Philanthropy Is In Our DNA, Says Princess Lamia Al Saud At BRIDGE Summit 2025 Session

H.R.H. Princess Lamia Bint Majed AlSaud emphasised the deep-rooted tradition of philanthropy in the Middle East, linking it to the concept of Zakat. She stated, "Philanthropy and doing good in this part of the world is in our DNA, it's Zakat." This reflects a cultural belief that giving leads to receiving blessings. The region's significant philanthropic efforts often stem from prominent business figures and family enterprises.

Alwaleed Philanthropies, led by Princess Lamia, operates globally, focusing on empowering women and youth, community strengthening, disaster relief, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. The organisation collaborates with partners like UNICEF and Gavi to deliver vaccines in developing countries. In Laos, they work with local entities to combat measles and rubella through awareness campaigns.

Princess Lamia highlighted the media's crucial role in raising awareness about community needs. She noted that media can inspire individuals by showcasing everyday stories that shape perceptions. "I get inspired by people that I see every day," she said, stressing how media can uplift women and drive social change.

During her visit to Laos, Princess Lamia observed challenges beyond vaccine distribution. Cultural beliefs about diet during pregnancy led to malnutrition among children. Her firsthand experience allowed Alwaleed Philanthropies to tailor their awareness campaigns effectively. She remarked on the importance of media as a guide for understanding real issues and shaping responses.

Alwaleed Philanthropies ensures sustainable impact through strategic partnerships with governmental bodies and local NGOs. Princess Lamia explained their approach: "For each project we must have a governmental entity on ground... And there is a local NGO to make sure that this satisfies the need of the community." This strategy ensures projects continue benefiting communities even after initial involvement ends.

The foundation follows a structured process when selecting projects to support globally. Princess Lamia stated, "We work in almost every country around the world... We go through it in every project." They commit to staying with communities for at least three years to ensure meaningful impact.

Challenges in Global Health Initiatives

The foundation's health initiatives face unique challenges due to geographical and cultural factors. In Laos, where 80% of land is mountainous and diverse dialects exist, delivering vaccines requires careful planning. Princess Lamia personally inspected cooling systems during the rainy season to ensure vaccine safety during transport.

Reflecting on philanthropy's role as a storyteller, Princess Lamia urged NGOs and NPs to remind media outlets about ongoing needs in regions like Syria, Palestine, and Myanmar. She believes these reminders help maintain support for vulnerable communities worldwide.

The BRIDGE Summit 2025 session titled ‘The End of Media's Philanthropic Whiplash’ featured Princess Lamia discussing these themes. As Secretary General of Alwaleed Philanthropies and a Board Member of BRIDGE Alliance, she continues advocating for media's role in philanthropy.

With inputs from WAM