Emirates Foundation and BP UAE sign partnership agreement for youth development

The agreement was signed on Wednesday 13th March at the Foundation's headquarters in Abu Dhabi in the presence of Clare Woodcraft, CEO of the Emirates Foundation, and AbdulKarim Al Mazmi, General Manager and Chief Representative for BP UAE.

BP became a supporter of the Emirates Foundation soon after it was established in 2005.

Under this new agreement, BP will extend its support for the Emirates Foundation's overall programme portfolio to the end of 2015.

These programmes aim to help young people to contribute to the nation's long-term progress and sustainability through schemes focusing on leadership and empowerment, social inclusion and community engagement.

Speaking at the signing ceremony AbdulKarim Al Mazmi, General Manager and Chief Representative for BP UAE, said, "Our long-standing partnership with the Emirates Foundation is about BP supporting the country's vision of inspiring, empowering and guiding the youth of the UAE to ensure a sustainable future for the nation. We are very supportive of Abu Dhabi 2030 plan and very proud of our association with the Emirates Foundation."

Commenting on the agreement, Clare Woodcraft, CEO of Emirates Foundation, said, "Emirates Foundation would like to thank BP for its current and historical support for the organization. BP is a long-term partner that has stood with us throughout our journey and has been very supportive of our new business model - venture philanthropy."

Woodcraft noted that the Foundation's new business model is about taking a 'business-based' approach to delivering social value so it's great to see how this has resonated with our partners. Emirates Foundation is keen to work closely with organizations such as BP which also have a commitment to creating social value and are able to move beyond funding and provide strategic input into how we can support young people in the community.

She highlighted that the Foundation is particularly appreciative of BP's input into the early establishment of the Kafa'at programme which is now one of its core initiatives aimed at connecting young people to the private sector. Woodcraft also praised the initiative of Al Mazmi who participated personally in the leadership project by Kafa'at where he mentored and inspired participating youth.

AbdulKarim concluded, "BP aims to make a difference in the communities in which we operate. We are committed to Abu Dhabi's focus on education as the key to a successful and innovative society and The Emirates Foundation's work is so important in supporting this goal."