Every month Alliance regional representatives provide a report on the latest happenings in philanthropy from their region. Below is roundup for April 2024

Successful demonstration test of world’s first zero-emission ship in Japan

By Fan Li, East Asia Regional Representative

The Nippon Foundation Zero Emission Ships Project expected to promote carbon neutrality in shipping sector.

A zero-emission ship demonstration test was successfully conducted in Japan from March 26 to April 4, 2024. Using the hydrogen fuel-cell-powered crew transfer vessel HANARIA, this test was part of the Zero Emission Ships Project by the Nippon Foundation.  HANARIA achieved the world’s first operation of a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered offshore wind turbine CTV with zero CO2 emissions.

Global shipping industry carries a heavy carbon footprint. The sector is responsible for three percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Aiming for the reduction of CO2 emissions from coastal shipping, which accounts for 5% of the Japanese transport sector’s CO2 emissions, to zero by 2050, The Zero Emission Ships Project has been developing the world’s first hydrogen-fueled ships (zero-emission ships) since January 2022. Of the three private-sector consortia involved in the project, HANARIA is the first demonstration test to be completed.

In July 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a strategy to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.

AVPN Conference 2022 advances “One Asia, One Future”

By Aarti Mohan, South Asia Regional Representative

April marked a significant milestone for the Asia Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) as it hosted its flagship event in Abu Dhabi from 23th April to 25th April 2024 for the first time under the patronage of the Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council. The three-day-long conference stood out as one of the most inclusive gatherings- welcoming 1,500 participants across a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including corporations, philanthropies, venture capitalists, financial institutions, incubators, accelerators, government-related entities, and universities, representing 44 countries.

In alignment with its theme “One Asia, One Future,” the conference explored themes ranging from the power of philanthropy in transformative systems change to harnessing the potential of youth leadership. Panels and workshops delved into innovative approaches such as impact investing, blended finance, and leveraging technology to catalyze social impact. The conference also featured keynote addresses and insights from esteemed thought leaders representing organisations, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Asia Investor Group on Climate Change, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Johnson & Johnson Foundation, Visa Worldwide Pvt Ltd, COP28, and the UBS Optimus Foundation.

Some of the notable achievements were the signing of two MoUs, symbolising  South-South commitment for collaborative action. The first MoU, between UNHRD and AVPN, aims to explore innovative finance mechanisms to promote resilience and enhance prospects for forcibly displaced communities across Asia  and the Pacific. 

New research: What the public thinks of charities using AI

By Agustin Landa, Latin America Regional Representative

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) conducted a survey spanning 10 countries, including Brazil, and involving over 6,000 individuals to gauge opinions on AI utilization by charitable organizations. The findings from this study uncover a mix of concerns and opportunities. While a majority of respondents perceive more opportunities than concerns, apprehensions exist regarding potential risks such as workforce downsizing and data discrepancies. Notably, 70% of participants advocate for significant or some level of effort to render AI accessible to charities of varying sizes, with only a minority (21%) suggesting no additional endeavors should be made.

Despite these reservations, the public acknowledges AI’s potential to bolster disaster response and expand the reach of humanitarian aid efforts. Nevertheless, there is a distinct preference for initiatives that directly benefit those in need. The study also underscores the necessity for transparent communication to foster greater trust among stakeholders. A mere 13% of respondents indicated they would pay little to no attention to how a charity publicly discusses its AI usage, emphasizing the importance of clarity and openness.

This research marks the commencement of a more profound examination into the implications of AI for charitable organizations. Despite inherent challenges, such as the risk of biases, there is evident potential to augment the efficiency and impact of charitable endeavors through AI integration. Transparency and effective communication will play pivotal roles in garnering public trust and ensuring the ethical and proficient application of AI.

World leaders meet in Riyadh to discuss impact of philanthropy for development

By Heba About Shnief, Arab Region Regional Representative

The Islamic Development Bank hosted a special philanthropy forum at their annual meeting in Riyadh, in collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, titled “Harnessing Philanthropy for Development: The Road Less Traveled.” The high-profile event brought together global philanthropic and business leaders to explore the untapped potential of philanthropic capital in accelerating development and humanitarian efforts.

The forum featured prominent figures in the philanthropy, development and humanitarian aid fields, including Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser, president of the Islamic Development Bank; Dr. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center; Princess Nouf bint Muhammad bin Abdullah, CEO of the King Khalid Foundation; Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and special envoy for business and philanthropy; Sulaiman Abdulaziz Azzabin, CEO of King Abdullah Humanitarian Foundation; Stanlake Samkange, executive director of the World Food Program; Danah Dajani, senior vice president at Abdulla Al-Ghurair Foundation; and Naila Farouky, CEO of the Arab Foundations Forum.

‘Shift the Power’ makes strides in Malawi

By Tarisai Jangara, Central and Southern African Regional Representative

The Shifting the Power Programme, implemented by the Tilitonse Foundation in partnership with Comic Relief and FCDO, aims to strengthen civil society in Malawi, Ghana, and Zambia over an eight-year period from 2022 to 2030.

In Malawi, significant progress has already been made in the first year of the programme. A key achievement has been the successful rollout of the Catalyst Fund, which supported 23 community-based organizations and local CSOs in developing their organizational strength.

The Tilitonse Foundation recently hosted partners from the Shifting the Power Programme for a gathering that was held from 22nd to 26th April, 2024. The event brought together key partners including the STAR Ghana Foundation, West Africa Civil Society Institute, Zambia Governance Foundation, Comic Relief, FCDO, and Tilitonse Foundation. A total of 35 participants convened to reflect, learn, and share experiences from the period between November 2023 and April 2024.

During the gathering, participants focused on sharing experiences from the Catalyst Fund, preparations for the upcoming Civil Society Strengthening Fund, and the advocacy agenda for the programme.

One participant aptly summarized the importance of the event, stating, “The Malawi Programme Convening was a very important reflection point for all partners in the programme. It provided a platform to engage one another, learn from each other but above all to appreciate that Shifting the Power is a journey and not an event. We have learned to be patient and deliberate in our efforts to shift the power.”

Philanthropy teams up to fight Malaria in Rwanda

by Susan Njambi Odongo, East Africa Regional Representative

The Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) convened a significant event tagged #MIM2024, hosted by the Malaria Consortium. The event brought together key stakeholders, including Givewell, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Impact Santé, the Rwanda Ministry of Health, Africa CDC, and others. Participants shared invaluable perspectives on catalysing change and discussed strategies to accelerate progress toward malaria elimination. The event emphasized the importance of philanthropic efforts in combating malaria and highlighted innovative approaches to address the challenges posed by the disease.

The 2021 World Malaria report from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted that deaths from malaria have grown year-on-year until 2020. The WHO estimates that over 600,000 people died from malaria in 2022.