The bustling capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, recently played host to the 11th annual Asia Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) Global Conference. Held under the theme "One Asia, One Future," the three-day event (April 23-25, 2024) brought together over 1,500 social investors, philanthropists, and changemakers from across the globe. Their primary focus: charting new pathways for impactful investing in Asia.
This year's conference marked a significant milestone for AVPN, the largest social investor network in Asia. It was the first time the annual gathering was held in West Asia, reflecting the region's growing prominence in the social investment landscape. Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN, highlighted the crucial timing of the event, stating, "The whole of Asia is navigating transformative economic shifts with sustainability at their core. Achieving the ambitious goals set by the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requires a significant increase in investments with a social impact focus."
The conference program boasted a diverse array of sessions, panel discussions, and workshops designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. Attendees delved into critical topics like the role of impact investors in driving environmental sustainability, leveraging artificial intelligence for philanthropic impact, and empowering youth to become change agents within their communities.
A particular highlight was the conference's stellar speaker lineup. The event featured prominent figures like Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, the UAE's Minister of Community Development, and Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent. Joining them were international leaders like Princess Nouf Mohammad Al Saud, CEO of the King Khalid Foundation in Saudi Arabia, and Robert Rosen, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. These influential voices shared their expertise and ignited discussions on how to address Asia's most pressing social and environmental challenges.
Beyond the formal sessions, the AVPN Global Conference offered ample opportunities for networking and relationship building. Dedicated spaces and events allowed participants to connect with potential collaborators and explore new partnerships. This focus on fostering a collaborative ecosystem is a cornerstone of AVPN's mission, as it recognizes the power of collective action in driving positive social change.
The 2024 AVPN Global Conference in Abu Dhabi served as a powerful platform for social investors to unite, strategize, and forge a path toward a more sustainable and equitable future for Asia. The conference's emphasis on collaboration and innovation underscored the critical role that social investment can play in tackling the region's most pressing challenges.