Emirates Foundation and ADFD sign partnership for empowering Emirati youth

Abu Dhabi (WAM): The Emirates Foundation for Youth Development has signed a partnership agreement with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) to strengthen initiatives aimed at empowering, guiding and inspiring Emirati youth to build a better future for their homeland. The agreement will see ADFD provide financial and strategic support for Emirates Foundation programs and open the way for the two organisations to share knowledge and experience to promote and progress youth development across the U.A.E. Both organisations are government entities focused on becoming models for development assistance through the forging of public and private sector partnerships and working under international best practices to provide successful and financially efficient initiatives that impact positively and permanently on society. The Emirates Foundation is active in its work identifying and highlighting the challenges facing young Emirati; developing sustainable projects to help resolve social issues; and motivating youth to engage in volunteer opportunities and give back to the community. The ADFD administers grants and provides concessionary loans on behalf of the U.A.E. government to help finance projects in economic and social development. ADFD’s strategic approach to serving the needs of local community is based on supporting the development of sectors that contribute to overall national development at all levels and lead to a better nation and a better life for citizens. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, ADFD’s Director General, said that "although the Fund’s primary objective remains to provide development loans and manage the grants offered by the government for developing countries. However, it has been keen to adopt a CSR model that demonstrates its commitment to the U.A.E., by choosing issues concern to the U.A.E. society." The Partnerships, he added will enhance joint cooperation through exchange of information, knowledge and expertise and will also strengthen the effectiveness of the efforts made by Emirates Foundation to achieve its developmental goals in supporting young Emirati and enable them to play a vital role in promoting the development in the U.A.E. Clare Woodcraft, Emirates Foundation CEO, said the ADFD partnership was consistent with the Foundation's efforts to develop mechanisms of joint cooperation between the public and private sectors that aim to deliver sustainable and positive impact on the lives of the Emirati youth. "The Foundation's new business model is about taking a 'business-based' approach to delivering social value so it's great to see how this has resonated with our partners," she noted. . – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395270809669.html