Dr. Tariq Cheema, the founder of the WCMP, affirms that the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists (WCMP)' brings together leaders who understand the risks and opportunities they have are common as global citizens, and therefore realize that collaboration across the lines of faith and race is a necessity and not merely a choice'.
Developments:
The conference served as an important occasion for the major Muslim philanthropic organizations—such as the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Islamic Development Bank—and other major regional or international organizations—like The Global Fund, Malaria No More and the Tony Blair Faith Foundation—to meet one another. It enabled excellent opportunities for bridge building between participants and accordingly a series of high-level negotiations took place that are likely to lead to future partnerships.
The WCMP organization itself also showed dynamism as it grows and its role expands. The WCMP organizers fostered deeper connections with a growing number of key philanthropies in the Muslim world, affirming its place as the as a research centre, a unified voice and a staunch advocate of Muslim philanthropy.
The atmosphere of openness, cooperation and trust-building in the Congress enabled the development of closer working relationships between the WCMP and its partners. The reality that organizations need to work more closely together to address challenges was underlined.
The speakers carefully examined the current economic situation's effect on Muslim philanthropy, and looked at ways that can be found to deal with challenges we face. The need for foundations to continue to fund social- and third-sector activity was stressed.
The speakers underlined the harmful effect that economic troubles have on the poorest members of our societies, but raised the encouraging fact that as need increases during a recession so does giving. It was emphasized that in every recession the amount of giving increases, and we should not shy away from the idea of donating during an economic downturn. The speakers suggested that the onus should be put on spending more efficiently, creating strategic partnerships, and reducing non-developmental spending.
The WCMP also succeeded in launching the Academy of Philanthropy. The Academy will provide donor education with an emphasis on how to give strategically and safely through a program known as "Building Leaders for Change". The Academy will also partner with Human Development Foundation to establish "Human Development Institute" that will enhance the capacity of service delivery at the grassroots level.
World-renowned industry experts and high-level representatives of World Bank, Organization of Islamic Conference, Islamic Development Bank, Malaria No More, Reach Out To Asia, Emirates Foundation, King Khalid Foundation, Religions for Peace, Al-Waleed bin Talal Foundation and Emirates Foundation contributed to the debates around global challenges, accountability, and partnership building.
Mr. Tony Blair, HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, Mr. Amr Khaled, Minister Shiekha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister Shahid Malik, UN Special Envoy Mr. Ray Chambers, Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al-Thani, and Mr. Youssou N'Dor addressed the conference.
Posted by Siba Sami Ammari
