Why not start a philanthropic organisation that creates a platform for the creation of a new range of social, educational and community opportunities for the people of the UAE?
This is exactly what HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, did when he created the Emirates Foundation in 2005. The Foundation is a development of the philanthropic legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who, over his 20 years as President of the UAE, had elevated the concept of community benefit to an advanced level.
The Foundation's Chairman is HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Presidential Affairs. He has said: "Our country is reaching new heights of prosperity; innovative economic and social policies have resulted in unprecedented growth and development.
"This prosperity presents a great opportunity to pool the resources of the public and private sectors to improve the quality of life for the people of the UAE. We are proud of our nation's success and we are committed to a brighter future".
Clearly, the Foundation can make a direct contribution to this 'brighter future' as the gradual inflow of funds ensures effective development and implementation of its plans -- engaging individuals and groups throughout the UAE to usher in a new era of joint achievement.
The Emirates Foundation extends financial and technical support in five areas - Education, Science & Technology, Arts & Culture Social Development as well as Environmental Development - and represents the culmination of a multi-sector effort to address some of the important social needs of, and articulate community goals for, our 2.4 million-strong population.
With rapid demographic growth and socio-economic diversification spurred on by oilrelated wealth, the traditional culture of the region -- evolved gently over centuries -- has been propelled into fast forward mode. Despite the consequent opportunities and newfound prosperity for many, the price paid by the people, the environment and the nation as a whole, has been higher than expected.
An effort is now under way to redress imbalances caused by this fast pace of development, while preserving the roots of Emirati social culture and its delicate environment. At the same time, the government wants to supply the necessary tools to foster innovation, research and ever-increasing learning opportunities: the hallmarks of a developing nation that has entered maturity.
Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Managing Director of the Emirates Foundation, summarises the Foundation's role. "We develop national initiatives to help implement a wide range of social, educational and motivational activities for the benefit of the community. The Foundation executes this strategy, which is derived from the wise leadership of the country for the welfare of its citizens."
As a not-for-profit organisation, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Foundation acts as the governing body for an endowment fund capitalized by both the public and private sectors.
The Foundation's programmes range from support for autistic children in Ras Al Khaimah and funding for a drug rehabilitation 'halfway house' - to the strategic 'Tawteen' Initiative (to provide UAE nationals with the right skills, motivation and career opportunities) and the equally strategic 'Takatof' volunteer programme, designed to encourage and channel the spirit of doing good for others among young Emiratis.
Omar Saif Ghobash, Deputy CEO, explained the Foundation's mission, which is to "encourage and stimulate increased social consciousness, acting as a forum for active participation between the private and public sectors for the benefit of the community." It particularly aims to increase access to cultural, educational and technological resources, and to foster increased participation in civic life, he added.
The Emirates Foundation is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, which maintains broad authority over its operations. The distinguished Board of Trustees serves in an advisory capacity, providing specialised counsel to the Directors on programme objectives and general policy. The Trustees are internationally renowned experts in philanthropy and all areas of interest for the Foundation.
The funds raised to date are being used to develop, enhance and maintain a diverse range of innovative communitybased initiatives in the areas of Education, Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, Social Development and Environmental Development.
Examples of the Foundation's projects, such as both Tawteen and Takatof, involve large-scale public participation, where citizens participate in considerable numbers. All its activities are designed to benefit the broader public both directly and indirectly.
Active contributors of funds to the Foundation include many of the leading public and private organisations in the UAE, as well as a number of multi-nationals which have long relationships with both government and people. At the heart of the Emirates Foundation is the well-being of every citizen.
This 'philanthropic organisation with a difference' seeks to enable them to develop potential and activate useful roles within the community - especially the young. By offering citizens increased participation in the community, the Foundation engenders change through thoughtful, focused practical measures.
The UAE has always thrived on partnership and collaboration. The ambition of the Emirates Foundation is to grow its partnership with both UAE public and private sectors - and replicate this national success story across the entire philanthropic spectrum.