National CSR Fund - MAJRA Participates in Third Sector Forum to Empower Social Entrepreneurs in UAE

The National CSR Fund – MAJRA showcased its commitment to fostering social entrepreneurship by participating in the Third Sector Forum held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre. Organized by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD) in collaboration with ADNOC, the forum focused on supporting third-sector institutions and amplifying their societal impact under the theme “Partners in Impact.”

Sarah Shaw, Director of the National CSR Fund – MAJRA, contributed to an engaging panel discussion titled “Unpacking the Value Chain of Social Impact Entrepreneurship in the UAE.” This session, hosted by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an in partnership with StartAD, highlighted effective measures and strategies for sustainable project development. The panel featured esteemed speakers, including Ashwin Joshi, Director of StartAD; Farah Al Qaissieh, Managing Director of SpeechCare Center; Salma Gharama, Director of Social Incubation and Contracting at Ma’an; and Daniel Soloman, Founder of HeroGo.

The discussion emphasized the challenges faced by social entrepreneurs, particularly in scaling their projects from early to later stages. A study presented during the session revealed a disparity in support mechanisms, with early-stage initiatives receiving more attention compared to those at advanced stages. The panelists proposed strategies to address these gaps and enhance long-term project sustainability.

MAJRA’s Commitment to CSR and Social Entrepreneurship Sarah Shaw underscored MAJRA’s dedication to empowering social entrepreneurs through targeted CSR initiatives. “At the National CSR Fund – MAJRA, we are committed to launching initiatives that support third-sector institutions and social entrepreneurs. These programs are designed to create an environment where social entrepreneurs can bring their ideas to fruition, fostering innovation and driving societal progress,” she said.

She further highlighted the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge exchange to maximize the positive impact of CSR programs. “Our initiatives align private sector resources with the needs of social entrepreneurs, providing strategic guidance and financial support to enable impactful and sustainable projects. By promoting corporate social responsibility, we aim to advance the UAE’s strategic goals, including environmental preservation and economic diversification,” Shaw added.

Driving Impact Through Strategic Partnerships MAJRA’s participation in the forum reflects its broader vision of fostering cooperation between the government and private sectors to build a sustainable third-sector ecosystem. The Fund plans to roll out additional CSR initiatives that promote collaboration, encourage innovation, and support the UAE’s long-term development priorities.

Key Takeaways from the Forum

• Interactive discussions on scaling social entrepreneurship and addressing support gaps.

• Presentation of actionable strategies to enhance the sustainability of social impact projects.

• Exploration of collaborative opportunities between the public and private sectors to drive innovation and impact.

Through its active involvement, the National CSR Fund – MAJRA continues to cement its role as a vital enabler of third-sector growth, empowering social entrepreneurs to create meaningful societal contributions across the UAE.