In a sign of the financial sector’s expanding role in development, Suez Canal Bank and Housing and Development Bank have been recognized at the third edition (2025/2026) of the “Wissam Al Khair for Initiatives,” a regional platform highlighting impactful community programs across the Arab world.
The awards were presented during a high-level ceremony organized by the Arab Council for Social Responsibility in partnership with Misr El Kheir Foundation, drawing a prominent audience of policymakers, development experts and civil society leaders.
Suez Canal Bank was honored in recognition of its sustained contributions to community development, particularly its efforts to expand access to sustainable education for underserved populations. The award was received on behalf of the bank by Nour Elzeiny, reflecting the institution’s collective commitment to advancing social impact initiatives. The bank’s programs focus on widening educational opportunities and investing in human capital as a foundation for long-term growth.
Housing and Development Bank also received recognition for its role in advancing education-focused initiatives and embedding sustainability within its institutional strategy. During the ceremony, the bank was awarded the title of “Ambassador of Charitable Endowment for Sustainable Education,” with the honor presented to Jihan El Goly, head of corporate communications and sustainable development, in acknowledgment of her leadership in expanding access to education and promoting endowment-based development models.
The award was presented by Ali Gomaa, chairman of the board of trustees of Misr El Kheir Foundation, in the presence of senior public figures including Ghada Tawfik of the Central Bank of Egypt, former Prime Minister Essam Sharaf, Nawal Barada of the League of Arab States, Mohamed Refaat, and Randa Rizk, chair of the Arab Council for Social Responsibility.
Organizers said the recognition reflects a series of achievements by both institutions in corporate social responsibility, aligned with national priorities set by the Central Bank of Egypt, as well as broader frameworks such as Egypt Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Both banks have placed education at the center of their development strategies, supporting programs that provide learning and training opportunities for underserved groups. Their initiatives include youth-focused workshops, skills development programs and partnerships aimed at improving employability and expanding access to quality education.
In remarks during the ceremony, Rizk described the Wissam Al Khair competition as a leading Arab platform for identifying and supporting scalable development initiatives with measurable impact, noting that the recognition of both banks reflects their “effective and tangible role” in advancing community-driven programs.
Representatives from the banks expressed pride in the recognition, describing it as a culmination of sustained efforts to translate social responsibility into measurable outcomes, supported by institutional leadership committed to long-term community impact.
The Wissam Al Khair initiative spans multiple sectors, including volunteer work, scientific and technological innovation, cultural and artistic initiatives, support for people with disabilities, and environmental sustainability. Projects are evaluated through a structured process led by expert panels, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to development across the region.
