His Excellency Ghassan I. Shaker is a founder and patron of various charity organisations in the Middle East and Turkey.

He is also patron of the Semiha Sakir Foundation, Turkey, comprising hospitals, schools, retirement homes, orphanages, maternity hospitals and education at primary, middle, higher and university levels.

His Excellency Ghassan I. Shaker was appointed as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Goodwill Ambassador in 1990. Since his appointment, he has funded numerous educational projects benefitting women, children and refugees in the most difficult circumstances.
 

Through his help, UNESCO was able to rebuild and equip destroyed schools and provide desperately needed emergency aid to women and children whose lives had been ravaged by war.

His Excellency has supported UNESCO education activities and programmes in the following domains:

- Microfinance: Poverty Alleviation and Post-literacy Project for Women
- Emergency relief for women and children
- Early Childhood education: Early Childhood Resource and Training Center
- Reconstruction and equipping of destroyed schools
- Street children programme
- Education for children with disabilities
- Education assistance for refugees
- Fundraising for UNESCO projects benefitting street children and UNESCO education programme for "Children in Need"

He continues to participate in ongoing activities and programmes all over the world through the good offices of UNESCO

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