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Experts take part in brainstorming session to promote philanthropy

ABU DHABI – The Emirates Foundation brought together experts from around the world to discuss various philanthropic activities at a conference, which took place at the Emirates Palace Hotel yesterday.

During the conference, international specialists shared their expertise in various fields by presenting the works of their philanthropic organisations. The panels focused on four different areas, which coincide with the main activities of the Emirates Foundation relating to education, arts and culture, research and development, social and environmental development.

The education panel presented innovative approaches to improve leraning at all levels, from preschool to adulthood, both within the formal classroom environment and outside it.

Omar Saif Ghobash, deputy CEO for Emirates Foundation, told Khaleej Times that the organisation has already made an agreement with Points of Light Foundation (PLF) of the US, one of the education panel participants, for future collaboration. Robert Goodwin, president and CEO of PLF, explained that his organisation is focused on implementing community service and voluntary activities in schools.

Robert Knezevic, assistant vice-president and regional director of the International Strategies Group for the Sesame Workshop of the US, who was also a speaker on the educational panel, highlighted the importance of education through mass-media channels.

"Out of 52 million pre-school children in the Middle East, only one-third will complete primary education, whereas over 80 per cent have access to television," said Knezevic.

The arts and culture panel concentrated on promoting and developing understanding and appreciation of arts, culture and heritage.

Emma Playfair, representative of Ford Foundation for the Middle East and North Africa, who was one of the panelists, said that her organisation is raising awareness as well as offering support to Middle East cultures through grants.

The three speakers on the Research and Development panel concentrated on conducting, monitoring and funding research programmes.

A specialised presentation on diabetes was made by Dr Francine Kaufman, professor of paediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and head of the Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles.

"It is no secret that diabetes is a serious and growing problem in the UAE. The Emirates Foundation has an important opportunity to leverage its resources, to develop projects that address critical needs in education, treatment and prevention of this disease", said Dr Kaufman.

Social and Environmental Development was another issue which was discussed during the conference. The three panelists talked about various ways foundations can approach social problems such as poverty, drug addiction, abandoned children and abuse. Another important issue for foundations is identifying the most pressing need for a community in order to implement a proper programme. Conservation and preservation of environment, a very "hot" issue for the UAE, was also a topic of discussion.

The expert panel discussions, organised by the Emirates Foundation, took place under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Foundation. Among the dignitaries who attended the conference were Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education, and Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Economy.

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