Partners Agree to Share Knowledge, Expertise and Networks to Improve Social Impact

Collaboration to Promote Enterprise-Based or Venture Philanthropy in Middle East

London/Abu Dhabi: 31 March, 2012 - Two major development philanthropic organisations, Shell Foundation and Emirates Foundation, signed a formal alliance agreement to share information, expertise, models and networks and help promote strategic philanthropy in the Middle East. The ceremony, which took place in London, was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum Al-Maktoum, First Secretary at the UAE Embassy in London.

The alliance will build on Shell Foundation's ten year experience in deploying market-based solutions to tackle development challenges at scale in Africa, Asia and Latin America and on Emirates Foundation's track record in catalysing public-private initiatives to help young people in the United Arab Emirates.

Chris West, Director, Shell Foundation said:  "Over the last ten years, we have been learning what works and what doesn't work when you apply business thinking to global issues like job creation, sustainable mobility or access to energy at scale. I am pleased to develop a formal alliance with Emirates Foundation who are breaking new ground by applying this type of philanthropy in the Middle East. We plan to learn from each other and use our combined strengths to widen our impact."

Emirates Foundation brings together public and private sectors to create initiatives to invest in young people in the UAE. In particular, and in line with Shell Foundation's model, Emirates Foundation plans to deliver impact through social enterprises rather than traditional grant giving. The partners will transfer best practices, develop staff exchange programmes and mentoring schemes and explore a variety of joint initiatives to raise opportunities for young people in the UAE and the broader region.

Clare Woodcraft, CEO, Emirates Foundation, said: "Shell Foundation's approach whereby they invest in social enterprises has already proven successful in other parts of the world. 

We are excited to work together to apply this kind of thinking to our work in the UAE and promote the same approach in the broader Middle East.. Between us we have valuable experience in how best to harness the private sector and the ability to test new ways to deliver real impact."

Shell Foundation has adopted a new approach to corporate philanthropy by identifying market failures that underpin development challenges, co-creating social enterprises to solve them, and then taking these partners to scale by providing capacity-building resources, business skills and market linkages. As a result, several of its core partners are now achieving large-scale development outcomes across multiple countries and regions.

West continues: "The development sector has traditionally been poor at sharing failures and using this as a driver of greater success. Without doubt, better collaboration and transparency is the key to more effective philanthropy."

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About Shell Foundation
Shell Foundation is an independent UK registered charity, established by Shell Group in 2000, that catalyses enterprise-based solutions to global poverty and environmental challenges. By applying business thinking, models and disciplines Shell Foundation has co-created several strategic partners to address major global issues such as sustainable job creation through small enterprise, urban mobility, ethical trade, access to energy and tackling indoor air pollution that are now delivering large-scale impact.

To find out more visit www.shellfoundation.org or read Enterprise Solutions to Scale, a report that summarises the Foundation's core lessons from its successes and failures from 2000 to 2010.

About the Emirates Foundation
Emirates Foundation was launched in 12 April 2005 by an initiative from His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. EF is chaired by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs. One of the most important institutions of social welfare in the United Arab Emirates, Emirates Foundation provides financial and technical support to projects that contribute to enriching the lives of people in the UAE, especially in the areas relevant to the development and care of young people.

EF works on strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors, and uses it to develop non-profit projects and initiatives throughout the country. EF is funded through contributions to support its programs, and through a capital reserve fund supported by the Abu Dhabi government, and private sector companies.

For further information, please contact:
Omar Alziri
APCO Worldwide  
Tel: + 971 4 446 6268
Email: Oalziri@apcoworldwide.com

© Press Release 2012