Badr Jafar Received 2026 UN Changemaker Award
The award recognized his efforts to merge business and philanthropy for sustainable development.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People
Badr Jafar, the UAE Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, received the 2026 UN Changemaker Award. The ceremony was held at the UN Headquarters in New York during the 81st Session of the General Assembly.
Why it matters
The honor highlights leadership in integrating private sector resources with philanthropic goals to advance inclusive global development. It emphasizes the growing role of business figures in solving international policy challenges.
Jafar was one of four distinguished recipients honored during the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly. He has also been a central figure in corporate governance through his founding of the Pearl Initiative in 2010.
The players
Badr Jafar
He serves as the UAE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy and CEO of Crescent Enterprises.
Amir Dossal
He is a leader at the Global Partnerships Forum who presented the award at the UN Headquarters.
Jose Ramos-Horta
He is a distinguished leader who was also recognized as a recipient during the award ceremony.
The details
Amir Dossal presented the award to Jafar on behalf of the Global Partnerships Forum, which collaborated with the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Tonga for the event. Other notable recipients of the recognition included Jose Ramos-Horta, Dr. Ann Aerts, and Dr. Srgjan Kerim.
Timeline
2010: Badr Jafar founded the Pearl Initiative.
September 28, 2026: Badr Jafar received the 2026 UN Changemaker Award.
Market Landscape
This recognition aligns with the ongoing expansion of the Pearl Initiative, which continues to influence corporate governance standards across the Middle East. It signals a shift toward prioritizing social impact as a core metric in international business operations.
While the award is a professional honor, it underscores the increasing importance of philanthropy in corporate leadership roles. Average professionals may see a shift toward more inclusive corporate social responsibility requirements in their own workplaces.
The takeaway
This award highlights the importance of leveraging private sector partnerships to tackle sustainable development goals. Integrating philanthropic initiatives into core business strategy remains a vital path for modern leadership.
What happens next
The UAE is scheduled to host the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, marking another milestone for the nation's international engagement.
Further reading
Learn more about influential figures shaping global industries in the People section.
