Social
Amidst our societal challenges – from access to quality education and healthcare to cultivating inclusion and diversity in the workplace – we remain steadfast in our dedication 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.
“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 at Deloitte Middle East
Joining hands, building hope, and supporting peace
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 promotes peace and 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.
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 meaningful 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
Equipping school students to navigate the digital landscape safely
In an increasingly digital world, ensuring that school students possess the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape safely is paramount. Deloitte Middle East is addressing this critical issue through its signature Corporate Responsibility program, Cyber Heroes.
Developed by our cybersecurity professionals, the Cyber Heroes program is designed to empower students to protect their personal information, understand the implications of their online actions, and mitigate potential cyber threats. Through tailored awareness sessions, delivered by Deloitte volunteering experts, students of different age groups receive engaging and interactive lessons on cyber awareness and online safety.
To date, the program has trained over 5,00 students and teachers across the Middle East. These sessions provide students with practical knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world responsibly, fostering a generation of cyber-savvy individuals.
The Cyber Heroes program is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about instilling a sense of responsibility and vigilance in young minds. By understanding the potential risks and adopting best practices for online safety, students are better equipped to protect themselves and their communities in the digital age.
Through continuous collaboration and a commitment to education, the Cyber Heroes program is making a significant difference in creating safer online environments for students. The initiative’s impact extends beyond individual learning, contributing to a more informed and secure society, ready to face the challenges of the digital world.
The path toward a brighter future
The BrightStart program has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for young individuals, illuminating their path toward a brighter future. This transformative initiative has not only empowered the youth but has also left a lasting impact, shaping a culture of growth, innovation, and social responsibility.
The social impact of the BrightStart program has been profound, reaching far beyond the personal development of the participants. By providing mentorship, skill-building workshops, and real-world experiences, the program has nurtured the talents of these young individuals while instilling in them a sense of social responsibility. Through community service projects, advocacy initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations, BrightStart has become a driving force for positive change in the community.
Many of the program participants, including those from small villages across the Riyadh region, have wholeheartedly embraced the ethos of social impact. They have become ambassadors of change, using their newfound skills and knowledge to tackle pressing social issues and make a difference in the lives of others. Their passion for social change has inspired their peers and colleagues, creating a ripple effect of compassion and empathy.
The impact of the BrightStart program on Deloitte Middle East’s culture cannot be overstated. The program has infused our teams with a sense of purpose and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world. Through collaborative projects, volunteer opportunities, and sustainability initiatives, BrightStart has fostered a culture of social consciousness and community engagement.
Moreover, the BrightStart program has reinforced our dedication to social responsibility and ethical business practices. By investing in the development of young talent and supporting initiatives that benefit the community, we have demonstrated our commitment to being responsible corporate citizens. The program has become a cornerstone of our social impact strategy, guiding us in our efforts to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world.
The BrightStart program is not just a training ground for young talent but a catalyst for social change and community empowerment. Through its focus on social impact and responsibility, the program has transformed the lives of the participants and enriched the culture of our organization. As we continue to invest in the next generation of leaders and advocate for positive change, BrightStart remains a shining example of how businesses can make a difference in the world.
Fueling a culture of community impact
The #iVolunteer movement, created to inspire a culture of volunteering within Deloitte Middle East, is making a tangible difference in communities across the region. While volunteering has always been embedded in the Deloitte Middle East ethos, with year-round opportunities for all professionals accessible through a dedicated volunteer hub platform, the introduction of Impact Month in FY24 has created even greater momentum for volunteerism.
In FY24, Impact Month offered over 25 volunteering opportunities to Deloitte Middle East professionals in a single month, engaging hundreds of professionals both in-person and virtually. The initiative impacted over 2,500 individuals across Middle East communities, fostering growth and building better futures.
An internal Deloitte survey revealed that over 70% of Deloitte Middle East employees feel empowered to contribute to the company's commitment to societal impact, showcasing the #iVolunteer movement's extensive influence.
These experiences from our professionals illustrate the profound impact of their volunteer efforts:
#iVolunteered to lead the Financial Accounting program for university students. “This experience has become a source of inspiration for my teams, encouraging them to contribute their expertise to educational initiatives and pass on their knowledge to the next generation of professionals.” - Munther Al Bandak, Palestine.
#iVolunteered to drive change in society through our Deloitte Accelerator for Social Innovation (DASI) CR program. “My experience working on this initiative was inspiring. With peers from different and complimentary expertise, we have scoped the needs and supported passionate social entrepreneurs in their mission to make an impact that matters.” - Marianne Kordab, Qatar.
#iVolunteered to safeguard the UAE’s climate by planting mangroves, protecting the coastline, and serving as breeding grounds for marine life and birds. “Through this, I've personally embraced a more eco-conscious way of living.” - Kevin Calaguio, Associate, Consulting, UAE
The #iVolunteer movement exemplifies the power of collective action, creating ripples of positive change that extend beyond immediate communities and fostering a culture of empathy and responsibility.
