Microsoft Gulf engages NGOs in the UAE on the role of IT in social development

Microsoft Gulf partnered with the Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Center (ADSIC) to highlight the role of technology in social development at the Microsoft NGO Connection Day last week. The event was attended by various members of the UAE's NGO community, as Microsoft and ADSIC highlighted how the UAE's NGOs can benefit from technology and Microsoft's Software Donation Program.

Microsoft's Software Donation Program, which is available in 100 countries globally including the UAE, provides non-profit organizations with access to the latest technology, allowing them to reduce costs and boost productivity. In the UAE, Sharjah Humanitarian City is one of the organizations which has utilized the Software Donation program and benefited from the Microsoft software on offer as well as Microsoft's technical experts, whose time was also donated to support the NGO.

"At Microsoft we are firm believers in technology's ability to drive change and support community development, and our Software Donation program is simply another way in which we can make this happen as it ensures that nonprofits have access to the right technology they need to address their communities' most pressing issues," said Azza Al Shinnawy, Citizenship and Education Lead, Microsoft Gulf . "Microsoft is committed to ensuring our Software Donation Program is relevant and accessible, and that it provides non-profit organizations with the software, which ultimately brings the benefits of technology to the local communities we operate within."

The event kicked off with a keynote speech by Microsoft's Regional General Manager, Samer Abu Ltaif covering the role of technology in social development, followed by a speech from Khalifa El Hemeiri, ADSIC Strategy & Planning, on the organization's role in supporting social development in the UAE. Azza El Shinnawy, Microsoft Gulf's Citizenship and Education Lead, also provided an overview of Microsoft's Software Donation Program. The event also engaged with NGOs on how they could more effectively interact with donors, volunteers and clients.

"Partnering with Microsoft on the NGO Connection Day has allowed both our organizations to meet with some of the UAE's most respected NGO's and highlight each of our respective roles in our shared vision for social development in the UAE," commented El Hemeiri. "We've come out of this with clear goals for the future and hope that through our partnership with Microsoft and our ongoing discussions with the NGOs that we will be able to achieve them."

Some of the NGOs present at the event included Emirates Environment Group, UN Office for the coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Al Noor training center for children with special needs, Zayed higher organization for humanitarian care and special needs, Dubai Cares, Emirates Medical Association, Relief Avenue, Royati Family Society, Dubai foundation for women and children and Al Ahli Holding group.

Since 1998, Microsoft has donated over $4.2 billion worth of software to nonprofit organizations globally, as the program now reaches out to more than 40,000 non profits with donations every year, providing them with the necessary technology tools to operate efficiently and support their communities.