More than three decades ago when I founded Alwaleed Philanthropies, I made a commitment to help build a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable world for generations to come.

It is this same commitment that has driven me to take the Giving Pledge today. I am honoured to be the first Arab Muslim to do so, and it is my sincere hope that other Arabs and Muslims will follow in giving a pledge.

I have been blessed with a great deal of good fortune in my life. For me, the Giving Pledge is an expression of my desire to give back, both to my community and to the wider world.

The Giving Pledge is also an opportunity to join a unique group of philanthropists and combine our efforts to solve some of the greatest and most intractable challenges of our time. This spirit of partnership is central to the work of Alwaleed Philanthropies. We are far stronger together than we are individually.

Philanthropy has the power to deliver extraordinary progress. It can fight poverty, empower women, develop communities, and provide emergency help to those who need it most. Just as importantly, it also has the power to bridge the divides that exist between different cultures around the world.

It is our duty as philanthropists to harness the very best of human nature – generosity, innovation, creativity – to make the biggest possible difference in people’s lives.

I pledge to devote not only my resources, but my time and energy, to the fulfilment of this duty. This is a pledge without boundaries, for all humanity.

 

Chairman