The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an and Emirates Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help develop a strong and active volunteering environment and create more meaningful volunteering opportunities in Abu Dhabi.
The MoU was signed during a socially distanced ceremony that was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Member of the Board of Directors and Managing Director of the Emirates Foundation and His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development. Also present were Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an and Ahmed Talib Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation.
As part of the strategic MoU agreement, Ma’an and Emirates Foundation will work together and establish a framework with the aim to help foster and encourage Abu Dhabi residents and citizens to volunteer and serve the society as well as increase community engagement.
The two organisations will also take a holistic approach to volunteering that will see them research and map out its strategy, ensure the volunteers are trained and help increase community participation.
By collaborating and sharing expertise, establishing a robust volunteering framework will not only help create social impact and solve the pressing social challenges, it will also strengthen Abu Dhabi economically as a city in the future.
We look forward to working together to identify the root requirements to create a strong and collaborative culture of volunteering in Abu Dhabi, from the planning and research to implementation and results
Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an
The MoU aligns with the directions and principles of the Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi with a clear mandate to organise efficient and effective volunteering programmes that can have positive impact and as well raising awareness and encouraging public participation.
Members of Abu Dhabi’s community who wish to give up their time can register to become a volunteer. Based on their capabilities and skillsets, applicants will then be assigned into different groups for activities that will see them engage and assist a wide range of communities.
His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Emirates Foundation and Emirates Foundation Board Members, expressed his delight at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Emirates Foundation and Ma’an. His Excellency reiterated that this agreement will play a central role in strengthening the relationships between the two organisations that will help activate community participation and increase volunteering opportunities through joint programmes in Abu Dhabi.
Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an, said: “It is our pleasure to partner with Emirates Foundation, who, like Ma’an, understand and value the importance of volunteering, championing innovative initiatives and programmes to encourage individuals and communities to give back.
“Since Ma’an was established in 2019, its core aim has been to bring together the government, the private sector and civil society to support a culture of social contribution and participation. This has included the activation of innovative initiatives such as Ma’an’s Community Volunteer Programme and Ghaya, our latest financial literacy programme.
“We look forward to working together to identify the root requirements to create a strong and collaborative culture of volunteering in Abu Dhabi, from the planning and research to implementation and results.”
Ahmed Talib Al Shamsi, Acting CEO of the Emirates Foundation, said: “We are pleased to cooperate with Ma'an on this initiative that aims to achieve the goals of volunteering and specialized volunteer participation in Abu Dhabi, and will further enhance coordination in designing and providing specialized training programs for volunteers.
“This Memorandum comes within the framework of the Emirates Foundation's continuous efforts to work and partner with public and private sector organisations to raise the competencies of community members and establish social responsibility through the implementation of research-based programs that meet defined goals and achieve sustainable community development.”
H.E. Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Executive Director – Community Engagement and Sports Sector, Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, said: “The partnership affirms the commitment of Ma'an, in cooperation with the Emirates Foundation, to establish an effective volunteering ecosystem with the aim of addressing urgent social challenges in Abu Dhabi, through the provision of pioneering innovative programmes that have a positive impact on society. We affirm our keenness to provide continuous support to both sides, in order to achieve their desired goals.
“The MoU is an extension of the Department's role following the publication of the volunteering policy in Abu Dhabi, which considers the Authority responsible for organizing and supervising the social innovation sector. This policy lays down the foundations that regulate the volunteer environment in Abu Dhabi, while ensuring that a clear understanding is provided to all volunteers – from both individuals and teams. In addition, the policy clarifies to the entities seeking volunteers in a bid to activate the volunteering ecosystem within an organized framework that enhances community participation in Abu Dhabi.”
Members of the public who would like to volunteer or would like more information, can visit www.volunteers.ae
