Our approach has the following characteristics:

• It is driven by goals and targets.
• It recognizes that to advance solutions we need to implement multiple, inter-linked tactics.
• It takes on big challenges and invests in finding solutions over time; it is generational work.
• It recognizes that citizens are key protagonists in social advancement. As a result, the work of the Foundation focuses heavily, though not exclusively, on building capacity in citizens, creating educational opportunities for them, and providing them with the opportunity to build skills and expertise. Implicit in this is the recognition that the UAE’s most precious resource is its people.
• It is knowledge-based, building out its work on the sound basis of data and input from experts and stakeholders.
• It places a high value on evaluation to determine whether goals are being met.
• It recognizes that in seeking to create large-scale change it is often necessary to work in partnership.

To these ends, the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation:

• Connects stakeholders.
• Convenes for joint planning and shared action.
• Serves as an incubator (sometimes initiating our own programs) as well as supporter of existing initiatives; always a value-adder (not a duplicator).
• Generates knowledge.
• Serves as a platform for family members, especially young family members, to exercise public service and learn about philanthropy.