[ad_1]
The Authority for Social Contribution (Ma’an) has launched the Social Enterprise Certification, a first-of-its-kind scheme in the UAE that provides socially-driven organisations with a seal of brand recognition.
The announcement was made at a special ceremony by Ma’an at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD), Sheikha Shamma bint Khalifa bin Hamdan Al Nahyan of the Al Mubarakah Foundation, Salama Al Ameemi, Director-General of Ma’an, and several senior leaders of social organizations in Abu Dhabi officials.
As an innovative tool to make socially-driven businesses and businesses sustainable in a competitive marketplace, the programme provides certified entities with a range of direct and indirect benefits and incentives.
social entrepreneurship
Through certification, Maan aims to promote social entrepreneurship, support the establishment and development of social SMEs, ensure measurable social impact led by community-based enterprises, and create a multiplier effect of social value, supporting innovative solutions and initiatives. Development addresses Abu Dhabi’s key social priorities.
During the pilot phase from March 2022 to July 2022, a group of social enterprises and enterprises that meet the accreditation standards will be awarded social certificates at the official launching ceremony.
Through the accreditation programme, Ma’an aims to raise awareness of the third sector and highlight the role of business in operating and sustainably serving the community in Abu Dhabi’s social sector.
different classes
Al Ameemi said: “Today, we present to the different segments and groups of the Abu Dhabi community – individuals and organisations – an innovative initiative that will change the landscape of the emirate’s third sector. In launching the programme, we aim to highlight The important role of socially driven organizations in providing a wide range of products and services that meet the needs of the community and achieve the government’s social priorities.”
Al Ameemi added: “As the UAE’s first government accreditation body for social enterprise, Ma’an appreciates the government’s trust in us and recognizes the great responsibility we have in serving the country and society. We will continue to serve as government, private sector and the third sector to create a positive and sustainable social impact, while promoting cooperation and integration between all segments of Abu Dhabi society.”
Al Ameemi noted that the certification will be a catalyst for positive economic and social change by embedding social procurement thinking in the delivery of various services and products at the individual and organizational level. “We are delighted that our strategic partners have had unwavering support in this key project, including the Ministry of Community Development, Economic Development and the Abu Dhabi Global Market, who have helped Ma’an achieve an important initiative, ‘ she added.
All businesses whose activities are in line with social priorities identified by the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development can apply for the Maan Social Certificate free of charge. Social certificates are awarded to Abu Dhabi-based social enterprises that have social goals as part of their organizational and operational goals. Businesses outside of Abu Dhabi can also join the program after setting up a branch in Abu Dhabi.
Rewards offered
Social certificates enable social enterprises to enhance the credibility of their brands in Abu Dhabi and the public and private sectors across the UAE. The recognition certifies that certified businesses align their business activities with Abu Dhabi’s social priorities and contribute to their sustainability and profitability. Furthermore, it helps promote social entrepreneurship across the emirate by encouraging the growth and development of new socially driven organisations.
Accredited social enterprises receive Abu Dhabi’s brand seal of approval and enjoy a range of direct and indirect incentives such as exclusive access to mentors and coaches, funding and networking opportunities, golden visa endorsements, and access to learning management systems and public procurement platform. Socially certified businesses will also receive a subsidy for commercial licensing fees.
27 social enterprises joined
During the trial start-up phase from March 2022 to July 2022, Ma An received applications for social certification from 45 companies. Of these, 27 entities have successfully obtained certificates and 13 entities are currently reviewing and renewing their applications.
These businesses serve multiple social priorities, including health, education, social inclusion, the environment and family cohesion. They also serve community groups such as people of determination, youth, students, seniors and the entire community of Abu Dhabi.
Faisal Alhmoudi, Executive Director of Incubation and Social Contract at Ma’an, said: “The programme has greatly facilitated social procurement thinking between the emirate’s government and private entities, and through the establishment of new social enterprises.”
strict governance
Ma’an adheres to the strict governance systems and procedures adopted by the Abu Dhabi government in its initiatives and plans to promote the development of the third sector in Abu Dhabi. These programs are reviewed by specialized committees of Maan and its key partners to review social credential applications.
Companies that receive social credentials must submit annual reports on the social impact of their programs and initiatives in order to continue to benefit from the direct and indirect incentives provided by social credentials. – arab trade news agency
[ad_2]
Source link