UAE Foundations Assembly and Arab Foundations Forum will focus on promoting collaboration within the philanthropic industry and with the private sector
Dubai – UAE, May 04, 2010: Dubai Cares, the UAE-based philanthropic establishment launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai, to improve children’s access to primary education in developing countries, and Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy will co-host ‘Arab Foundations Week’ to promote increased collaboration between UAE-based philanthropic organizations, and between the private and non-profit sectors.
Following the success of the inaugural edition held last year, the second ‘UAE Foundations Assembly’ will be held on 9th May 2010 at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel in Dubai, as part of the Arab Foundations Week. The event will also include the ninth Arab Foundations Forum (AFF) themed “Corporate Philanthropy: The Role of the Private Sector in Promoting Strategic Philanthropy in the Arab Region” from 10-11 May 2010 at the same venue.
The UAE Foundations Assembly will bring together non-profit organizations from across the UAE to streamline charitable efforts, identify gaps in aid provision and encourage more joint initiatives. It is expected to serve as an invaluable platform for organizations to learn more about the activities of their fellow entities, network and identify common ground, and share their experiences within the philanthropic field.
Emphasizing the need to be committed to promoting greater cooperation within the UAE’s non-profit sector, Tariq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares said, “Cooperation between philanthropic organizations is the key to a streamlined effort.”
“Having the opportunity to be updated on the developments and progress in the field, and share knowledge on more effective techniques and strategies can go a long way in reducing duplication of efforts and encouraging greater cooperation between entities with common goals.”
“When we held the first edition of the Assembly last year we were heartened to see the incredibly positive reaction it received from the UAE’s philanthropic community,” said Peter Cleaves, CEO of the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy.
“Moreover, the assurance we received from all participating foundations to pursue the goal of greater collaboration has borne fruit with the decision to organize the second UAE Foundations Assembly.”
The Arab Foundations Forum (AFF) is a two-day meeting which will bring together organizations from across the Arab world with the aim of supporting strategic philanthropy in the Middle East region, and creating an opportunity to engage the private sector in the AFF’s activities. The theme of this forum was particularly chosen to recognize the leading role the private sector can play in philanthropic efforts, and to create a platform to encourage dialogue between corporations and foundations with the aim of promoting sustainable development in the Arab world.
Dr. Marwan Awartani, Chairman, Arab Foundations Forum commented, “AFF´s vision is to build a quality philanthropy infrastructure of diverse institutions in the Arab region based on transparency, accountability and better governance. This particular event will focus on the importance of collaboration between the private and public sector in the progress and development of the Middle East.”
He added, “Fully aware of the leading role the private sector can play in social transformation and the important contribution of the sector in this regard, AFF selected Corporate Philanthropy as the main theme of this meeting. The purpose of the meeting, which will be attended by a large number of leaders from the corporate and foundation sector, is to create a space for dialogue on various aspects of Corporate Philanthropy in the Arab region, and to explore the challenges and opportunities of building effective multi stakeholder partnerships.”
“Facilitating the channelizing of corporate support towards activities and initiatives of established non-profit entities serves a dual role – companies can choose to help causes and address issues that have particular relevance to the work they do, and the non-profit sector benefits from vital funding,” added Al Gurg.
“It is incredibly encouraging to see such a strong push for increased conversation between the private and non-profit sectors. The AFF will aim to engage the private sector and facilitate collaboration between individual corporations and foundations to support and enhance the sustainable development in the Arab region”, added Cleaves.
More than 70 representatives from various foundations across the UAE and the Arab world are expected to attend the UAE Foundations Assembly and the Arab Foundations Forum respectively.
