Launch of a new Initiative YouAE Connect

Recently launched by the Foundation, YouAE Connect is an initiative that raises the awareness of emerging Emirati leaders about some of the complex challenges in international development through exposure to philanthropic foundations, social enterprises and groups that are investing their money, and expertise to address social and economic problems in the developing world.

The initiative took off with a pilot trip early April to Thailand with a group of 13 emerging female Emirati leaders that were selected by the Foundation. The aim of this learning trip, was to increase the group’s understanding of strategic philanthropy, enhance their involvement in cultural diplomacy, and deepen their motivation and nurture their growth as leaders.

During the 8-day trip, the group visited various non-governmental organizations, foundations and social enterprises. These included; Save Elephant Foundation, Children’s Organization of Southeast Asia, The Dulabhatorn Foundation, Baan Sanook Healing Family Foundation, Women’s Education for Advancement and Empowerment, Akha Ama Coffee, Life Skills Development Foundation, New Life Center Foundation and Wildflower Home.

Returning back to Abu Dhabi, and equipped with new knowledge in strategic social problem solving, the 13 emerging female leaders are working now on separate projects based on their learning experience from their trip.

YouAE Connect batch 1 learning trip participants: Aisha Harib, Dubai Abdulla Abulhoul, Fatima Mussa, Judy Mahfouz, Meera Al Mutawa, Rama Husamddine, Reem Hantoush, Safiya Al Maskari, Shaikha Fahed, Sheikha Shamma bint Mohamed Al Nahyan, Shamma Al Amri, Setareh Ebrahimi and Sharifa Yateem.