What is the AVPN Global Conference 2026?

It is Asia's largest gathering of social leaders, funders, impact investors, philanthropists, corporates, policymakers, and changemakers who direct funding towards solving social and environmental challenges, such as healthcare, education, and climate change.

Where and when will the conference take place?

The conference will be held from **25 to 27 August** at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India.

What is the theme of the AVPN Global Conference 2026?

The conference theme is 'A Blueprint for Action in Asia,' focusing on shaping practical and scalable ways to close Asia's social and environmental financing gaps.

Which UAE leaders are confirmed to speak at the conference?

Confirmed speakers include HE Marwan Rashed BinHashim (CEO, JOOD), HE Mohamed Al Khoori (Vice Chairman, Khalifa Foundation), HE Sarah Shaw (CEO, Majra — National CSR Fund), and Laila Abdullatif (Director General, Emirates Nature-WWF).

What is the significance of West Asia's role in this conference?

West Asia, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is transitioning from being primarily a source of capital to becoming an architect of Asia's impact ecosystem, with nearly **USD 2 trillion** in generational wealth projected to pass to Gulf capital holders over the next decade who are increasingly focused on structured, outcomes-focused giving.

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Tourism·22 August 2026

UAE and West Asia Leaders to Shape Impact Investment at AVPN Global Conference 2026

Senior leaders from the UAE and broader West Asia region will participate in the AVPN Global Conference 2026 in New Delhi, India, focusing on directing funding towards social and environmental challenges.

Senior leaders from the UAE and the wider West Asia region are set to play a prominent role at the AVPN Global Conference 2026, Asia's largest gathering for social impact investment. The conference, themed 'A Blueprint for Action in Asia,' will take place from 25 to 27 August at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India.

The event aims to bring together nearly 2,000 funders, impact investors, philanthropists, corporates, policymakers, and changemakers to develop scalable solutions for addressing Asia's social and environmental financing gaps. Over the next decade, nearly USD 2 trillion in generational wealth is projected to transfer to Gulf capital holders, with a growing interest in outcomes-focused giving, making West Asia a key growth area in the impact investment ecosystem.

UAE and Saudi Arabia's Growing Influence

The speaker line-up highlights the increasing engagement of institutions from the UAE and Saudi Arabia. AVPN has deepened its regional presence since its 2024 Global Conference in Abu Dhabi, establishing a West Asia hub in the city and forming partnerships with entities like the UAE Office of Development Affairs and Ma'an.

Confirmed speakers include:

HE Marwan Rashed BinHashim, CEO, JOOD — Dubai Community Contributions, participating in a session on 'Building the Infrastructure for Cross-Border Giving in Asia.'
HRH Princess Dr. Haya Al Saud, Senior Vice President of Research, Hevolution Foundation, representing Saudi Arabia's evolving philanthropic landscape.
HE Mohamed Al Khoori, Vice Chairman, Khalifa Foundation, joining discussions on 'Scaling Philanthropic Impact: The Role of Policy and Governance.'
HE Sarah Shaw, CEO, Majra — National CSR Fund.
Laila Abdullatif, Director General, Emirates Nature-WWF, addressing 'Coordinating in Crisis: Disaster Response in a Complex World.'

"West Asia is no longer just a source of capital for Asia's impact ecosystem, it's becoming one of its architects," said Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO at AVPN.

The conference will also feature a dedicated session, 'Partnering with the UAE: Pathways for Cross-Border Impact,' which will include a fireside conversation among UAE leaders on partner selection and long-term collaboration strategies.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What is the AVPN Global Conference 2026?: It is Asia's largest gathering of social leaders, funders, impact investors, philanthropists, corporates, policymakers, and changemakers who direct funding towards solving social and environmental challenges, such as healthcare, education, and climate change.
Where and when will the conference take place?: The conference will be held from **25 to 27 August** at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India.
What is the theme of the AVPN Global Conference 2026?: The conference theme is 'A Blueprint for Action in Asia,' focusing on shaping practical and scalable ways to close Asia's social and environmental financing gaps.
Which UAE leaders are confirmed to speak at the conference?: Confirmed speakers include HE Marwan Rashed BinHashim (CEO, JOOD), HE Mohamed Al Khoori (Vice Chairman, Khalifa Foundation), HE Sarah Shaw (CEO, Majra — National CSR Fund), and Laila Abdullatif (Director General, Emirates Nature-WWF).
What is the significance of West Asia's role in this conference?: West Asia, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is transitioning from being primarily a source of capital to becoming an architect of Asia's impact ecosystem, with nearly **USD 2 trillion** in generational wealth projected to pass to Gulf capital holders over the next decade who are increasingly focused on structured, outcomes-focused giving.

Reported by

Zawya — UAE Real Estate

View original coverage

This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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UAE and Saudi Arabia's Growing Influence

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