LocationsAbdulla Al Ghurair Foundation and UNDP Deepen Regional Dialogue on Philanthropy and Resilience in the Arab Region
AGF–UNDP Thought Leadership Series – Event #2 Philanthropy in Action: Catalyzing Resilience and Sustainable Impact in the Arab States Region
September 15, 2025
Amman – Against a backdrop of ongoing and overlapping crises, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today hosted the second edition of the AGF-UNDP Thought Leadership Series, highlighting the role of Arab philanthropy in fostering resilience, inclusive financing and development, and systemic change across the region.
Building on the inaugural event held in Amman in December 2024, the dialogue titled “Philanthropy in Action: Catalyzing Resilience and Sustainable Impact in the Arab Region,” brought together leaders from philanthropic institutions, development agencies, youth- and women-led initiatives, social enterprises, and the private sector to share insights and chart new pathways for impact.
As the Arab States region grapples with conflict, climate vulnerability, economic uncertainty, and social fragmentation, philanthropy has a unique role to play in advancing resilience. By complementing public investments and multilateral support with community-driven solutions and catalytic capital, philanthropy can help unlock systemic, long-term change.
“Philanthropy must move beyond fragmented giving to embrace a systems approach that invests in dignity, resilience, and opportunity,” said Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer at the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation. “By placing women and youth at the center, and by leveraging knowledge, networks, and inclusive financing, we can move from short-term relief to lasting resilience. This is how Arab philanthropy can become a true driver of long-term, sustainable development.”
“This partnership is about unlocking the full potential of Arab philanthropy as a driver of innovation and systems change,” said Mary Kawar, Regional Hub Director, UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS). “By connecting philanthropies with governments, communities, and development partners, we can move beyond fragmented efforts and build a shared ecosystem that delivers resilience and opportunity at scale.”
The agenda featured three sessions focusing on lessons from Arab philanthropic initiatives, approaches to accountability and scaling community-level solutions, and exploring financing tools and partnerships to accelerate systemic change. The dialogue also amplified grassroots and youth voices, underscoring their leadership in designing and delivering solutions that respond to local needs.
The AGF–UNDP Thought Leadership Series seeks to move from dialogue to action with the aim of more systematically embedding philanthropy in crisis response and recovery while building ecosystems for longer-term development. This dialogue also previewed upcoming joint initiatives designed to deepen regional collaboration and scale community-led impact. As institutions navigate shifting realities, the partnership is shaping a new approach to giving, one that is strategic, data-informed, and focused on maximizing impact through collaboration within the wider financing ecosystem.
About the AGF–UNDP Thought Leadership Series Launched in 2024, the regional AGF–UNDP Thought Leadership Series creates a space for multi-stakeholder dialogue, idea exchange, and collaborative agenda-setting, grounded in regional realities and aimed at long-term impact.
To explore more:
Visit UNDP and AGF digital platforms/Follow UNDP and AGF on social media for the event recap video, speaker insights, post-event editorial, and the full outcome report. Handles can be found at
UNDP Arab States website: https://www.undp.org/arab-states
About the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF):
The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF), established in 2015, is the largest privately funded philanthropic organization focused on education in the Arab region. It supports Emirati and Arab youth through high-impact programs and strategic partnerships that build future-ready skills. To date, AGF and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund—administered by AGF—have reached over 354,000 young people.
For media inquiries:
pr@alghurairfoundation.org +| 971 55 885 1308
Elina Silen, email: elina.silen@undp.org
About UNDP:
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. http://www.undp.org
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