UAE Hosts World Asian Humanitarian Conference, Leading Global Charitable Efforts

The UAE witnessed the activities of the eleventh session of the World Asian Humanitarian Conference, which was held for the first time in Abu Dhabi, and highlighted the unique ability of the UAE to lead the future of charitable work in the world’s growth markets in Asia and Africa, in the service of its regional communities and the communities of the whole world.

The conference, titled “One Asia, One Future,” attracted investors, philanthropists, institutions, policy makers, researchers, entrepreneurs and influential organizations from around the world. – world with the aim of building broad and effective alliances, in which there will be philanthropists from all people. across Asia coming together to bring about the changes that are needed.

In a panel discussion with Badr Jaafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and Special Ambassador for Business and Philanthropic Affairs, the conversation focused on the important role that philanthropy plays in achieving positive change across global growth markets. , Jaafar said: “With the expected massive generational transfer of wealth worth… $26 trillion in Asia and Africa over the next two decades Big opportunities are coming that will make global growth markets, in Arab world and in other regions, are funding centers, large strategic philanthropy and social. innovation, and the UAE is at the forefront of this unique opportunity.

In the session, Badr Jaafar discussed the details of strategic charity work amidst the intersection of business, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. The debate highlighted the importance of frameworks and networks that support charity work, and the challenges and opportunities associated with efforts to implement the climate change agenda, while ‘ consider the most important trends emerging in the charitable field around the world.

Emphasizing the importance of transparency and sharing insights based on evidence and data, Badr Jaafar said: “Data and research are two key elements that contribute to the results of charity work, and we are obliged to invest heavily to do in raising their level and strengthening them. Their importance is even more evident if we consider the powerful influence of the next generation of donors and funders to transform The philanthropic landscape calls for approaches in which their role is more responsible and the focus on accountability and transparency. “With the growing interest in thoughtful, evidence-based interventions and actions that have become the trend of choice in this area, the demand for better data collection and analysis will increase. “

In addition, the session touched on the ability of charitable work to accelerate efforts to address global climate challenges, and showed that despite the urgent need for large annual investments estimated by the United Nations at $ 4 trillion to achieve climate and natural goals, the percentage. charitable donations do not even exceed 2%.

Badr Jaafar, who was the chair of the first climate forum for business and philanthropy at COP28, said in this regard: “The COP28 presidency led to a significant change in the way of cooperation, work and implementation. was primarily based on inclusion, like the conference. they brought together the highest numbers of representatives from the business sector and society.” Publication, with which was born the beginning of a new era of stronger and more effective efforts in dealing with climate and natural challenges.

The discussion concluded by emphasizing the importance of seeking comprehensive changes rather than sticking to limited temporary solutions, and strategic charity work is the best way to achieve this . With the growing trend towards strategy in philanthropy, we are seeing a growth in collaboration and partnerships in this sector. In this regard, Jaafar said: “The charity work system in the Emirates has a great opportunity to grow by taking advantage of this trend and strengthening relationships between stakeholders in the private sector, charity work, and governments of great values ​​on social and economic levels, and we will be able to strengthen the positive effects of charitable efforts at unprecedented levels to improve the lives of millions of people around the world.”