KCCI, ILO launch report on private sector’s path to low-carbon economy

The Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO), hosted a workshop yesterday to launch a joint report titled “Kuwait’s Private Sector Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy.” The event brought together representatives from the ILO, various Kuwaiti companies, and several sectoral unions.

In its opening remarks, the Chamber highlighted that the report reflects the results of a productive partnership with the ILO aimed at assessing the private sector’s readiness to adopt low-carbon practices. It emphasized that this transition must be rooted in principles of justice and inclusivity, with a shared vision for a future that is both sustainable and equitable, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Mette Grøngård Lund, Just Transition Specialist at the ILO’s Regional Office for Arab States, presented the key findings of the report. She outlined strategies to minimize climate-related losses, safeguard jobs through skills development and reskilling, leverage the socio-economic benefits of climate policies, and foster social dialogue to ensure a fair and sustainable transition.

Participants reviewed challenges cited in the report, including unclear regulations, the absence of a national emissions reduction strategy, limited renewable energy infrastructure, high implementation costs, and low consumer willingness to pay more for green products.

The workshop also addressed the report’s recommendations, which stress the need for a stronger role for the private sector in Kuwait’s climate commitments, aligned with the Paris Agreement.

The following are the recommendations:

• Enhancing integration of the private sector in climate policymaking
• Raising awareness of the risks and opportunities in transitioning to a sustainable economy
• Phasing out energy subsidies alongside incentives for businesses
• Expanding access to green financing
• Creating platforms for ongoing dialogue and policy participation

  The report’s development began in October 2024, based on a survey conducted by the ILO and distributed by the Chamber to its members. The survey evaluated the impact of national carbon reduction commitments on the private sector and their efforts toward sustainable business practices. A follow-up workshop in November 2024 gathered further input from local companies and ILO experts.