Davos Diary – Islamic Relief at the World Economic Forum

January 18, 2023 -

Waseem Ahmad, CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide, reports from Davos, where he’s been attending this week’s World Economic Forum.

CEO Waseem Ahmad with Natalia Kanem, Head of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA)

Our planet is facing unprecedented challenges, and we must find creative solutions.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequality, pushing another half a billion people into poverty while the richest get even richer. The number of people suffering from hunger has more than doubled since the start of the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine has sent food and energy prices skyrocketing.

Climate change means that we are witnessing increasingly frequent and severe disasters – from the Horn of Africa’s worst drought in decades, where a person is dying from hunger every 48 seconds, to the devastating floods in Pakistan. And the poorest people are always most affected.

This week I’ve been in Davos, Switzerland, participating in the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) – one of the most important gatherings of the private sector, governments, opinion makers and civil society leaders.

The contrast is stark. Here there is a lot of money and the latest technology, while most of Islamic Relief’s work is in the poorest communities where people struggle to access clean water or one meal a day.

But the enormity of the world’s challenges requires new and innovative ways of doing things, and us all working together. It’s been inspiring to see the possibilities and discuss new solutions.

As I prepare to leave the 2023 WEF, I’m left with a few reflections…

We need global leadership more than ever

It’s clear that there are the funds and expertise to tackle climate change, poverty and hunger – but there is often a lack of political will.

Too much wealth is concentrated in the hands of a small number of people and corporations. We need governments to deliver on their commitments for a fairer society.

More collaboration with the private sector

We need to explore digital solutions to these problems. This week I’ve had some fascinating meetings with the private sector about the potential of new technologies to improve food security.

In parts of northeast Kenya, for example, water is scarce and droughts often wipe out fruit and vegetable crops. Islamic Relief recently partnered with a local Kenyan company to provide farmers with new solar-

powered, high-tech ‘drip irrigation’ kits that use 65% less water than traditional irrigation methods. The solar panels are also much cheaper and better for the environment than diesel pumps. Many farmers participating in the project trebled their yields of tomatoes and onions.

This is the kind of innovative collaboration between charities and businesses that we need to encourage and expand – as long as it’s done ethically and for the right reasons.

Inspired by the people we serve

In between meetings, I spent time staring at some incredible artwork on display by refugees worldwide. It’s a reminder that discussions at big events like this must be rooted in these communities and that the poorest people must not be left out – but they often are. It’s also a perfect example of the creative spirit that is needed to find solutions.

I was particularly inspired by a collage of drawings by Rohingya refugees, which depicted their everyday lives, memories and hopes for the future. On top of the drawings, they traced the routes via which they fled for their lives in 2017. It was a powerful testament to the humanity and dignity of refugees.

The power of faith

This week I’ve met representatives from Christian, Jewish and Buddhist networks around the world, to discuss the importance of our respective faiths in guiding our work.

The majority of people worldwide are religious, yet the role of religion in the humanitarian response gets neglected and needs to be addressed. I was pleased to attend a meeting with Professor Klaus Schwab, the WEF founder, where he highlighted the critical role of faith organisations and religious communities in responding to the world’s biggest crises.

I’m delighted to find out about the commitment from WEF to further amplify the work of faith-based organisations in humanitarian crises and find long-term solutions to the world’s challenges.

Building networks and alliances

Our partnerships with other organisations are vital for reaching more people.

In Afghanistan and Pakistan, our partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is growing from strength to strength, supporting sustainable livelihoods and women’s empowerment. It was great to meet the head of UNDP, Achim Steiner, at WEF and discuss how we can strengthen that work even further in the future.

I also got the opportunity to discuss with Natalia Kanem, the head of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), how we can enhance our collaboration to provide dignity and protection for women and girls in times of crisis – and with David Beasley, the head of the World Food Programme (WFP) on joint initiatives to address the global hunger crisis.

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Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Nadeem Azhar

General Counsel

Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.

He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.

Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.

Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.

Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.

Adnan Hafiz

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.

Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.

With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.