SSSD hosts the third social responsibility meeting

The meeting aimed to share experiences from different entities in the field of social responsibility and reinforce social responsibility practices that align with the UAE's vision. Additionally, it sought to enhance the role of community partnerships and explore ways to maximise the impact of social responsibility initiatives.

Welcoming remarks by Hessa Al Hammadi

Hessa Al Hammadi, Director of the Cohesion Department, opened the meeting by welcoming the attendees and emphasising the importance of social responsibility in building a cohesive society. She highlighted that the meeting was a platform to discuss sustainable community projects and initiatives. Al Hammadi stated that social responsibility is not a mere concept but a way of life that fosters cooperation between individuals and institutions, supporting humanitarian and social initiatives to achieve sustainable development.

The impact of social responsibility

Al Hammadi discussed the positive effects of social responsibility, stressing that it goes beyond financial contributions. She explained that it enhances the supporter’s position in society, boosts institutional reputation, and strengthens relations with community partners. The department continues to strengthen partnerships with both government and private entities to promote integration and community sustainability, furthering the UAE’s vision through their programs and initiatives.

Encouraging knowledge exchange and future collaboration

Al Hammadi concluded by recognising the efforts of various partners who contribute to the department’s social responsibility initiatives. She hoped the meeting would serve as an opportunity to exchange knowledge, experiences, and ideas, fostering collaboration toward a more sustainable future.

Dialogue session with strategic partners

A dialogue session featured strategic partners who have contributed significantly to social responsibility projects. Among the participants was Engineer Fathi Afana, CEO and Founder of Fast Construction Contracting Company. Afana discussed the importance of humanitarian cooperation across sectors, and his personal commitment to supporting various initiatives regardless of nationality, religion, or background.

Fathi Afana’s personal journey and community contributions

Afana shared his personal journey from childhood hardship in Rafah to success in business in Sharjah, attributing his commitment to community work to his early experiences with poverty and alienation. He noted that his business success in the UAE led him to allocate 20% of his annual profits to support community work, which has since expanded beyond financial contributions to encompass broader initiatives.

Commitment to education and community development

Afana stressed the importance of education in transforming communities, saying, “If you educate an individual, you have contributed to reviving a family and a community.” He highlighted his long-standing support for education by providing scholarships at universities such as the American University of Sharjah and Ajman University, as well as funding scholarships for students at the University of Palestine in Gaza. Afana also paid tuition fees for hundreds of students, allowing them to graduate and contribute to society.

Supporting people of determination and community events

Afana continues to support various initiatives, including an endowment fund for scholarships, sponsorship of centers for people with disabilities, and his support for the Sharjah International Athletics Forum for the Disabled. His contributions also extend to the annual group Iftar initiative for 70,000 meals during Ramadan and the Zayed Arab Wedding, which helped 200 young Arabs. Afana’s ongoing commitment exemplifies the impact of social responsibility and its role in building a sustainable community.