A six-pillar framework to lay the foundations for an organised system of work in Abudhabi for the third sector

Abu Dhabi's municipal authorities have unveiled a six-pillar structure to create the groundwork for an orderly system of work for the third sector, which includes not-for-profit organisations, social businesses, and community volunteers. Several panel discussions, presentations, and workshops were held during the first Third Sector Forum organised by the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi to examine methods to support and empower the third sector in achieving sustainable community development.

The event intended to increase the engagement of third-sector partners in discovering and implementing solutions to significant societal concerns, as well as to optimise their effect.

Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of DCD's Community Engagement and Sports Sector, stated that the department is dedicated to supporting third-sector activities. According to Al Balooshi, the framework would strengthen the third sector as a vital partner for all sectors. He mentioned six important pillars under which the public, private, and third sectors collaborate: awareness, law, finance, capacity building, partnerships, and incentives. Al Balooshi cited rules as a crucial facilitator in explaining the DCD's role in assisting the third sector. He stated that quarterly initiatives, workshops addressing societal issues, and reviews will be conducted to achieve real outcomes.

Abu Dhabi has over 143 third-sector actors, 85 of which are public benefit associations. These actors are classified into various sectors, such as civil institutions, humanitarian institutions, communities, solidarity funds, public and cultural institutions, folk arts, theatre, and professional bodies, as well as social enterprise. Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution (Ma'an), stated that developing cooperative and cohesive communities requires a robust and effective third sector.