Officials and representatives from humanitarian and environmental organisations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are set to participate in the 2026 Global Conference of the Asian Network for Business Humanitarianism. This significant event will take place in New Delhi from August 25-27.
Conference Details and Objectives
The conference, organised under the theme “A Roadmap for Asia,” will be held at the Bharat Mandapam Centre and aims to attract around 2,000 participants from various sectors, including donor institutions, social investment funds, corporations, governmental bodies, and charitable organisations.
Sessions will focus on funding mechanisms for initiatives linked to health, education, and climate change, as well as governance, disaster response, and the development of infrastructure necessary for cross-border philanthropy.
Spotlight on Gulf Institutions
The participation of Gulf institutions comes at a pivotal time, as estimates shared by the network suggest that nearly $2 trillion in wealth is expected to transfer to the next generation in the Gulf region over the next decade. The network highlighted that this anticipated shift aligns with an increased emphasis on linking charitable funding to measurable outcomes.
Key Speakers and Their Roles
Marwan Rashid Bin Hashim, CEO of the Dubai Community Contribution Foundation “Jood,” will contribute to discussions on the infrastructure necessary for financing humanitarian initiatives across Asia. Additionally, Mohamed Haji Al Khouri, Vice Chairman of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Work, will take part in a session addressing the role of policies and governance in expanding philanthropic efforts, including developing regulatory frameworks, digital infrastructure, and mobilising capital for public-benefit projects.
Other notable participants include Sarah Shaw, CEO of “Majra – the National Fund for Social Responsibility,” and Leila Abdul Latif, Director-General of the Emirates Nature Association in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund. Abdul Latif will engage in discussions on coordinating disaster response in the context of overlapping climate crises, conflicts, and health emergencies. She emphasised that effective management of these crises requires the integration of local leadership, data, funding, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders.
From Saudi Arabia, Princess Dr. Hayah Al Saud, Senior Vice President of Research at the “Hevolution” Foundation, will partake in discussions on using data and evidence to guide funding decisions. She pointed out that the foundation aims to base its funding decisions on evaluable research outcomes.
Evolving Roles of Institutions
Naina Subroto Patra, CEO of the Asian Network for Business Humanitarianism, noted that the role of West Asian institutions has evolved beyond merely providing funding; they now actively participate in establishing collaboration mechanisms and defining priorities for social investment in the region.
Building Lasting Partnerships
The conference will feature a dedicated session titled “Partnership with the UAE: Pathways to Achieve Cross-Border Impact,” which will explore criteria for selecting partners and ways to organise long-term cooperation between Emirati institutions and their Asian counterparts.
Continuing Legacy of the Conference
Abu Dhabi previously hosted a version of the conference in 2024, following which the network opened a regional office for West Asia in the Emirati capital. Collaborations have also been established with the UAE’s Office of Development Affairs and the “Together” Community Contributions Authority.
According to conference organisers, during the Abu Dhabi edition, funders pledged over $125 million for projects in health, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection. However, specific details regarding the amount disbursed to date or the projects that received funding have not been disclosed.