Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
The term “Middle East” was popularised by American naval strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan, when he used the term to describe the areas surrounding the Arabian Gulf. Since then, the term, which identifies the region in reference to its location relative to Europe and the Western Hemisphere, has become the most common way to refer to the land between Europe, Central Asia, and India.
However, at the AVPN conference held in Abu Dhabi this week, the organisers made the symbolic decision to refer to the region as “West Asia”, a name which instead identifies the region in reference to its location within the continent. Although the term is an officially recognised label used by the United Nations, the name is seldom used colloquially, professionally, or even officially.
For the team at AVPN, however, the use of the term was purposeful. Being held under the name, “One Asia, One Future”, the philanthropic conference focused on the shared destiny and identity of the continent.
“If you look at it by the way the UN defines it, this is very clearly West Asia and it’s something that we have always understood that the Middle East is part of Asia; why should we not include you?” AVPN’s Chief Knowledge Officer, Roshini Prakash, told Aletihad on Tuesday.
“I think the conference has always been an inclusive space for people from Asia, and I think that by being here, we are demonstrating it. West Asia was never excluded. We’re not trying to integrate it now. We are just saying that we are very invested in all of Asia.”
Roshini said it was the first time that a GCC country had hosted the conference, which brings together philanthropists from across the continent to connect and partner on charitable projects. She believed holding it in Abu Dhabi would help articulate the similarities between the region and the wider continent, particularly in terms of how they go about philanthropic endeavours.
“I think in this ecosystem, often you revert to Western models. But the AVPN conference is the only Asian conference that brings together all ecosystem players from within Asia to learn about what’s happening in Asia, because we have more in common then we articulate,” she said.
“Asian philanthropy is very quiet. Asian philanthropists give because they find meaning in the cause or they know who’s involved. They don’t give because they want some sort of publicity or PR; that’s not the Asian way. Actually, for Asians to even talk about where they’ve given, it’s not seen so well. So, it is only when we bring them together when they feel safe, that they’re amongst peers that they share.”
Roshini said this characteristic modesty was something she believes the Arab world holds in common with their eastern neighbours. She said these similarities were also apparent in the motivations behind giving, which very often came from deeper more spiritual responsibilities.
“Our values and beliefs are what drive us in Asia, it’s even more central to the way that we give,” she said. “Our motivations through our spiritual lives are very central to who we are as individuals and also drive our giving.”
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, the AVPN Global Conference 2024 gathers over 1,500 delegates including investors, philanthropists, policymakers, and researchers.
