SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
AVPN – the largest network of social investors in Asia – has launched its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, choosing the emirate for its “huge commitment to leading philanthropy, humanitarian aid and social causes”.
Headquartered in Singapore, AVPN has more than 700 members across 43 markets. It aims to increase the flow and effectiveness of financial, human and intellectual capital.
Speaking to Aletihad, Naina Subberwal Batra, Chief Executive Officer at AVPN, said: “The UAE shows how collaboration can make an impact not only locally but globally, and that is why we were invited to open our office here.”
The network helps members connect, learn, act and lead, bringing local needs, regional expertise and policy insight.
It is already channelling resources through thematic platforms and catalytic funds, including Climate x Health: Lighthouse for Asia, the Gender Equality Platform, and the Asian Youth Mental Wellbeing Fund 1.0.
Batra noted that the new hub will “increase collaboration in funding social projects” and showcase UAE-based social enterprises to the wider Asian region.
“It is also about connecting philanthropists – from the UAE, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan – to build a community that is focused on Asia, by Asia, in Asia,” Batra noted.
On AVPN’s use of technology, she explained that its “Impact Collab” platform lists investment opportunities for philanthropists across Asia, helping them discover credible projects in the region.
“Why people do not give is because they do not know about these opportunities. Through AVPN, we can highlight significant opportunities here,” she said.
Also speaking to Aletihad, Manal Bahman, Chief Operations Officer of Emirates Nature–WWF, which has been closely working with AVPN over the past 18 months, said the UAE has been a very strong contender in nature conservation, philanthropy, impact investing and humanitarian aid.
She added that the country is attracting social impact investors, foundations, governments and NGOs.
“We see the UAE's role as a regional convening hub growing significantly. From hosting COP28, the AVPN Global Conference, and the IUCN World Conservation Congress to attracting a myriad of different entities moving here to set up their bases, the country is aligning capital, expertise and innovation.”