Amman, Jordan – The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched the 'Thought Leadership Series’, a new initiative addressing the region's socio-economic challenges through strategic philanthropy. Held at the UNDP Regional Hub in Amman, the high-level workshop brought together local and global participants to explore innovative, resilience-focused solutions.

Amid economic uncertainty, growing displacement, and declining donor funding, the region’s youth face immense challenges. This initiative seeks to transition from short-term crisis responses to long-term resilience-building, focusing on education, employment, and community empowerment.

The sessions explored the role of philanthropy in driving resilience, digital upskilling to improve employability, and innovative financing solutions for sustainable impact. The esteemed speakers highlighted successful partnerships, strategies for inclusion, and how blended finance can support long-term development.

Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, stated, "Strategic philanthropy is not merely about addressing immediate needs but about investing in the long-term resilience of communities. By uniting diverse stakeholders, we aim to create alliances that support transformative solutions for displacement and socio-economic inclusion challenges."

Dr. Mary Kawar, Regional Hub Director, UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) added, “As the Arab region faces mounting socio-economic challenges, building resilience is no longer a choice but a necessity. Philanthropic initiatives, like the ‘Thought Leadership Series’ with the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, are critical in driving this transformation. By fostering strategic alliances and leveraging innovative finance, philanthropy can play a catalytic role in addressing growing needs, empowering vulnerable communities, and paving the way for sustainable development. Together, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient future.”

The AGF-UNDP partnership reflects a commitment to empowering vulnerable communities and addressing regional challenges through collaboration and innovation, paving the way for sustainable socio-economic progress in the region.

About UNDP 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. http://www.undp.org

About Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF)

 The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF), established in 2015, is the largest private philanthropy dedicated to education in the Arab region. AGF is committed to empowering Emirati and Arab youth by providing access to quality educational programs. Through various initiatives and strategic partnerships, AGF equips the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the sustainable development of the region. To date, AGF has positively impacted over 132,000+ Emirati and Arab youth, fostering their growth and contributions to the region's development.