Amidst our societal challenges – from access to quality education and healthcare to cultivating inclusion and diversity in the workplace – we remain dedicated to driving meaningful change for a prosperous future.
Through our programs, initiatives, and focus on creating educational and skills-building opportunities, we aim to empower individuals and communities to thrive. Understanding that collaboration is key to addressing complex issues, we partner with public and private organizations, clients, and other stakeholders to develop impactful solutions. Together, we are powerful.
The Middle East is a region rich in diversity—diversity of culture, language, and religion. It is a place where history is always alive, and where traditions blend seamlessly with modernity. However, it is also a region that has faced significant challenges. These struggles have left many communities in need of support.
Zeytoun is a societal impact program that brings together multiple humanitarian and refugee support efforts under one unified framework. It is anchored in supporting communities affected by conflict, displacement, and disruptions in the Middle East.
"Zeytoun" is the Arabic word for olive. The olive branch, deeply rooted in the cultures of the Mediterranean basin, has evolved into an almost universally recognized symbol of peace in the modern world.
“Zeytoun is more than a program; it is a beacon of resilience and hope in times of adversity. By leveraging our collective strengths and commitment, with our people, partners, and communities, we are able not only to address immediate needs but also pave the way for sustainable, long-term growth and equity. We thrive to extend an olive branch that spans borders and generations, creating ripples of positive change and inspiring a brighter, more inclusive future for all.” - Rana Ghandour Salhab, People and Purpose Leader
Historically, Deloitte has always coordinated internal responses to crises in the region. What sets Zeytoun apart is that it consolidates and elevates the efforts of our teams across the Middle East, creating synergies among projects and providing our professionals with opportunities to contribute and volunteer.
Through Zeytoun, we are mobilizing societal interventions to support and empower conflict-impacted and displaced communities across multiple areas. The program encompasses a range of activities, from humanitarian aid and donations to skill-building, mentoring, career support, and technological empowerment. It is founded on the principles of resilience and hope for a brighter future.
The six main pillars of Zeytoun are:
Zeytoun Humanitarian Support: Contributions and humanitarian volunteering efforts aimed at providing immediate relief
Zeytoun Careers Upskilling: Empowering young people affected by conflicts with employability skills and career guidance
Zeytoun D-CARES (Deloitte – Committed Action for Resourceful Empowerment and Sustainability): Providing refugees, displaced individuals, university students, and NGOs with digital tools and accessibility
Zeytoun Specialized Counselling Support: Offering psychological and emotional support to Zeytoun program participants
Zeytoun Internship Initiatives: Offering internship opportunities at Deloitte Middle East for students impacted by conflict to enhance their professional skills
Zeytoun She-4-She: Empowering young women through one-on-one mentorships with female role models from Deloitte Middle East