UAE Launches Aid Foresight Masterclasses for Leaders

The International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council (IHPC), working under the UAE Presidential Court, has announced an important new programme that will focus on preparing the country’s humanitarian leaders for the future. Starting from 29th September until 4th October 2025, a series of masterclasses will be held under the title “Aid Foresight Programme.” These classes will bring together top international experts to share their knowledge and experience with the UAE’s humanitarian leadership.

The aim of the programme is to equip the country’s aid leaders with the most up-to-date knowledge about the changing landscape of global foreign aid. This will help them better understand the challenges of humanitarian work and prepare them to deliver more effective support in crisis-affected regions.

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What Is the Aid Foresight Programme?

The Aid Foresight Programme is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the UAE. It has been designed to strengthen the country’s role in global humanitarian efforts by giving its leaders both theoretical knowledge and practical insights. The programme will help decision-makers understand the new realities of foreign aid, which are often shaped by political, social, and economic changes around the world.

The programme is based on four key pillars:

1. Education – providing knowledge on the current and future challenges of humanitarian work.

2. Capacity Building – giving leaders the skills they need to respond to global crises effectively.

3. Experience Sharing – allowing participants to learn from global experts who have worked in different regions.

4. Strategic Networking – building connections with international professionals to create stronger collaborations.

Why Is This Programme Important for the UAE?

The UAE is already recognized as one of the leading countries in the field of humanitarian aid. The country provides support to many nations affected by conflict, poverty, or natural disasters. However, as the world changes, the challenges of aid work are also becoming more complex.

In today’s world, humanitarian issues cannot be separated from politics, economics, or development. Wars, climate change, migration, poverty, and technology all affect how aid is delivered. For this reason, foresight – the ability to look ahead and prepare for future challenges – is no longer optional. It is now a necessity.

By holding this programme, the UAE is showing its commitment to shaping the future of foreign aid and becoming a global thought leader in this area. The masterclasses will give UAE’s humanitarian leaders the chance to interact directly with some of the world’s best experts.

Global Experts Leading the Masterclasses

The Aid Foresight Programme will feature internationally respected experts who bring rich experience in governance, trade, humanitarian aid, and development.

• Beatriz Nofal – She is a senior advisor on global governance, regional integration, and foreign affairs. She served as Argentina’s G-20 Sherpa and Special Representative for G-20 Affairs. Her work has also been linked with the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, giving her wide experience in international economic and social issues.

• Bart Fonteyne – A senior advisor on Development and Humanitarian Aid at Hyphen. He has worked on complex policy evaluations and long-term strategies. His experience includes assessing Belgium’s international cooperation strategy in Africa and helping develop models for higher education in countries like Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Angola.

• Hosuk Lee-Makiyama – A senior advisor on Trade, Technology, and International Affairs. He is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics Trade Policy Hub and Director at ECIPE. He regularly advises G7 and G20 governments on trade, economic integration, and security. His advice has shaped trade agreements and influenced economic strategies across Europe.

How Will This Benefit the UAE?

The programme is expected to make the UAE a thought leader in humanitarian work by focusing on innovation, collaboration, and strategic leadership. Leaders who attend will be better prepared to respond to crises in regions that are often ignored or under-served by traditional donors, such as:

• Africa

• Asia

• Latin America

• Fragile post-conflict regions

By equipping its leaders with knowledge and foresight, the UAE will be able to engage more effectively in international aid and ensure its efforts bring long-lasting impact to the people most in need.

Institutions Taking Part in the Programme

The programme is being organized by the Office of Development and Affairs (ODA) with support from the UAE Presidential Court. It also brings together some of the country’s most important humanitarian and development institutions, including:

• Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)

• Emirates Red Crescent

• UAE Aid Agency (part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – MOFA)

• 13 affiliates of Erth Zayed Philanthropies

This collaboration between government offices, aid organizations, and philanthropic groups shows the country’s determination to strengthen its aid ecosystem.

The Bigger Picture: Humanitarianism in a Changing World

The global humanitarian landscape is facing unprecedented challenges. Wars, political conflicts, pandemics, and natural disasters are reshaping how aid is delivered. At the same time, new opportunities are emerging through technology, data, and international cooperation.

For a country like the UAE, which has always played an active role in helping others, keeping up with these changes is critical. The Aid Foresight Programme will help leaders anticipate the future needs of communities, rather than simply reacting to crises as they happen.

This forward-thinking approach will also allow the UAE to influence international policies and encourage other countries to adopt innovative ways of delivering aid.

A Step Towards the Future

The Aid Foresight Programme is more than just a training event. It is a strategic investment in knowledge and leadership. By learning from world experts, the UAE’s humanitarian leaders will gain the clarity and confidence they need to guide the country’s aid efforts in the years to come.

As the challenges of humanitarianism grow more complex, this initiative ensures that the UAE will not only continue its role as a donor country but also become a global voice of guidance, leadership, and innovation in the aid sector.