Salam Hamzeh Ghaith, originally from Syria and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, is a renowned International Keynote Speaker and the esteemed Founding President of SmallWorld. Her passion for uplifting those in need was ignited during her youth, where witnessing the stark inequalities faced by people and children fueled her dedication to make a difference. Observing vulnerable children navigating the dangers of Lagos without adequate essentials like health, support, and safety deeply moved her.
Interacting with alarming statistics from UNICEF further fueled Salam’s resolve. Shockingly, she realized a child succumbed to violence every five minutes, with millions of children globally subjected to labor, violence, and neglect. Determined to combat these injustices, Salam vowed to champion the cause of underprivileged children, striving to create a more equitable world.
Salam’s philanthropic journey commenced in her university days in Beirut, where she volunteered and taught at an orphanage in Mount Lebanon. The experience proved transformative as she gleaned lessons of resilience, strength, hope, and gratitude from the children she sought to help. Inspired, Salam established the SmallWorld Foundation in Abu Dhabi in 2011, focusing on empowering disadvantaged children worldwide through education and training. SmallWorld’s impact has been far-reaching, supporting thousands of children across over 45 countries through partnerships with 60+ charities.
Eager to amplify her advocacy, Salam ventured into public speaking in 2015, delivering powerful messages on education’s transformative power. From speaking engagements at prestigious institutions like the INSEAD Graduate School to addressing global forums on peace and sustainable development, Salam’s voice resonated across borders. Her appearances alongside dignitaries and global influencers brought attention to critical issues like child labor and exploitation.
Recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Lebanese Figures globally, Salam’s commitment to philanthropy and social change remains steadfast. Her vision for SmallWorld Foundation extends to creating a sustainable legacy that operates independently, embodying her mission’s success. With a fervent belief in the collective impact of individual actions, Salam continues her crusade to enlighten minds, evoke change, and foster a better world for all.
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