Abu dhabi: Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN, Asia's largest network of social investors, announced the establishment of the organization's first international hub in Abu Dhabi. This strategic move highlights the UAE's emerging role as a central hub for philanthropy and social investment in West Asia and beyond.

According to Emirates News Agency, Batra emphasized the UAE's exemplary spirit of service and generosity as key factors influencing the decision. The announcement follows the AVPN West Asia Hub's inauguration in Abu Dhabi, underscoring the emirate's growing significance in the global philanthropic landscape.

Batra recalled the successful AVPN global conference held in Abu Dhabi in April 2024, which attracted over 1,500 delegates worldwide. She noted the profound impact of Abu Dhabi's hospitality and commitment to service on the attendees, reinforcing the choice of location for AVPN's new hub.

The CEO highlighted AVPN's role as a bridge, fostering connections between West Asia and the broader Asian region. She emphasized the potential for collaboration and knowledge sharing due to cultural similarities, which present opportunities for mutual learning and development.

AVPN's new hub in Abu Dhabi will also host a training academy, introducing best practices from around the world to the region. Batra mentioned that the office would facilitate exchanges between Africa and Asia, further broadening the scope of collaboration.

She highlighted the UAE's progress on commitments made during the 2024 AVPN Global Conference, with significant strides in humanitarian aid and climate projects, particularly in Indonesia. These efforts include initiatives to support mangrove forests along Indonesia's coastline.

Batra described AVPN as a unique network connecting philanthropic capital with investment opportunities, aiming to showcase social enterprises in the UAE to attract local and international investment. This aligns with AVPN's mission to ensure investments yield financial, social, and community-based returns.

The new hub in Abu Dhabi is set to become a focal point for Asian philanthropists seeking to invest in the UAE while allowing UAE philanthropists to learn from best practices across Asia. Batra concluded that the social investment agenda focuses on deploying capital for impactful, sustainable investments.