Shatr Platform Launched to Address Non-Profit Challenges

Riyadh, July 7, 2024 — The National Center for Non-Profit Sector (NCNPS), in partnership with the Abdullah Al Rajhi Foundation, has launched the “Shatr” innovation platform, a groundbreaking digital initiative designed to foster a culture of innovation within Saudi Arabia’s non-profit sector. The platform brings together creators, entrepreneurs, and experts to address sector challenges through discovery, interaction, communication, and the development of innovative solutions. The launch event, held in Riyadh, featured a presentation on the platform’s capabilities and a speech by Eng. Abdul Mohsen bin Turki Al-Turki, Deputy CEO of NCNPS, who emphasized the importance of leveraging the capabilities of creators and innovators to drive the sector’s development and contribute to broader community impacts.

Context and Background

The non-profit sector in Saudi Arabia has experienced significant growth in recent years, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives to enhance social development and economic diversification. The National Center for Non-Profit Sector, a government entity established to regulate and support the sector, has been instrumental in creating an enabling environment for charitable organizations. The Abdullah Al Rajhi Foundation, a prominent philanthropic organization, has a long-standing commitment to stimulating non-profit work. Together, they identified a need for a dedicated platform to connect stakeholders and foster innovation. The “Shatr” platform fills this gap by providing a digital space where challenges can be shared and innovative solutions developed collaboratively.

Key Details

The “Shatr” platform facilitates discovery, interaction, and communication among individuals and organizations, enabling more effective collaboration. During the launch event, three significant agreements were signed. First, an agreement between the Abdullah Al Rajhi Foundation and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to fund strategic initiatives for youth development and promote social innovation in youth employment in Saudi Arabia. Second, an agreement with the Council of Foundations to activate the “Shatr” innovation community, supporting the non-profit sector and encouraging charitable institutions to provide funding and innovative solutions. Third, an agreement with the Council of Non-governmental Organizations to promote the registration and participation of civil associations, gather challenges, and enhance cooperation among them to provide innovative solutions through the “Shatr” innovation community. Eng. Abdul Mohsen bin Turki Al-Turki highlighted that the platform emphasizes creators and experts as key drivers for generating ideas and solving challenges, serving as a creative window for developing the non-profit sector and helping it overcome obstacles.

Implications and Impact

The launch of the “Shatr” platform represents a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernize and empower the non-profit sector. By connecting creators, entrepreneurs, and experts, the platform is expected to accelerate the development of innovative solutions to pressing social challenges, such as youth employment, social welfare, and community development. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s broader goals of enhancing social responsibility and fostering a culture of philanthropy. Internationally, it positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in leveraging technology and innovation for social good, potentially attracting global partnerships and investment in the non-profit sector. The agreements signed during the event demonstrate strong cross-sector collaboration, with government ministries and non-governmental organizations working together to support the platform’s objectives.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The “Shatr” platform is a direct reflection of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. By promoting innovation and collaboration in the non-profit sector, the platform contributes to the Vision’s objectives of increasing non-oil revenue, empowering youth, and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. The support from the National Center for Non-Profit Sector and the Abdullah Al Rajhi Foundation underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving the Vision’s goals through partnerships and innovative solutions. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward a diversified and sustainable future, initiatives like “Shatr” will play a crucial role in driving social progress and economic development.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the “Shatr” platform?

A1. The “Shatr” platform is a digital innovation platform launched by the National Center for Non-Profit Sector in partnership with the Abdullah Al Rajhi Foundation to foster innovation in Saudi Arabia’s non-profit sector.

Q2. Who launched the “Shatr” platform?

A2. The platform was launched by the National Center for Non-Profit Sector (NCNPS) in partnership with the Abdullah Al Rajhi Foundation.

Q3. When was the “Shatr” platform launched?

A3. It was launched on July 7, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Q4. What is the main goal of the “Shatr” platform?

A4. Its main goal is to foster a culture of innovation within the non-profit sector by connecting creators, entrepreneurs, and experts to address sector challenges.

Q5. Who spoke at the launch event?

A5. Eng. Abdul Mohsen bin Turki Al-Turki, Deputy CEO of NCNPS, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of leveraging creators and innovators to develop the non-profit sector.

Q6. What agreements were signed during the launch event?

A6. Three agreements were signed: with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Council of Foundations, and the Council of Non-governmental Organizations.

Q7. What is the purpose of the agreement with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development?

A7. It aims to fund strategic initiatives for youth development and promote social innovation in youth employment in Saudi Arabia.

Q8. What does the agreement with the Council of Foundations entail?

A8. It activates the “Shatr” innovation community, supports the non-profit sector, and encourages charitable institutions to provide funding and innovative solutions.

Q9. What does the agreement with the Council of Non-governmental Organizations aim to achieve?

A9. It promotes the registration and participation of civil associations, gathers challenges, and enhances cooperation among them to provide innovative solutions through the “Shatr” innovation community.

Q10. How does the “Shatr” platform facilitate innovation?

A10. The platform facilitates discovery, interaction, communication, idea development, and innovative solutions through a digital space that connects individuals for more effective communication.

Q11. Who are the key drivers of innovation on the “Shatr” platform?

A11. Creators and experts are the key drivers for generating ideas and solving challenges within the non-profit sector.

Q12. What role does the Abdullah Al Rajhi Foundation play in this initiative?

A12. The Foundation is committed to stimulating non-profit work and partners with NCNPS to guide the sector’s development through the “Shatr” platform.

Q13. How does the “Shatr” platform contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A13. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting innovation, empowering youth, enhancing social development, and fostering cross-sector collaboration to achieve a vibrant society and thriving economy.

Q14. What are the expected impacts of the “Shatr” platform on the non-profit sector?

A14. It is expected to accelerate the development of innovative solutions to social challenges, enhance collaboration, and attract global partnerships and investment in the non-profit sector.

Q15. How does the “Shatr” platform support youth employment?

A15. Through the agreement with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, it funds strategic initiatives for youth development and promotes social innovation in youth employment.

Q16. What is the National Center for Non-Profit Sector?

A16. It is a government entity established to regulate and support the non-profit sector in Saudi Arabia, driving its development in line with Vision 2030.

Q17. What is the Abdullah Al Rajhi Foundation?

A17. It is a prominent philanthropic organization in Saudi Arabia with a long-standing commitment to stimulating non-profit work and social development.

Q18. How can organizations participate in the “Shatr” platform?

A18. Organizations can participate by registering through the agreements with the Council of Foundations and the Council of Non-governmental Organizations, which promote participation and cooperation.

Q19. What challenges does the “Shatr” platform aim to address?

A19. It aims to address various challenges faced by non-profit organizations, including youth employment, social welfare, and community development, by fostering innovative solutions.

Q20. What does the future hold for the “Shatr” platform?

A20. The platform is expected to grow as a hub for innovation in the non-profit sector, driving social progress and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

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