Organized by the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement and Responsible Business at the American University in Cairo

Abu Dhabi, 29 October 2015:

Preparations are afoot as Abu Dhabi University gears up to host the "Takaful 5th Annual Conference on Arab Philanthropy and Civic Engagement" on the 4th and 5th 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.

For more information, visit: conf.aucegypt.edu/Takaful2015

-Ends-

About Abu Dhabi University (ADU)
Since its inception in 2000, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and President of Abu Dhabi University's Board of Regents, Abu Dhabi University has become one of the region's leading centers of academic excellence. Its vibrant and cosmopolitan student population represents more than 63 nationalities. Through its globally competitive curriculum, ADU formulates highly unique degree programs that maximize graduates' chances of employment. It strives to become one of the world's elite institutions of world-class education and applied research. In addition to a dynamic range of extracurricular activities, ADU also instills a strong spirit of social responsibility in its students so that graduates can help to transform not only their industries; but also their communities and above all, their world.

Abu Dhabi University is licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, with all its undergraduate and postgraduate programs accredited. ADU was also the first university to receive the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award in 2010. Dedicated to achieving excellence on all academic and organizational levels, today ADU is one of only six universities in the UAE to enter the ranks of the world's top 700 universities in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world university rankings of 2014 - 2015.

Additionally, for its support and patronage of entrepreneurship, Abu Dhabi University was also awarded the "Best Supporting University for Entrepreneurship" in the UAE and the Arab World during the Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for Young Business Leaders in its 8th cycle. The College of Engineering also received international accreditation from the world-renowned Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET for three of its engineering programs, while the College of Business Administration is within the niche ranks of only 5% of the world's business programs that have earned international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business -AACSB.

For media/press inquiries about Abu Dhabi University please contact:
Omnia Hassan
Public Relations & Media Officer
PO Box: 59911, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Direct: +971 (0)2 501 5624
Mobile: +971 (0)50 220 5281  
Email: Omnia.hassan@adu.ac.ae
Web: www.adu.ac.ae 

About The John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement and Responsible, The American University in Cairo, School of Business  
Business promotes social change in the Arab region through building a culture of effective giving, corporate social responsibility and civic responsibility. In addition to disseminating research and policy papers, the center strives to build leadership capacity among Arab youth and to enhance their abilities to become more civically engaged. It also aims to positively impact society through social entrepreneurship, mentorship and creativity. These goals are pursued with an array of national, regional and international partners in the academic, civil society and corporate sectors.

The center was named after the late John D. Gerhart, ninth president of AUC, whose career provided a model of public service. Established in 2006, the center aims to further AUC mission to advance social responsibility and active citizenship.

For inquiries about AUC, please contact:
Salma Sarhan
Publications and Communications Officer
Address: The American University in Cairo
AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74 New Cairo 11835, Egypt
Research Center, Floor 1
Office Phone: +202 2615 1351
Email: salma.sarhan@aucegypt.edu  
Mobile: +202 (0) 01271119255
Website: www.aucegypt.edu/research/gerhart

© Press Release 2015