This year’s World Economic Forum’s meeting in Davos was themed The New Global Context, and examined political, economic, social and technological changes in the world.
CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide Dr Mohamed Ashmawey attended the five-day event, where he has been called upon to contribute to debates on civil society priorities, violent extremism, the humanitarian crisis in Syria, and innovation in humanitarian response.
Dr Ashmawey was also invited, among representatives from only five more civil society organisations, to be a member of the special World Economic Forum’s civil society advisory board, whose job is to deepen the engagement of civil society members, drive innovation and change, and provide strategic direction for the forum’s civil society communities.
During the conference, which began on Tuesday, he has spoken on Islamic Relief’s humanitarian work in responding to conflict and natural disasters, including how we are using mobile phone web-based technology in South Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia, and how we are working tirelessly to help alleviate the suffering of the hundreds of refugees flooding over the Syrian borders every day.
Achieving a better world
He said: “Davos is the most important conference in the year where businesses and governments, politicians and civil society meet to discuss the future of the world and how to make it better for everyone.
“It is a great opportunity for organisations like Islamic Relief to influence decision makers on subjects such as climate change and gender justice, and to share best practice with similar organisations.
“It also gives us a chance to advocate on behalf of those who cannot attend themselves. Attendees are listening and trying to change the behaviour of companies and governments to help achieve a better world for all of us.”
It has also been a chance for Dr Ashmawey to speak to media about the work being done by Islamic Relief. These include with Thomson Reuters, with Edie Lush of Hub Culture, pictured above, and with Japanese TV business programme Nikkei Plus 10.
Davos attendees this year include names as diverse as King of Jordan Abdullah li Ibn Al Hussein, Christine Lagarde from the IMF, South African leader Jacob Zuma and Eric Schmidt from Google.
From the third sector, representatives include Kenneth Roth of Human Rights Watch, Neal Keny-Guyer of Mercy Corps, Jasmine Whitbread of Save the Children, and Winnie Byanyima of Oxfam International.
At last year’s WEF, Islamic Relief pushed for equity and decisive action to eradicate poverty.