ABU DHABI: Philanthropy is part of the region’s “DNA”, but how it is perceived and supported often hinges on media narratives, said Princess Lamia bint Majed Saud Al-Saud, secretary-general of Alwaleed Philanthropies, on the second day of the BRIDGE Summit in Abu Dhabi.
Addressing media leaders, policymakers and innovators, Princess Lamia stressed that media hold the power to amplify or undermine philanthropic efforts, making responsible storytelling a critical pillar in advancing humanitarian and development causes.
During Alwaleed Philanthropies’ measles and rubella vaccination campaign, Princess Lamia said fake news broadcast a warning that the jab increased the risk of autism.
She explained: “We wanted kids to be vaccinated but we had to make a full campaign to educate people about autism in medicine and so on.”
She added that media and philanthropy were connected, with each playing a unique role in addressing community needs.
She said: “Media and philanthropy are not very much far from each other because media creates awareness on what this community needs,” noting that while media had the power to shine a spotlight on urgent issues, philanthropy sustained that attention in the long term.
“One of the most important aspects of jobs in media is that whenever there is a crisis, it makes headlines in every channel and entity for a maximum of a month.”
Philanthropy, however, played the role of a constant reminder, and Princess Lamia said: “Philanthropists play the role of guardians to keep reminding the people, for example in Syria, Palestine and Myanmar, who people keep forgetting about, the struggles of women there.”
Alwaleed Philanthropies is currently working on several projects, including restoration of water supply in eastern Aleppo, supporting Palestinian crafts for a sustainable future, and helping to transform the craft industry in Myanmar.
Princess Lamia said the organization had a formula for success in almost every country in the world, and added that there were no “hit and runs” in philanthropy.
She added: “We have an international partner that we trust. We must have a governmental entity on (the) ground to make sure that this is going to be sustainable and it is not going to vanish and end whenever we are out. And there is a local NGO (nongovernmental organization) to make sure that this satisfies the needs of the community.”
Alwaleed Philanthropies is a Saudi-based NGO focused on empowering women and youth. It also helps in disaster relief and community development.
Princess Lamia noted that philanthropy has always defined the people of this region.
“Philanthropy and doing good in this part of the world is in our DNA, it’s Zakat. It’s an amount of money that you have to pay for others for them to be better. And we have a belief as much as you pay, as much you will get.”
She added: “This is Islam; when you pay, you get.”
