Abu Dhabi University all set to host “Takaful Annual Conference on Arab Philanthropy & Civic Engagement” on 4th November

Preparations are afoot as Abu Dhabi University gears up to host the “Takaful 5^th Annual Conference on Arab Philanthropy and Civic Engagement” on the 4^th and 5^th of November. Organized for the first time in the UAE by the “John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement and Responsible Business” at the American University in Cairo, the conference is set to attract policy and decision makers, scholars, researchers and entrepreneurs from the GCC, North Africa, Western Asia, Western Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom and others. In its fifth year, the conference will highlight the best practices as well as the issues, opportunities and challenges in philanthropy, civic engagement and corporate sustainability.

Commenting on the significance of participation in “Takaful 2015”, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University explained that hosting this unique conference is another building block that fortifies the University’s joint and growing relationship with the American University in Cairo. “The conference represents a vital addition that further enriches our vibrant events and activities calendar, especially as it aims to spread awareness on the importance of social responsibility in the national development process. Furthermore, the ‘Takaful Annual Conference on Arab Philanthropy and Civic Engagement’ will broaden our students’ horizons and further educate them on the various aspects of civic engagement and its impact on society. It will be interesting to see how our students who are already well versed in the art of giving and volunteer work as an integral part of the University’s philosophy and mission; interact with the best practices put forth through the different sessions of the conference. We’re looking forward to hear from scholars, researchers and entrepreneurs presenting at the conference as well as share Abu Dhabi University’s philanthropic initiatives put forth by the University’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Fund which has dedicated AED 102,761,395 that benefited around 6,132 students over the years since ADU inception in 2003”, added Dr. Ibrahim.

On his part, Dr. Ali Awni, Executive Director of the Gerhart Center said: “Takaful is becoming a leading regional event for an expanding global community of practitioners and scholars in the field” according to. He added: “By taking Takaful to UAE this year, we will be able to show the world some of the most inspiring socially responsible practices”.

Advisor for the Gerhart Center, Heba Abou Shnief stated that: “From historical to contemporary times, one of the strongest features of Arab societies is our social solidarity and sense of social responsibility which is reflected in the rich and diverse institutional and individual social giving practices. Through Takaful we aim to document practices and spread awareness on strategic Arab social giving”.

The “Takaful 5th Annual Conference on Arab Philanthropy and Civic Engagement” is organized in partnership with the Middle East Broadcasting Center Group “MBC”, the “Ford Foundation”, “Noor Takaful” and “Noor Waqaf foundation” and held in cooperation with “Alliance Magazine”, “AmCham Abu Dhabi”, the “Hult Prize Foundation”, and “CSR Al Ahly Group”. Attendance to the conference is open to students and faculty from universities across the UAE.