ALWALEED Philanthropies (AP), chaired by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, held the Board of Trustees meeting of Alwaleed Philanthropies — Saudi Arabia and Alwaleed Philanthropies – Global at the foundation’s headquarters in Riyadh last Jan. 11.
The meeting was attended by members of the Board including Prince Khaled Bin Alwaleed Bin Talal, First Deputy Chairman of the Board; Princess Reem Bint Alwaleed Bin Talal, Second Deputy Chairperson of the Board; Princess Lamia bint Majed AlSaud, Secretary General of Alwaleed Philanthropies; Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); Ms. Nada AlSugair, Executive Director of Finance and Administration of Alwaleed’s Private Office and the Treasurer of Alwaleed Philanthropies; Dr. Sheikh Ali Al Nashwan, Religious Advisor to Alwaleed.
Alwaleed first congratulated his Excellency Dr. Yousuf Al-Othaimeen on his new position as Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and welcomed all the members and Alwaleed Philanthropies representatives. The opening remarks focused on the importance of continuing to empower Saudi women in several fields, most importantly ensuring equal opportunity for both genders in society and in the work force. Alwaleed also praised Dr. Al-Othaimeen for his support of women rights within his new position at the OIC, as it is in line with Alwaleed Philanthropies’ areas of focus. Alwaleed also praised AP for its achievements and expressed his appreciation for its efforts in this regard.
Princess Lamia presented the foundation’s projects during 2016 and their impact on future performance. She then presented a brief summary of Alwaleed Philanthropies’ progress during the past 37 years.
One of its greatest achievements for 2016 is reaching out to 205,281,486 beneficiaries in one year through 40 ongoing projects, in partnership with 65 organizations that are both governmental and private. “After 36 years of working in more than 124 countries, Alwaleed Philanthropies has reached a level of maturity and so it is time to initiate AP’s projects based on what we have experienced on-ground with our partners,” said Princess Lamia.
Ms. Nauf Al Rawaf presented the department’s achievements in 2016.
She highlighted the importance of aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals in the future strategy, specifically addressing the road map to achieving empowering women, that include, among others, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation that aims to improve the standard of living for individuals all over the world.
The Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) in collaboration with Bill Gates and members of the Breakthrough Energy Coalition in their commitment to invest in energy technologies.
The Housing and Car grant project, which aims to provide 10,000 housing units and 10,000 cars to Saudi citizens throughout the Kingdom over the duration of 10 years.
In partnership with Save the Children, Alwaleed Philanthropies launched 10 centers that offer rapid response to humanitarian disasters across the world.
In partnership with Reach Out to Asia (ROTA), Alwaleed Philanthropies empowered local communities by providing access to quality primary and secondary education to children.
Ms. Amal Al Kathiri, Executive Manager, who leads the National Initiatives, highlighted the department’s initiatives in 2016 that include, among others, the ongoing 10,000 housing units, 10,000 car grants program to benefit 10,000 Saudi families over the duration of 10 years.
The Legal Program for Female Lawyers “Wa’iya” in partnership with Faisal Al Tayea Legal Firm. The training conducted aims to qualify Saudi women who are looking to pursue a career in the field of Law.
In partnership with Turquoise Mountain Institute, Alwaleed Philanthropies supported the development of the Afghan community and empowerment its women and youth.
Ambassadors of Peaceful Dialogue initiative in partnership with King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue that seeks to promote and develop channels of intellectual dialogue among Saudi citizens, different segments of Saudi society and Saudi institutions.
For over 37 years, Alwaleed Philanthropies has supported and initiated projects in over 124 countries regardless of gender, race, or religion. We collaborate with a range of philanthropic, government, and educational organizations to combat poverty, empower women and youth, develop communities, provide disaster relief and create cultural understanding through education. Together, we can build bridges for a more compassionate, tolerant, and accepting world. — SG
