Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), a leading institution of higher education located in Kuwait, recognizes the urgency and responsibility to address the environmental and social challenges of the 21st century. In a world marked by growing concerns over climate change and sustainability, GUST takes pride in establishing its Sustainability Investment Policy as a significant step towards contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future.
At the heart of the Gulf region, where the impacts of climate change are increasingly felt, GUST is committed to leading the way towards a more sustainable and responsible future. As awareness about sustainability grows, policies and regulations have been implemented worldwide to mitigate negative environmental and social impacts. Kuwait and the countries in the region have acknowledged the importance of addressing these challenges through sustainability and climate change initiatives, and GUST is determined to be an active part of this transformation.
GUST's Sustainability Investment Policy lays a solid foundation to guide our investment decisions and reflect our commitment to sustainability in all its dimensions. We recognize that sustainable investment not only involves seeking attractive financial returns but also generating a positive impact on the environment, society, and governance. Our vision encompasses a holistic approach that considers the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as international and national commitments related to combating climate change and promoting human and environmental well-being.
As a university, we believe that education and research play a fundamental role in advancing sustainability and creating a better future for future generations. Our students and scholars are change agents and strive to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for current and future challenges. By incorporating sustainability into our investment decisions, we seek to reinforce the message we convey through education and research, providing coherence and alignment between our mission and our actions.
Scope
This policy applies to all financial investments and sustainability projects made by GUST, whether directly or indirectly, covering both short-term and long-term investments.
Sustainability Framework
At GUST, we are committed to considering sustainability principles and criteria in all investment decisions. We aim to invest in companies and projects that demonstrate strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and contribute to addressing global challenges.
Responsibilities and Roles
GUST's investment committee will be responsible for implementing and overseeing this policy. The top management will provide the necessary leadership to ensure effective integration of sustainable investment in our financial strategies.
Investment Evaluation Criteria
GUST will assess potential investments using specific sustainability criteria, such as energy efficiency, gender equality, respect for human rights, and commitment to carbon emissions reduction, among others.
Measurement and Performance Monitoring
We will establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of our sustainable investments and monitor their performance over time. This information will be essential for assessing progress toward our responsible investment objectives.
Diversification and Risk
We recognize the importance of diversification in our sustainable investments to mitigate financial risks and improve the resilience of our investment portfolio.
Impact Investment and Stakeholder Engagement
We will consider the possibility of investing in projects with a positive impact that generate social and environmental benefits, aligned with our institutional vision and mission. We will also promote dialogue and collaboration with our stakeholders to drive sustainable practices in the companies we invest in.
Reporting and Communication
We are committed to transparently communicate our Sustainability Investment Policy to our investors, collaborators, and other relevant stakeholders. We will publish regular reports on the performance and results of our sustainable investments.
Continuous Improvement
At GUST, we strive for continuous improvement of our Sustainability Investment Policy through constant review and adaptation to changes in best practices and sustainability standards.
