NYUAD initiative to boost 'impactful philanthropy' across Middle East

Partnership with Emirati entrepreneur Badr Jafar could create “golden age” of giving

Badr Jafar, an Emirati businessman and social entrepreneur, says the initiative has the potential to create a 'golden age of philanthropy' in the region. The National

A programme to study and promote philanthropy in the UAE and the region has been started in Abu Dhabi.

The Strategic Philanthropy Initiative is being run by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) in partnership with Emirati businessman and social entrepreneur Badr Jafar.

Mr Jafar said the initiative had the potential to create a “golden age of philanthropy” in the region.

In strategic philanthropy, instead of seeing the outcome as quantum of money, you see the outcome as impact generated

Badr Jafar,
an Emirati businessman and social entrepreneur

“This is particularly true in the Mena region, where 60 per cent of the population is under the age of 25,” he said.

“Equipping our youth with the tools, resources, and infrastructure needed to boost impact using their time, talent and treasure is a massive and timely opportunity, and this collaboration with NYUAD is well-positioned to champion this cause and make a real difference.”

A 2016 Wealth-X and Arton Capital report gives insights on the philanthropic trends of ultra high-net-worth people and it shows that they will pass on $3.9 trillion to the next generation over the next decade.

Mr Jafar said strategic philanthropy describes any form of “impact-driven giving” that is evidence based, planned and followed through to achieve the intended result.

“Rather than seeing the outcome as quantum of money, you see the outcome as impact generated. That’s a fundamental shift in thinking,” Mr Jafar said.

The initiative will focus on three areas: research to understand the past, present and possible future of philanthropy in the UAE and region; education for existing and aspiring philanthropists; and bringing people together to share ideas about the practice.

It will also run a student competition, as well as a prize in philanthropy to reward and inspire others to make donations that have an impact.

Somewhere between $400bn to $1tn is distributed throughout the Muslim world each year as a result of zakat and sadaqah donations, Mr Jafar said.

“That’s one figure, but another more depressing figure, on the other hand, is the fact that one in four Muslims lives below the poverty line,” he said.

“So one can’t help feel there is perhaps a better way to ensure this huge amount of philanthropic capital really meets the objectives that it is intended for, and maximise its impact.”

NYUAD Vice Chancellor Mariet Westermann said it was exciting to see economists and political scientists, social thinkers, next generational philanthropists, policymakers and NYUAD students join forces to make their communities better through strategic philanthropy.

“This partnership will advance the study, reach, and effectiveness of strategic philanthropy in the UAE, the wider region and the world, and drive collective action for change on the most pressing social and environmental issues,” she said.

NYUAD through the years - in pictures

The New York University Abu Dhabi campus during construction on Saadiyat Island. The university is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Silvia Razgova / The National

Students attend NYU Abu Dhabi's summer academy in July, 2011. Andrew Henderson / The National

The NYU Abu Dhabi campus under construction in July, 2009. Sammy Dallal / The National

Work continues on the campus in September, 2009. Andrew Henderson / The National

Accessories and apparel during NYU Abu Dhabi's opening week in September, 2010. Lee Hoagland/ The National

An abstract map of Abu Dhabi and New York on a wall at the campus. Lee Hoagland / The National

New York University Abu Dhabi's campus on Saadiyat Island. Photo: NYUAD

The university used temporary premises, next to the Abu Dhabi Heritage foundation, until the campus on Saadiyat island was completed. Lee Hoagland / The National

The first day of classes at the new campus on Saadiyat Island, in September 2014. Lee Hoagland/The National

NYU Abu Dhabi is a collaboration between New York University and the Abu Dhabi government. Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi

The Saadiyat Island campus in October 2014. Photo: Tamkeen

Yumi Gambrill in a laboratory at the university. She discovered that a UAE plant, Cleome rupicola, contains a substance that can be used against cataracts. Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi

Dr Ali Trabolsi, an associate professor of chemistry at NYU Abu Dhabi, led research that could help to improve cancer treatments. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The High Line at the campus, named after a park in New York City. Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, during a visit to the university. Hamad Al Kaabi / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

Graduands receive their degree certificates during the university's ceremony in 2016. Christopher Pike / The National

Award-winning Ali Al Mansoori, 16, will develop her research methods under the eye of NYU Abu Dhabi scientist, Mohamed Al Sayegh. NYU Abu Dhabi

Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth, and Vice Chancellor Alfred Bloom announce the distinguished alumni award winner during a graduation ceremony. Christopher Pike / The National

From left: Mohammad Mirza, Sangeetha Mahadevan, Hayat Hassan and Rodger Iradukunda in the university’s library on the first day of term. Lee Hoagland / The National

The main library is designed with three oculi, which seep natural light throughout the premises and down through an elevated glass platform to the swimming pool and gym below. Lee Hoagland / The National

Graduands at the university's graduation ceremony in 2019. Leslie Pableo for The National

A graduation ceremony at NYUAD. Leslie Pableo for The National

Dr Wael Rabeh, an associate professor of chemistry at the university. Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi

Mohammad Qasaimeh, assistant professor of mechanical and biomedical engineering at NYUAD, demonstrates how the 3D-printed mechanical door opening mechanism works. Photo: Deepthi Unnikrishnan

Social distancing signs on campus as part of Covid-19 safety measures. Courtesy: NYU Abu Dhabi