Emirates Foundation Philanthropy Summit 2013 kicks off

Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Foundation for Youth Development is organising its first ever Philanthropy Summit 2013, with the aim to connect innovative institutions, global and regional business experts, government representatives and philanthropists to engage in a discussion on Philanthropy in Transition'. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister and Chairman of Emirates Foundation, the summit connects experts from around the world in an in-depth debate on how the impact of philanthropic investment can be maximised to empower youth and further benefit societies in a sustainable way. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of International Cooperation and Development, Emirates Foundation Board Member and a keynote speaker at the summit, said, "This summit aims to discuss philanthropy in transition. It will look at the current structural changes under way in the sector. There is growing recognition that philanthropic capital can play a critical role in driving socio-economic development." She added, "Under the leadership of its Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Emirates Foundation has developed into a platform to encourage the culture of giving. We wish to create an impact on the lives of a large number of people. We want to deliver real sustainable results in relation to the problems that we seek to tackle." Clare Woodcraft, CEO of Emirates Foundation, said, "Emirates Foundation is delighted to welcome corporate and government dignitaries, innovative philanthropists and business experts from the region and around the world to engage in enlightening discussions and panels on how the socio-economic impact of venture philanthropy can be maximised." During the summit, Emirates Foundation created an interactive platform where the best minds in the field shared the lessons they've learned, provided peer coaching and created strategic alliances and partnerships to help create greater social impact. The foundation ran four parallel work streams, where each included "Challenge Sessions" facilitated by various experts in each respective field. Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Programs Officer, Emirates Foundation for Youth Development said, "This summit is discussing four parallel work streams, which came in line with the Foundation's core business areas. The work streams are forming a good opportunity to introduce the Foundation's various programmes; Takatof , Sanid, Think Science, Kayani, Think Science, and Kafa'at, and engaging with experts and sharing knowledge about the best practices in the field of "giving and philanthropy." Attending the summit is a delegation of Kuwaiti youth who have been invited to tour significant landmarks in the UAE, along with 25 Emirati youth, to share their experiences and insights. – Emirates News Agency, WAM