The Strategic Philanthropy Initiative at New York University Abu Dhabi held a symposium yesterday on the evolution of strategic giving in the Middle East and North Africa at the university campus. The event gathered leading figures from philanthropy, academia, and business sectors to explore the future of strategic philanthropy.

The symposium highlighted the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history, valued at $68 trillion over the next decade. It is expected that philanthropy will become a major funder for public and private sector efforts to address global challenges. The event discussed how the UAE can strengthen its position as a hub for strategic philanthropy and how the broader Middle East can develop giving based on evidence and data to achieve sustainable outcomes.

The panel included Princess Lamia bint Majid Al Saud, Secretary General of the Alwaleed Philanthropies; Badr Jafar, UAE Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy and founding patron of the Strategic Philanthropy Initiative; Mona Al Qirak, Vice Chairperson of Issa Saleh Al Qirak Group, founder of Meem Foundation and member of the Giving Pledge board; Fadi Ghandour, founder and CEO of Lumada Capital; and Fabio Piano, interim Vice President of NYU Abu Dhabi.

Deep-Rooted Belief

Badr Jafar opened the symposium saying: “Giving in the UAE is an authentic culture and a deeply rooted belief in the fabric of our values, and a strategic pillar for national progress. The UAE has become a global hub for giving, connecting government aspirations, private capital, and community visions and innovations. Here in the UAE, we lead this approach on strong foundations of studied data, robust governance, and close partnerships that translate generosity into effective initiatives and tangible results benefiting people worldwide.”

Spirit of Giving

Fabio Piano, interim Vice President of NYU Abu Dhabi, added: “The university, through the Strategic Philanthropy Initiative, contributes to clarifying how the spirit of giving and generosity can be harnessed to address the world’s most urgent challenges. This forum reflects our commitment to hosting diverse perspectives, supporting high-level research, and gathering information to maximize societal benefit. The university is proud to be a hub that brings together ideas, evidence, and action to shape the future of philanthropy within the region and beyond.”

The symposium also saw the release of the Strategic Philanthropy Initiative’s report, “Comparing Strategic Giving Between MENA and Other Regions,” an analytical study of twelve trends shaping radical shifts in the philanthropic sector, including funder partnerships, philanthropic awards, high-risk but promising projects, and integrating CSR projects with environmental, social, and governance standards.

The study shows that 89% of experts expect Africa and Asia (including the Middle East) to be the largest sources of growth in philanthropic initiatives over the next quarter century, especially with an expected wealth transfer exceeding one trillion dollars in these markets within ten years. The study concludes with a call to facilitate regulations, provide supportive policies, and enhance reliable data and media to ensure tangible outcomes from philanthropic efforts and initiatives.