We stand at a pivotal juncture, with the clock ticking towards the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While organizations are so focused on working towards achieving the SDGs, it is crucial to remember that the journey towards sustainability starts with setting your own goals, rooted in local needs and aligned with broader aspirations.

In this case, we need to look at the details rather than the bigger picture. In a publication by Clare Woodcraft (2021), Venture Philanthropy and Social Investment: Are Arab Philanthropists and Conventional Investors Converging on the Impact of Continuum? commissioned by the American University of Cairo and the Ford Foundation, noted that as a trillion-dollar capital market, the philanthropic sector is prominently featured in the focus of SDGs stakeholders, fostering fresh collaborations among formerly isolated entities.

However, if we specifically take a closer look into the MENA region, we will find that there are still existing challenges despite the progress that has been made in some areas. The philanthropy sector, especially in the Arab world, stands in need of enhanced data collection and research. In addition, we need to see more knowledge sharing and a concerted effort to avoid duplicating endeavors.

Insights from the Arab Foundations Forum (AFF) Annual Meeting:

In September 2023, I attended the Arab Foundations Forum’s (AFF) Annual Meeting in Cairo, Egypt. The meeting gathered philanthropists working in various sectors around the region. Discussions at the meeting were insightful and validated what needs to be done in the Arab world when it comes to philanthropy.

Here are key components that were highlighted to drive the future of Arab philanthropy and strengthen the sector:

1. Strengthening networks: Creating vital connections to mobilize resources, share knowledge, coordinate efforts and magnify impact.
2. Emphasizing data-driven governance: Elevating governance through robust data and evidence, ensuring that decisions are grounded in reality.
3. Shifting focus to unrestricted funding: Moving away from restricted funding to support NGOs by increasing their capacity to gain trust and receive unrestricted funding, granting them the flexibility needed to respond to emerging challenges in an innovative way.
4. Prioritizing pooled-funding: Pooling resources to collectivelyshare risks and rewards, amplifying the potential for transformative change.
5. Long-term vision: Focusing on long-term initiatives rather than short-term projects, understanding that real change necessitates sustained commitment over time.
6. Contextual research tools: Developing research tools tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the Arab context, steering way from the Western-centric approaches that do not necessarily fit the Arab context.

Inspiring Examples from Sharjah, UAE:

Even though there is still so much that needs to be done when it comes to philanthropy in the Arab world, I wanted to shed some light on examples that have paved the way.

If we examine the UAE more closely, specifically the Emirate of Sharjah. We will find that His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah alongside his wife Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, are the driving force behind the Emirate’s numerous philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives and the positive contributions made to the community and to different parts of the world.

The ruler of Sharjah always had a longstanding vision of making the Emirate a nexus for knowledge and a capital for culture. His unwavering focus has consistently centered around the individual, prioritizing their well-being without fixating on the associated costs.

Her Highness, Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, who harbors a genuine personal commitment to philanthropy, leads over 20 entities that not only cater to the people in the country but also to global needs. The entities fall under 4 pillars: family, women, children and youth, and philanthropy. Among these entities, Nama Women Advancement (Nama) aims to set exemplary standards in the world of philanthropy and is devoted to the advancement of women in various communities around the world by addressing their needs and working with local NGOs. Nama aims to create opportunities, provide resources and promote women’s inclusion to drive positive change.

As the philanthropic sector continues to grow and funds increase, it presents us with a unique opportunity to boost our networks, focus on research and data collection to understand where the actual needs are, support NGOs and guide them by building their capacities, and prioritize long-term initiatives that can drive lasting change. The story of philanthropy in the Arab world is still unfolding, and each one of us can play a vital role towards shaping a brighter, more sustainable future.

Noura AlMulla is a senior executive within the international programs department at Nama Women Advancement (NAMA). Her interests encompass global development and social impact.