Khalifa Foundation has announced a five-year, US$12.8 million partnership with Canada's McGill University to strengthen education and human capacity development internationally.
The partnership brings together Khalifa Foundation's experience in humanitarian and development work with McGill University's academic and research expertise. Over five years, the collaboration will focus on developing educational leaders, supporting teachers and educators, strengthening education systems, and building human and institutional capacity in priority sectors. It will also promote knowledge exchange and locally driven approaches to development, helping institutions respond to their communities' needs and sustain progress over time.
The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation is part of of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, an Abu Dhabi-based philanthropic institution with a network of affiliates operating worldwide.
H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Secretary-General of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, said: "This partnership builds on the UAE's longstanding commitment to investing in people, guided by the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who placed human development and empowerment at the heart of his vision. Through our collaboration with McGill University, we aim to draw on academic knowledge and expertise to develop educational leaders and strengthen the ability of institutions to respond to the needs and development priorities of their communities, creating benefits that endure for future generations."
H.E. Mubarak Rashed Ali Al Nuaimi, Director General of Khalifa Foundation, said: " The strength of this partnership lies in what it can leave behind: stronger educational institutions, capable local leaders, and expertise that continues to benefit communities long after individual programs have ended. Working with McGill University, we aim to turn academic knowledge into practical capabilities that respond to each country's development priorities. Our focus is not simply on delivering programs, but on building the foundations for lasting progress."
Professor Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University, said: "This partnership demonstrates the role universities can play in supporting national development by translating knowledge into institutional capacity and skilled leadership. By bringing together McGill University's academic expertise and Khalifa Foundation's development vision, we aim to support beneficiary countries in building stronger education systems that respond to national priorities and deliver lasting impact for their communities."
The Khalifa Foundation supports philanthropic and development initiatives in the UAE and internationally, focusing on education, economic empowerment, and community development. As an affiliate of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, the Foundation contributes to a wider philanthropic network working to strengthen collaboration, share expertise, and advance sustainable development.
About Erth Zayed Philanthropies
Established in October 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Erth Zayed Philanthropies carries forward the philanthropic legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the enduring spirit of Al Khair, a distinctly Emirati philosophy of giving rooted in generosity, compassion, stewardship, and service to humanity.
Erth Zayed Philanthropies brings together a network of affiliated philanthropic organizations under a shared ambition. Working across health, education, agriculture and food, economic empowerment, nature, and culture and community engagement and alongside governments, businesses, civil society, and international partners, the network strengthens systems, builds local capacity, catalyzes partnerships and scales sustainable solutions.
Its network includes Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE), Zayed for Good Foundation, Khalifa Foundation, Emirates Foundation, Zayed Sustainability Prize, Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, Khalifa Award for Education, Mohamed bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher, Sandooq Al Watan, Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, International Fund for Houbara Conservation, Clean Rivers, and Ekthar.
For more details on Erth Zayed Philanthropies visit, https://www.erthzayed.ae/.
