Sarah Al-Qabandi speaks at the charter.

KUWAIT: Ooredoo, Kuwait's fastest network for 2016, participated in the Humanity Connectivity Charter organized by the GSMA in Amman, Jordan last week. The industry-wide initiative is geared at demonstrating the commitment of the mobile industry to supporting customers and responders before and during humanitarian emergencies. Through the Charter, mobile network operators (MNOs) will commit to a common set of principles and work towards the adoption of initiatives focused on humanitarian connectivity. The aim of this initiative is to create a more coordinated and predictable response to disasters.

Ooredoo Kuwait has won nationwide recognition in recent years for adopting a policy that reflects the Ooredoo Group values of caring, connecting and challenging, where it won an award in 2015 by the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs for being the only private sector company supporting volunteerism in Kuwait.

Ooredoo Kuwait was represented by the CSR and Sponsorship manager Sarah Al-Qabandi, who discussed the achievements of Ooredoo Kuwait and its experience in working with non-profit private and government entities. Al-Qabandi showcased the different projects Ooredoo committed itself to, in terms of empowering women, youth and entrepreneurs.

Ooredoo launched its volunteer program in 2015, giving volunteers the opportunity to receive extensive training in all fields related to volunteer work, in association with Spread the Passion non-government organization. Earlier this year, Ooredoo distributed more than 17,000 iftar meals during the Holy Month of Ramadan through a distribution center outside its head office and in its iftar tent. The tent was fully operated by the volunteers. In addition to the Iftar distribution drive, Ooredoo is conducting several charitable events, such as visits to nursing homes, orphanages and patients at different hospitals across Kuwait.

Ooredoo's operations in Kuwait date back to December 1999 when it launched wireless services as the second operator. The company today provides mobile, broadband internet and corporate managed services tailored to the needs of customers and businesses. Ooredoo is guided by its vision of enriching people's lives and its belief that it can stimulate human growth by leveraging communications to help people achieve their full potential.