In partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Network of Foundations Working for Development (netFWD) and the Pearl Initiative,the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation has announced that it will host the first regional event post COVID focused on bolstering collaboration, increasing transparency, leveraging innovation, and boosting impact within the private philanthropic community.

Geared towards fostering greater understanding and co-operation between humanitarian institutions, regional policymakers, business and individual donors and the development community, the two day invitation-only event entitled ‘Private Philanthropy for Development Communities in the Middle East and North Africa’, will take place on 6 and 7 October 2022at the Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah.

Beginning with cutting-edge keynote address on how Artificial Intelligence and Philanthropy can amplify impact by Dr. Giuseppe Ugazio, the Rothchild Assistant Professor in Behavioural Philanthropy at the University of Geneva Finance Research Institute, the conference seeks to bring together invited foundations and sector leaders to discuss opportunities to build upon existing partnerships and form new collaborations to boost effectiveness and efficiency.

In addition, compelling research from the ‘Private Philanthropy for Development’ report from OECD showcasing the power of philanthropy within the MENA region will be unveiled, alongside data demonstrating the role organisations and policymakers need to play to accelerate humanitarian outcomes within the MENA region and ensure regional development goals are achieved.

Dr. Natasha Ridge, Executive Director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Foundation, commented: “Ras Al Khaimah has a deep history of philanthropic work that stems from the caring and considerate nature of our people and our collective desire to improve the lives of others. That is why we are pleased to bring together the foremost academics and thought leaders within the philanthropic sector and key foundations and private businesses across the region to discuss and reimagine ways of working that will transform humanitarian endeavours, improve their collective impact and help support development goals.

Dr. Ridge continued: “We are committed to ensuring that foundations, organisations, partners and leaders across the region benefit from the knowledge gained during the forum through access to the resources needed to help achieve tangible progress and equitable prosperity for all. This event builds upon collective efforts within the regional philanthropic sector and supports the Foundation’s dedication to playing an active role in enhancing Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a home for innovation and excellence, and in establishing its presence as a centre for stimulating conversations about philanthropic and humanitarian practices”.

Making the first major gathering of regional donors to place in the region to explore collaboration, transparency, and the overall contribution of strategic gifting to overall development objectives, the event will raise the profile of private philanthropy, place a spotlight on the role businesses have to play, and showcase best practice in humanitarian endeavours, whilst inspiring a new generation of philanthropic leaders.

Ms. BathylleMissika, Head – Networks, Partnerships and Gender Division, OECD Development Centre, commented: “The inaugural event ‘Private Philanthropy for Development Communities in the Middle East and North Africa’ is focused on providing foundations, private businesses and donors a space to share lessons on how to sustain impact at scale and help achieve development objectives.  We hope that the conference marks a turning point for foundations to collaborate more closely and embrace new ways of working which will contribute to delivering collective impact”.