How we’re building social cohesion in four countries

May 16, 2019 Indonesia , Kenya , Pakistan , Philippines -

This International Day of Living Together in Peace, Islamic Relief continues vital work to build social cohesion and resilience. Here, our programme manager responsible for conflict prevention and peacebuilding, Paul Quinn, reports on a major programme taking a tailored approach in four countries.

Islamic Relief’s conflict prevention and peacebuilding programme embodies the principles of promoting peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity that this day promotes internationally.

Linked strongly to the UN’s 2030 sustainable development agenda which emphasises the importance of “peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development”, our work is building social cohesion and improving the resilience of local communities in four countries across Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

We need inclusive and comprehensive approaches if this is to be achieved in a sustainable manner. Islamic Relief is determined that no-one be left behind and to ensure our work has the maximum positive impact, our projects work with local governments, communities, faith leaders, traditional leaders, women and young people.

It is also the reason that each project is tailored to the unique and individual needs of the communities we serve.

Supporting the national peace process in the Philippines

Living together in peace and harmony is a long-term process. In the Philippines, Islamic Relief is working to support the national peace process, engaging the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process to ensure our work provides peace dividends in the region. Education and awareness-raising are critical.

We’ve led community consultations with government representatives to highlight progress in the peace process, and are keeping local communities informed about the government transition in the region.

By doing this, we open channels of communication, dialogue and cooperation that build trust at the local level, complementing the crucial work at the national level.

Children in Maguindanao, the Philippines.

Promoting dialogue through peace councils in Kenya

In Mandera, close to Kenya’s border with Somalia, the security situation has posed challenges for communities. Islamic Relief is building peace and supporting the government’s conflict management efforts. Our team has held dialogues between the community, local peace groups and city government.

We put women, youth, peace and security at the heart of our work.

Recently, Islamic Relief set up eight youth and women peace councils in collaboration with the regional authorities. They provide structured platforms for dialogue on issues affecting the community and ensure no one is left behind.

We’re also supporting local conflict resolution mechanisms, which bring together clan elders, faith leaders, young people, women, and government officials for inter-clan dialogues.

To make sure our approach is most effective we’re using both new and old technologies. Our team take part in radio peace talk shows and developed early warning mechanisms by creating social media groups which raise the alarm quickly when there is an escalation in the local security situation. This contributes to safety and security within the community, and allows us to assess the factors affecting peace and stability, tailoring our activities to respond.

Children in Tana, Kenya.

Addressing climate change to boost resilience and cohesion in Pakistan

Efforts to build community resilience and social cohesion must address the impacts of climate change which are being felt at the local level.

In Pakistan, we’re addressing climate-related issues, particularly freshwater availability. Islamic Relief is engaging local government and community elders, and supporting local social structures to open valuable channels of communication.

We are investing in local water infrastructure to improve water supply, and reinforcing this with vocational support which is unlocking livelihoods and economic opportunities for young people.

The local government provides technical support and we have set up 60 village organisations to enable dialogue and communication – promoting cooperation within the community and with local government. This is increasing community confidence and complements the work of local government, building the resilience of communities and improving water management in the region.

Children in Balochistan, Pakistan.

Shaping community action plans and opportunities for young people in Indonesia

In Indonesia, we’ve held dialogues with regency government and local peace forums. This has helped shape community action plans in social cohesion, disaster risk reduction, and economic empowerment especially for women and young people.

In line with the UN’s ‘Youth 2030’ strategy, Islamic Relief is supporting youth empowerment initiatives in the country, offering training and skills development to boost local livelihoods. Dialogue forums include young people, forging a positive relationship between young people who once felt marginalised and the wider community.

Children in Banten, Indonesia.

The Islamic Relief programme is set to complete in 2021 and combines approaches to dialogue, cooperation, development and humanitarian action.

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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.