Boursa Kuwait has released an updated edition of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting Guide, reflecting the latest developments in ESG reporting at both the local and international levels.
The update forms part of the exchange’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and support listed companies in improving the quality of their ESG disclosures in line with international best practices, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Kuwaiti capital market.
According to the statement, the updated guide offers a detailed framework that allows listed companies to disclose their sustainability practices and performance in a clear, structured, and transparent way. This helps companies meet the increasing demands of investors, regulators, and stakeholders for reliable and comparable information on ESG issues.
Additionally, it enhances confidence in Kuwait’s capital market and contributes to the country’s long-term sustainable economic growth.
The 2026 ESG Disclosure Guide has been developed in line with the Executive Bylaws of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), specifically Article (1-17-3) of Book Twelve (Listing Rules). This article requires Boursa Kuwait to develop a comprehensive guide to support listed companies in preparing their sustainability reports.
The guide also reflects the recent CMA requirement for companies listed on the Premier Market to begin disclosing sustainability reports starting in 2026, covering the 2025 financial year.
In addition, the guide reflects the latest updates to the Boursa Kuwait Rulebook related to sustainability requirements and integrates internationally recognized sustainability reporting standards and frameworks, including the disclosure standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) under the IFRS Foundation, particularly IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, which represent the emerging global baseline for sustainability reporting.
The 2026 edition enhances the clarity and structure of the guide while aligning it with global ESG reporting practices, while maintaining its advisory nature for listed companies and encouraging them to adopt the practices outlined in the guide to support their competitiveness and meet the expectations of global investors.
Furthermore, the Boursa Kuwait’s guide also encourages companies to reference internationally recognized sustainability frameworks and standards, clearly define the scope and boundaries of disclosures, and outline the methodologies used, along with the governance structures and oversight mechanisms in place for sustainability-related matters.
