Abu Dhabi: The Office of Development Affairs (ODA) at the Presidential Court held a discussion session and a round table on the future of philanthropy at the fourth edition of Investopia 2025, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
According to Emirates News Agency, Investopia 2025, organized under the slogan 'Harnessing MegaForces', brought together a host of global leaders and change makers. The sessions held by ODA focused on maximizing the social impact of philanthropy in developing countries and bringing about positive transformations in the lives of millions of people worldwide.
The session titled 'Capital for Good: The Future of Philanthropy' highlighted the importance of donors diversifying their philanthropic activities and collaborating with relevant organizations and institutions. This collaboration aims to engage different segments of beneficiaries and find innovative solutions to various challenges.
The panel included notable figures such as Badr Jafar, the UAE's Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, Baroness Ariane de Rothschild, CEO of Edmond de Rothschild Group, Switzerland, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, President of the Higher Life Foundation and Delta Charitable Foundation in the United Kingdom, and Dr. Alfonso Garcia Mora, Regional Vice President for Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Reflecting on the future of philanthropy and the necessity of sustainable financial models, Badr Jafar remarked that philanthropy is entering a new era defined by innovation, strategic capital deployment, and measurable impact. He noted that the UAE has emerged as a global hub for philanthropy, leveraging its position as a convener of cross-sector collaboration and its deep commitment to technology and innovation. AI and digital platforms are transforming the mobilization and scaling of giving, shifting from traditional donations to catalytic capital that unlocks new resources and drives systemic change.
The roundtable session focused on the future of impactful charitable investment by utilizing modern and innovative methods to maximize positive impact and social progress. Titled 'From Niche to Norm: The Future of Impact Investing,' the roundtable featured high-level government leaders, CEOs, investors, and civil society representatives. They explored the mainstream adoption of impact investing, emphasizing transparency, data-driven impact tracking, and blended finance models in scaling the sector. With trillions in wealth transfers expected over the coming decades, the roundtable highlighted how impact investing is shaping the future of finance.