UAE wants business and philanthropy 'pulling in same direction' to fill global aid gaps, says senior official

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) aims to bridge the gap left by humanitarian funding shortages by turning to private capital that seeks useful investment opportunities, according to a senior Emirati official. Badr Jafar, the UAE's Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, made this statement during an interview at the UAE mission on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Jafar emphasized that official aid fell by nearly 25% last year, the largest decline on record, while private capital has never been more available for productive use.

The sharp decline in global aid from OECD donor countries, with humanitarian aid suffering the most at 36%, has driven the UAE to seek innovative solutions. The country, despite being part of a small group of countries outside the traditional Western donor bloc, increased its aid in 2025, focusing on regional crises such as Gaza and the West Bank. Jafar stated that the UAE will continue to provide a "table" for philanthropy and investment to align their efforts in addressing global gaps.

During the week-long diplomacy at the UN General Assembly, the UAE facilitated discussions between business executives, investors, and foundations on topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and water, which are key elements of the UAE's foreign policy agenda. Jafar highlighted that the UAE brings together these stakeholders to work on concrete projects, owners, and dates rather than just making announcements.

He stressed that this approach, rooted in the UAE's tradition of connecting people across cultures, allows the country to foster meaningful conversations and deliver results, showcasing its unique diplomatic style.