Badr Jafar Received 2026 UN Changemaker Award
The Crescent Enterprises CEO was honored for work integrating business, philanthropy, and partnerships.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People
Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises, was presented with the 2026 UN Changemaker Award at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The honor recognizes leaders who leverage private-sector expertise to advance sustainable and inclusive development goals.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the growing trend of utilizing corporate operations and philanthropic partnerships to address international development challenges. Operators increasingly look to these cross-sector frameworks to align business growth with long-term ESG and community impact objectives.
The award was presented during the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly to multiple leaders, including Jafar, who has led the Pearl Initiative since it was founded in 2010.
The players
Badr Jafar
CEO of Crescent Enterprises and UAE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy.
Global Partnerships Forum
An international platform that facilitates cooperation between the private sector, government, and civil society to advance global development.
Crescent Enterprises
A global conglomerate operating diversified businesses across sectors including ports, logistics, and energy.
The details
The Global Partnerships Forum conferred the award in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Tonga. Jafar, serving as the UAE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy, was selected for his efforts in bridging private enterprise with development policy. This award signals a continued focus by international bodies on involving corporate executives in solving infrastructure and development bottlenecks.
Timeline
2010: Badr Jafar founded the Pearl Initiative.
September 28, 2026: Badr Jafar received the 2026 UN Changemaker Award.
Market Landscape
The ceremony aligns with the UAE's upcoming hosting duties for the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, marking a deepening of the nation's role in international sustainability governance. This follows a broader trend where international organizations formalize partnerships with business leaders to scale development projects.
Business leaders should monitor how global development initiatives impact regional supply chains and regulatory environments in upcoming years. Evaluate how your corporate philanthropy or partnership strategy aligns with these evolving international frameworks for potential visibility and engagement opportunities.
The takeaway
Leadership in sustainable development is increasingly defined by the ability to bridge private enterprise and public policy. Operators should evaluate their own community and industry initiatives to see if they meet the criteria for international standard-setting bodies.
What happens next
The UAE is scheduled to host the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and development, visit People.
