*** ----> Charities to go smart through ICT | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Charities to go smart through ICT

In a first of its kind event in the Middle East, charities will be trained to become up-to-date with technological advances.

Charities will be taught the way to go 'smart' in a conference taking place next month. Participants from all over the Middle East will be visiting Bahrain for the 'Charity Innovation Conference' under the theme 'Smart Impact through Technology Innovation'. The Bahrain & GCC Society for Small & Medium Enterprises and Inovent Events Management will be organizing the Charity Innovation Conference 2015 at the Diplomat Raddison Hotel in Manama. The sponsors of the event include Manafeth System and ISYS smart payment services.

The conference, accompanied by an exhibition, will bring together pioneers and leaders from NGO’s, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR ) entities and technology companies to discuss  how charities can improve their effectiveness of operations and performance by utilizing technology.

The key topics of conference includes Digital Social Innovation (DSI), Online Cyber Charity Innovation and Mobile Charity Applications, New Charity Technology Trends and Cloud Charity solutions, approaches for the Third Sector to Benefit from Technology Providers, Success Stories & Efficient Practices Case Studies and International NGOs & Leading Practices.

Speaking to DT News Inovent Manager Abdulrahman A. Adam said that the aim of the event is to link leaders from NGOs, charities, and Corporate Social Responsibility entities with ICT experts from the region to discuss how charities can effectively improve their operations and performance by using technology. "The idea is a result of discussion between charities and ICT experts on how NGOs can best utilize new trends in technology. We will discuss how innovation has changed the way non-for-profit organizations run their operations and receive donations worldwide. The idea came out from the notion that this sector in the region needs to be aware of the choices of technologies and innovative opportunities that can serve their needs. Unlike, other business, a key challenge for charities is harnessing the power of the digital age in terms of discovering the available and appropriate products since most products are tailored for profitable business."

Echoing a similar view ISYS Smart Payment Services CEO Mohamed Kassem CEO said "The conference and the exhibition will allow learning opportunities and keep charities up to date with the latest technology solutions through expert-led sessions and networking opportunities."

Manafeth System Founder and Executive Director Salem Al Harbi said "We believe this event is vital for us as providers of solutions to help charities to improve operations, online fundraising, donors tracking, and performance governance."