadwire to recycle e-waste as well as other waste generated from our operations in efforts to minimize our waste impact.
4. Improving Standards of Living (Aligned with SDGs: 8, 11, 12, and 10) Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8): Recognized as the #1 Ideal Employer of Choice in IT & Engineering fields. Workplace Flexibility (SDG 10 & 12): Introduced 10 annual remote working days for employees, improving work-life balance.
5. Operating with Integrity (Aligned with SDGs: 10, 12, and 17) Ethical Governance (SDG 10 & 12): Established transparent policies for responsible business conduct. Strategic Partnerships (SDG 17): Engaged with government entities, suppliers, and industry leaders to enhance sustainability impact.
We recognize that sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we remain committed to further advancing our ESG agenda. With a focus on measurable impact, we will continue to refine our programs, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive digital transformation that fosters long-term sustainability.
