In the current global context, we find ourselves confronting profound challenges, some of which are particularly affecting the Arab youth. They face a range of difficulties, from economic instability to the effects of climate change, that for many can result in a sense of marginalisation and uncertainty.
In response, professionals and experts across various fields are collaborating to address these interconnected issues. Amid these challenges, the role of philanthropy, especially strategic philanthropy, has become increasingly crucial. This involves thoughtful and impactful giving that is focused on long-term solutions rather than temporary relief.
The impact of philanthropy can seem limited in the face of monumental challenges such as climate change, mass displacement and water scarcity. Its effects, however, can go beyond traditional acts of generosity and offer a comprehensive road map for sustainable change.
Traditional philanthropy is commendable and focuses on immediate aid needed to alleviate the suffering of people and responding to emergencies and gaps worldwide. It is a reaction that comes from the best part of humanity – our sense of empathy for others. It is the kind of giving that we witnessed after the devastating earthquakes in south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria, when over 54,000 people died. With buildings having collapsed, families were living in tents and flimsy shelters.
This kind of impact is the difference between sending blankets and food to Haitian earthquake survivors and investing in structural resilience and safety in communities
Charity plays a critical and compassionate role, especially in dire times. These days, the Middle East and North Africa region, where over 60 per cent of the population is under the age of 30, confronts a significant challenge: youth unemployment.
This reality risks leading to a bleak future in many parts of the region. Reports from the World Bank and the International Labour Organisation indicate the region has the highest youth unemployment rate in the world, exceeding 26 per cent. Charity will not alleviate the potential crisis ahead, but strategic philanthropy can help.
Strategic philanthropy delves deeper, beyond a temporary balm, to heal the wound at its core. It addresses the underlying causes of issues and employs careful planning and flexibility to maximum affect. Strategic philanthropy starts with a clear vision of the desired state and what is needed to reach it. In doing so it aligns itself with business approaches.
Business and philanthropy may appear distinct at first glance, but they share more common ground than one might think. Both require the cultivation of robust relationships, a well-defined vision and a steadfast commitment to effecting meaningful change in the world.
While at the surface level these paradigms might seem at odds – one often perceived as a pursuit of greater wealth for the already affluent, and the other as an altruistic endeavour aimed at aiding the less fortunate – there is a point where corporate acumen and social good intersect.
From this intersection arises strategic philanthropy that involves setting specific, measurable objectives aligned with the broader mission of the philanthropic endeavour. It involves collaborating with other organisations, governments or communities. These partnerships can leverage additional resources, expertise and local knowledge to increase the impact of philanthropic efforts.
Beyond short-term fixes, strategic philanthropy is flexible and responsive to changing conditions and new information. This means adjusting strategies and approaches based on continuous valuation and feedback. There is an emphasis on being open about goals, strategies, outcomes and challenges. This transparency helps build trust with stakeholders and the broader community.
Instead of just addressing the symptoms of social issues, strategic philanthropy often aims to address the underlying systemic causes. This may involve policy advocacy, public awareness campaigns or other efforts to drive broader societal changes. These principles guide philanthropists in using their resources effectively to create significant, lasting impact.
This kind of impact is the difference between sending blankets and food to Haitian earthquake survivors and the work of Habitat for Humanity, which invested efforts in Haiti to cultivate structural resilience and safety in communities. The homes that they built in the earthquake-prone region were built for a purpose – to withstand the elements in the worst cases.
These include new homes designed for elderly residents and homes built in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration. After the ultimate test, these homes have proven to be more long-lasting and able to withstand catastrophic events, providing a sense of security for the families they serve. This is looking at the root problem and contributing to resolving the issues of safe housing for the long term – that is strategic philanthropy.
More from Sonia Ben Jaafar
The UAE exemplifies a proactive approach to philanthropy, effectively bridging the gap between intentions and concrete actions. In the realm of strategic philanthropy, which promotes innovation and collaboration among diverse stakeholders such as non-profits, government entities and the private sector, the UAE's collaborative methodology is particularly effective. This approach aligns well with the country's dynamics, fostering more innovative and practical solutions to complex social challenges.
The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation’s Nomu initiative is an example of such collaboration. It brings together various sectors to tackle youth unemployment within the framework of the Global Council on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the Office of the Prime Minister. Since its inception in 2021, Nomu has significantly impacted over 21,000 youths across the UAE and is now expanding to other countries in the region, starting with Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia.
Strategic philanthropy is increasingly engaging directly with beneficiaries, ensuring interventions meet community needs for more effective results. In the Mena region, this model is growing, focusing on youth empowerment in line with the SDG nexus model. It emphasises innovation, sustainability and regional solutions, particularly in equipping youth with 21st-century skills.
This approach demonstrates how strategic partnerships and efficient resource utilisation can lead to sustainable community improvements. By aligning with global standards and addressing local needs, it facilitates practical plans for preparing the next generation with relevant skills and opportunities in today's world.
Fondation Tunisie Pour Le Développement focuses on social and economic development, particularly aimed at enhancing the employability of young Tunisians and addressing regional disparities. Their programmes, such as “Elife” and “Smart Tunisia”, are strategically crafted to tackle distinct challenges in local contexts.
This approach is crucial, especially considering the data from the past two years highlighting a dire situation. In 2022 alone, over 15,000 young Tunisians risked their lives attempting to reach the Italian coast as migrants in search of hope for a decent life, with most being sent back – excluding those who died at sea. By offering targeted solutions for decent employment, the foundation aims to address the underlying crisis that provokes these youths to undertake such perilous journeys, thereby contributing significantly to mitigating this life-threatening trend.
Strategic philanthropy is gaining momentum due to its focus on impact, sustainability, accountability and innovation. It is attracting donors and organisations interested in tangible results and understanding the difference their contributions make as a long-term investment. This shift towards measurable outcomes is encouraging more strategic allocation of philanthropic funds.
Moreover, with a growing demand for transparency and accountability, especially in philanthropy, donors want to know that their money is being used effectively. This is where strategic philanthropy comes in, providing a framework for accountability and efficient use of funds.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Hunger and Fury: The Crisis of Democracy in the Balkans
Jasmin Mujanović, Hurst Publishers
OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Date: Sunday, November 25
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Match info
Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace
Man of the match: Cheikhou Kouyate (Crystal Palace)
THE SPECS
Aston Martin Rapide AMR
Engine: 6.0-litre V12
Transmission: Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic
Power: 595bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh999,563
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
The Matrix Resurrections
Director: Lana Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jessica Henwick
Rating:****
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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RACE RESULTS
1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1hr 21min 48.527sec
2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) at 0.658sec
3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) 6.012
4. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 7.430
5. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Ferrari) 20.370
6. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) 1:13.160
7. Sergio Pérez (MEX/Force India) 1 lap
8. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force India) 1 lap
9. Felipe Massa (BRA/Williams) 1 lap
10. Lance Stroll (CAN/Williams) 1 lap
11. Jolyon Palmer (GBR/Renault) 1 lap
12. Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren) 1 lap
13. Nico Hülkenberg (GER/Renault) 1 lap
14. Pascal Wehrlein (GER/Sauber) 1 lap
15. Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber) 2 laps
16. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso) 3 laps
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The bio
Favourite book: Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer
Favourite quote: “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist
Favourite Authors: Arab poet Abu At-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi
Favourite Emirati food: Luqaimat, a deep-fried dough soaked in date syrup
Hobbies: Reading and drawing
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Panipat
Director Ashutosh Gowariker
Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment
Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman
Rating 3 /5 stars
Read more from Kareem Shaheen
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Breast cancer in men: the facts
1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.
2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash.
3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible.
4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key.
5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
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A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104
Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs
Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic
Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km
Price: Dh235,000
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
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if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
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Oppenheimer
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EChristopher%20Nolan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECillian%20Murphy%2C%20Emily%20Blunt%2C%20Robert%20Downey%20Jr%2C%20Florence%20Pugh%2C%20Matt%20Damon%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E5%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results
Male 51kg Round 1
Dias Karmanov (KAZ) beat Mabrook Rasea (YEM) by points 2-1.
Male 54kg Round 1
Yelaman Sayassatov (KAZ) beat Chen Huang (TPE) TKO Round 1; Huynh Hoang Phi (VIE) beat Fahad Anakkayi (IND) RSC Round 2; Qais Al Jamal (JOR) beat Man Long Ng (MAC) by points 3-0; Ayad Albadr (IRQ) beat Yashar Yazdani (IRI) by points 2-1.
Male 57kg Round 1
Natthawat Suzikong (THA) beat Abdallah Ondash (LBN) by points 3-0; Almaz Sarsembekov (KAZ) beat Ahmed Al Jubainawi (IRQ) by points 2-1; Hamed Almatari (YEM) beat Nasser Al Rugheeb (KUW) by points 3-0; Zakaria El Jamari (UAE) beat Yu Xi Chen (TPE) by points 3-0.
Men 86kg Round 1
Ahmad Bahman (UAE) beat Mohammad Al Khatib (PAL) by points 2-1
Men 63.5kg Round 1
Noureddin Samir (UAE) beat Polash Chakma (BAN) RSC Round 1.
Female 45kg quarter finals
Narges Mohammadpour (IRI) beat Yuen Wai Chan (HKG) by points.
Female 48kg quarter finals
Szi Ki Wong (HKG) beat Dimple Vaishnav (IND) RSC round 2; Thanawan Thongduang (THA) beat Nastaran Soori (IRI) by points; Shabnam Hussain Zada (AFG) beat Tzu Ching Lin (TPE) by points.
Female 57kg quarter finals
Nguyen Thi Nguyet (VIE) beat Anisha Shetty (IND) by points 2-1; Areeya Sahot (THA) beat Dana Al Mayyal (KUW) RSC Round 1; Sara Idriss (LBN) beat Ching Yee Tsang (HKG) by points 3-0.
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
The%20Hunger%20Games%3A%20The%20Ballad%20of%20Songbirds%20%26%20Snakes
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Francis%20Lawrence%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3ERachel%20Zegler%2C%20Peter%20Dinklage%2C%20Viola%20Davis%2C%20Tom%20Blyth%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Son 1', Kane 8' & 16') West Ham United 3 (Balbuena 82', Sanchez og 85', Lanzini 90' 4)
Man of the match Harry Kane
