Royal giving in the spotlight
This issue includes an in-depth interview with Hong Kong based philanthropist, James Chen, perspectives on the development of philanthropy in Russia and Vietnam and philanthropy-backed efforts in online learning to help the capacity building of CSO’s in the global South.
This issue also shines a spotlight on the world of royal philanthropy, the topic of our special feature.
On the surface, there seems much to commend the philanthropic works of members of royal families (or MRF’s to use the parlance). They bring networks, credibility and resources to improve health and education, tackle neglected causes, and catalyse change. Indeed, most contributors to this issue – drawn from regions as diverse as the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Europe – see the philanthropic contribution of royals as an immense force for good.
Who could argue for example with The Queen lending her authority to prevent avoidable blindness, Emirati royals supporting philanthropic initiatives to boost employment, or Dutch royals swimming for charity in the canals of Amsterdam?
But is there another, less gilded, side to this story?
Some note concerns about transparency while others see royal support for philanthropy as an expression of hereditary power and, therefore, unearned privilege.
As influence and ambition grows in this space, is it timely to ask whether royal philanthropy can genuinely contribute to creating equal opportunities when it is itself a system based on birth and marriage?
These are difficult questions and Alliance magazine relies on your support to help us ask them without fear or favour.
Thank you for helping us sustain both our independent spirit and non-profit mission.
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Charles Keidan
Editor, Alliance magazine
@alliancemag
@charleskeidan