Emirates Foundation looks at philanthropy for UAE youth in a rapidly changing world

ABU DHABI // Big data and the digital revolution will be centre stage at the fourth annual Emirates Foundation Youth Philanthropy Summit, which begins on Tuesday in the capital.

The two-day conference, titled Philanthropy in Transition: Impact, Data & the Digital Revolution, is held under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chairman of Emirates Foundation.

“It’s always been the directive from our chairman, Sheikh Abdullah, that as much as possible the Emirates Foundation should support the growth of professional philanthropy,” said Emirates Foundation chief executive Clare Woodcraft-Scott.

“We believe this is one way of helping to ensure we all continue to learn and professionalise across the sector.”

Like many other industries, philanthropy is undergoing “a radical change,” fuelled by technology and a digital revolution that has shaken traditional business models, said Mrs Woodcraft-Scott.

“I think there’s a huge opportunity around data,” she said.. “I think that data science can drive innovation. I’m fascinated by things like singularity (technology pushing rapid growth) and artificial intelligence.

“How can we use technology to do things better, to make better decisions, to be more strategic in our thinking, to predict the future more effectively? The whole conversation around data science, artificial intelligence, singularity is one that is still in its infancy and that as venture philanthropists, we need to learn what business is doing and how can we use their lessons to fast-track our own institutional capabilities.”

As part of his address on opening day, Carlos Domingo – chief new business and innovation officer at du – will discuss why philanthropists and business leaders should care about big data.

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Tolerance, will deliver the first keynote speech on Wednesday.

The summit is expected to attract more than 700 philanthropists, businesses and government officials from the Middle East.

“Since its inception in 2013, our annual youth philanthropy summit has managed to bring together regional and global experts in an interactive platform to share lessons, provide peer coaching and create alliances and partnerships to create greater social impact for youth development,” said Maytha Al Habsi, deputy chief executive of Emirates Foundation.

“Youth philanthropy from our perspective is about guiding, inspiring and empowering youth to reach their highest potential and give their time, talents and efforts to shaping the future of the nation.”

The summit will also serve as the launchpad for the Arab Foundations Forum’s youth coalition, which brings together Arab donors and foundations that are focused on youth for a pilot project that will address youth unemployment.

“Emirates Foundation is huge part of this coalition and was one of the main driving forces behind the manifestation of this important initiative,” said Naila Farouky, chief executive of the Arab Foundations Forum.

“The second initiative we are launching is for data. Again, having the Emirates Foundation as a champion for data is of immense value to our sector.”

For more information about the Youth Philanthropy Summit, visit emiratesfoundation.ae.