Press Releases

The Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Banking Studies (IBS), Basel A. Al-Haroon, announced that IBS shall organize the 14th session of Harvard Business School Program. The program is specifically designed to develop executives in GCC banks and financial institutions, in light of the changes in the business world, and the needs of the banking and financial sectors.

Al-Haroon pointed out that the program, held under the title “Strategic Leadership in a Changing World", will be held in Kuwait and covers two correlated themes: “Financial Markets Strategy” and “Leadership.” The program will focus on the crucial role of leadership and management in setting and implementing financial, technical and leadership strategies that address the emerging challenges, and help keep pace with the accelerated advancements of digital transformation in the financial sector. Relevant case studies related to the financial and banking sectors in addition to other sectors will be provided to enhance analytical skills of the executives and provide them with the tools, techniques and methodologies that boost performance, innovation and organizational culture.

Al-Haroon added that the program targets manager level executives or the equivalent, and will run over 6 days from 11 to 16 March 2023. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of attendance from Harvard Business School.

The Governor explained that this program is one of the programs under "Kafa'a" initiative launched by CBK in September 2019 in collaboration with the local Kuwaiti banks, and organized and managed by IBS, to develop cadres and executives in different sectors in general and in the financial and banking sector in particular. The Governor also indicated that cooperation with Harvard Business School began in 2009 to offer the first custom designed program offered by Harvard Business School in GCC countries.

The Governor added this program is held in GCC countries alternately though the 13th session was virtual training. However, this year, the program will be held in person in Kuwait as CBK and Kuwaiti banks are keen to continue providing this program given the rapidly changing business environment.

In conclusion, Al-Haroon stressed that strengthening the performance of the national workforce will remain a top strategic priority of CBK, given their crucial role in achieving sustainable growth of the banking and financial sector. He also reiterated his keenness to continue this cooperation between Kuwaiti and GCC banks and financial institutions in areas of shared interest such as creating new initiatives to maximize the benefits of training and knowledge exchange. He expressed his gratitude to the Kuwaiti and GCC banks and financial institutions for their participation.