Abu Dhabi: The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has announced the upcoming third edition of “Partners in Impact” – Third Sector Forum, set to commence at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre.
According to Emirates News Agency, this event is organized in collaboration with ADNOC, demonstrating the department’s dedication to empowering third sector organizations in promoting societal advancement and improving individuals’ quality of life. The forum aims to enhance knowledge and tackle key opportunities and challenges through a range of dialogue sessions featuring both local and international speakers.
The discussions will center on empowering the third sector and building its capabilities and skills in line with international best practices. Notably, the forum will, for the first time, host a Third Sector Awards ceremony to recognize the exceptional contributions of distinguished third sector entities. This initiative seeks to guide organizations and individuals striving to make a positive socia
l impact, enhancing trust in the sector as a significant contributor to social progress.
This year’s Third Sector Awards will feature six main categories: NFP of the Year, Most Impactful NFP, Social Enterprise of the Year, Most Impactful Social Enterprise, Volunteering Team of the Year, and CSR Initiative of the Year. Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of the Community Engagement and Sports Sector at the Department of Community Development, emphasized the forum’s role in showcasing the third sector’s crucial contribution to realizing Abu Dhabi’s vision for a supportive environment that empowers public benefit organizations.
Al Balooshi added that the forum will announce the Third Sector Awards winners, creating a platform to celebrate the third sector’s contributions to sustainable development and volunteer teams. The awards also honor outstanding achievements in social responsibility and their positive societal impact. A committee of specialists from various federal and local institutions has be
en formed to review and evaluate the entries, ensuring that the most distinguished submissions are acknowledged based on expert evaluations.
The forum will also include dialogue sessions focusing on strategies to empower the third sector in making a meaningful positive impact on society. Topics will address strengthening partnerships between third-sector institutions and the public and private sectors, adopting innovative and sustainable approaches to enhance the sector’s role, and promoting cooperation and social solidarity. Additionally, fostering an environment that encourages volunteering and community engagement will be a key focus.
The forum will highlight the third sector’s role in improving individuals’ lives, fostering innovation, and addressing societal needs. It will also emphasize the importance of social entrepreneurship, the role of corporate social responsibility in tackling societal challenges, foundational practices for developing projects with social objectives, and strategies for building
the capabilities of third sector entities.
