emirates7 - New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has secured a commitment exceeding US$1 million from the Laidlaw Foundation to establish a groundbreaking partnership—the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The Laidlaw Scholars Programme at NYUAD aims to cultivate the next generation of global leaders.
The programme is set to welcome its inaugural cohort in spring 2026, providing selected undergraduate students with a transformative two-year experience.
Combining leadership development and training with an experiential research project and community-based work experience, the programme equips participants to make meaningful real-world contributions. Additionally, students gain access to a global network of over 2,500 Laidlaw Scholars from top institutions worldwide.
“Partnering with the exceptional NYU Abu Dhabi allows us to expand the geographical scope, cultural diversity, and global influence of the Laidlaw leadership and research scholarship programme,” said Susanna Kempe, CEO of the Laidlaw Foundation.
Fabio Piano, Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, expressed his gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We are privileged to collaborate with the Laidlaw Foundation in our shared goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community of ethical leaders.”
He added, “This partnership underscores our dedication to empowering young people from all backgrounds to come together and build a global society, preparing them to lead with integrity and purpose.”
NYUAD is the first university in the MENA region to join the prestigious Laidlaw Scholars Network, which includes 20 leading universities across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Other members of the network include the University of Oxford, London School of Economics, Imperial College, Columbia University, Cornell University, Brown University, and the University of Hong Kong, among others.
The programme is set to welcome its inaugural cohort in spring 2026, providing selected undergraduate students with a transformative two-year experience.
Combining leadership development and training with an experiential research project and community-based work experience, the programme equips participants to make meaningful real-world contributions. Additionally, students gain access to a global network of over 2,500 Laidlaw Scholars from top institutions worldwide.
“Partnering with the exceptional NYU Abu Dhabi allows us to expand the geographical scope, cultural diversity, and global influence of the Laidlaw leadership and research scholarship programme,” said Susanna Kempe, CEO of the Laidlaw Foundation.
Fabio Piano, Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, expressed his gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We are privileged to collaborate with the Laidlaw Foundation in our shared goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community of ethical leaders.”
He added, “This partnership underscores our dedication to empowering young people from all backgrounds to come together and build a global society, preparing them to lead with integrity and purpose.”
NYUAD is the first university in the MENA region to join the prestigious Laidlaw Scholars Network, which includes 20 leading universities across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Other members of the network include the University of Oxford, London School of Economics, Imperial College, Columbia University, Cornell University, Brown University, and the University of Hong Kong, among others.