Davos 2018: A reflection from our CEO

January 30, 2018 -

As I make my way home back after spending nearly four days in Davos, Switzerland, I am sharing this personal reflection with Islamic Relief (IR) supporters and my followers around the world.

The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos is one of the most important gatherings of business, political and social leaders in the world. Previous meetings here have helped shape global, regional, and economic agendas for several decades. This year around 70 heads of states, 340 ministers and over 3,000 participants from a variety of private and public sector groups were in attendance. Islamic Relief (IR) has been attending the event since 2005, when we were members of the Faith Based Forum that was co-chaired by His Excellency Prince Turki bin Faisal.

Humanitarianism, Finance and Technology

Islamic Relief attends this annual event in order to highlight its work, engage officials at the highest levels and learn about the latest technologies that can help with our humanitarian efforts. I am particularly interested in new technologies and how they can enhance our aid work.

One benefit that IR gains from attending these events is being exposed to the latest thinking in finance and technology that can help create efficiency and effectiveness in our aid delivery system. IR is always willing to use cutting-edge developments and we take calculated risks to launch initiatives that have not been adopted by our peers. I have been exploring the use of Sharia-compliant humanitarian bond and other risk transfer products with Social Impact Investors so that we can help respond to emergencies much more rapidly and efficiently by mobilising private capital up-front.

In 2016, IR was invited to be a member of the Global Future Councils (GFC) for a second consecutive year. The GFC is considered to be one of the world’s foremost interdisciplinary networks that is dedicated to promoting innovative thinking on global issues. Members of the GFC include companies such as MasterCard, DHL, Orange, and NGOs such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It is co-chaired by Peter Maurer (President of the ICRC) and Her Excellency Queen Rania of Jordan, where the aim is to improve public-private partnerships by focusing on digital transformation and humanitarian finances.

Several sessions at the WEF centred on how to deal with humanitarian crises as they become more complex and recurrent. The current way of financing emergencies is not sustainable and alternative methods of financing could be one solution. The ICRC launched its Humanitarian Impact Bond in September 2017 and raised over 20 million Euros which will be used to build three rehabilitation centres in Africa. Inventive funding streams and new mechanisms for delivery is something that could be explored by NGOs in the near-future.

Going forward

Overall, it was a busy four days in Davos. The majority of the events focussed on technology, and associated advantages, risks and governance issues. The WEF has setup a hub called the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution which will assess new technologies, its governance and related regulations. The centre will officially be launched in San Francisco in May 2018. Alongside this, the WEF has also setup the Global Centre for Cybersecurity – a clear indication that the challenges that come with new technologies have to be addressed concurrently.

World leaders such as Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron, Theresa May stressed the importance of embracing technology, but also stated that technology companies have to do a lot more to protect users. Protectionism was another concern for world leaders as most of them see it as a threat to globalisation which, despites its flaws, seems to be more beneficial than nationalistic tendencies.

Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, gave proceedings a different flavour as he presented his project for the eradication of malaria. He was optimistic that eradicating the disease by 2040 was possible, subject to finding new drugs to overcome resistance, bed nets, and data analytics tools.

The ongoing refugee crisis was also a concern to many leaders. The Prime Ministers of Italy and Greece admitted that in Europe there is a no coherent policy in dealing with the refugees. With both countries taking the lion’s share of the burden of this crisis, which is supposed to be shared equally amongst all European countries. The Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, added that development aid has not worked in Africa. Long term investment that would create jobs is what is needed now and this would result in many young people stopping their attempts to migrate to Europe.

Key message

If there was one key message to take from the event, it would be that technology is taking over our lives. In many cases it is helping us to improve life quality, but it is still poorly governed and the public sector is well behind the private sector in embracing the latest technologies. Companies are investing heavily, but little investment is in place to up-skill current workforces. The impact of new technology on our workforce cannot be underestimated.

Our education systems need to be redesigned to prepare our children for different types of jobs that do not exist now but will be available in the future, and technology should be considered as a compulsory subject alongside Science, Maths and English.  I look forward to attending Davos 2019 and hopefully by then situation the world finds itself in will have improved.

Naser Haghamed

new director

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.