Resetting Priorities, Redefining Roles: Routledge Companion to Philanthropy launched at Global Donors Forum 2016
Resetting Priorities, Redefining Roles: Routledge Companion to Philanthropy launched at Global Donors Forum 2016
Since 2008, the Global Donors Forum has brought together philanthropists, social investors, leaders from government and business, and experts and visionaries from across the world to share knowledge and develop constructive responses to pressing global challenges. Taking place under the auspices of the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists and the Academy of Philanthropy, the Global Donors Forum is widely recognised as the premier forum on Philanthropy in the Muslim and Arab World.
Following on from the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in May, this year’s Forum focused on the issue of ‘Resetting Priorities, Redefining Roles’ and addressed critical contemporary issues. These included: What effective and innovative ways can Muslim giving and philanthropy use and develop in order to address pressing international challenges? How can we develop holistic approaches to dealing with the humanitarian crisis and its wider societal impacts, especially on youths? How can we confront and address extremism and the dressing up of political conflicts in religious ideologies? What new modalities for partnerships are needed and can be developed?
With presentations and discussions involving senior academics, such as Amy Singer (Department of Middle Eastern & African History, Tel Aviv University, Israel), Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmoud (Under Secretary General, Partnerships, International Federation of Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies, Switzerland), and Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki (Advisor, UN World Humanitarian Secretariat, USA), delegates shared experiences and knowledge on new and alternative approaches to philanthropic activities. Examples ranged from the Aga Khan Development Network’s use of historic site to revitalise communities to the action oriented social network for social good, Horyou.
As a source of information for delegates, the Global Donors Forum also organised and supported the launch of The Routledge Companion to Philanthropy. Edited by Tobias Jung (The Centre for the Study of Philanthropy & Public Good, University of St Andrews), Susan D Phillips (School of Public Policy and Administration, Carleton University, Canada) and Jenny Harrow (Centre for Charitable Giving and Philanthropy, Cass Business School City University London), the Companion brings together an international team of philanthropy experts to discuss current theories, research and practices within the field from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Taking place as part of the Global Donors Forum’s Keynote Banquet at Topkapi Palace, the book launch saw delegates and dignitaries, including HRH Princess Lamia bint Majid Al Saud (Director General, Alwaleed Philanthropies, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), HE Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al-Thani (Philanthropist and Founding Chair and Patron, World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists, Qatar) and Dr Kadir Topbas (The Honorable Mayor of Istanbul) receiving copies of a special Global Donors Forum edition print run of the book, sponsored by Al Faleh Group, Qatar.
Our photos show Tobias Jung and Jenny Harrow presenting the special edition Companion to Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al-Thani and Dr Kadir Topbas respectively.