Events and Missions

Launch of the 6th Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report  

In March 2024, UNHCR launched its 6th Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report, showcasing the impact of UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund since 2017. The report was launched in Kuwait in collaboration with the Kuwait Zakat House, highlighting UNHCR’s Islamic Philanthropy Impact throughout 2023. The event emphasized the role of Islamic charity in responding to displacement crises and fostered collaboration among local private and civil society groups. Key priorities discussed included setting measurable goals, ensuring financial transparency, and conducting field visits to enhance aid effectiveness and trust. Recommendations focused on sustainable partnerships with global organizations, support for vulnerable communities like Rohingya refugees, and improvements in healthcare and awareness initiatives. The event concluded with a recommendation from Mr. Khalid Khalifa, UNHCR’s Senior Advisor & Representative to the GCC Countries, to explore further dialogue on Zakat regulations in humanitarian contexts.

Chad Mission: ‘Everything is a priority’ 

This piece was written by UNHCR’s Senior Islamic Philanthropy Officer, Mehdi Zidani. 

This April, I had the privilege to embark on a field visit to Chad. Our goal was to witness firsthand the urgent needs and garner more support for a situation that has been regrettably overlooked. We visited temporary settlements and several refugee camps in the eastern part of the country. 

Due to its central location near countries plagued by displacement crises, Chad has become a sanctuary for people fleeing persecution and war. More than 1.3 million refugees from Nigeria, Cameroon, Central Africa, and Sudan have found a haven in Chad. This is particularly evident in the continuous and daily influx of Sudanese refugees into the eastern region. I was stunned to see that the border between Sudan and Chad remains completely open; people can cross freely, a testament to Chad’s incredible generosity despite facing significant internal challenges of its own. Ranked 189 out of 192 countries in the Human Development Index, Chad’s situation is dire, yet its people and government remain committed to protecting those they consider their brothers and sisters. 

When we inquired about the primary needs of the Sudanese refugees, the overwhelming response from refugees, government officials, and local and international NGOs was that everything is needed: food, shelter, water and hygiene, education, and the urgent necessity to relocate refugees from temporary settlements to proper camps before the rainy season begins, which would make transportation nearly impossible. 

NGOs and the Chadian government also noted that while Sudanese refugees initially fled due to persecution, they are now escaping starvation. Despite these hardships, many Sudanese refugees, including those highly educated, are doing their best to support each other within the camps. They are helping their youth pursue education with the hope that one day, they can return home and contribute to their country. 

As we prepared for our departure from Chad, I was plagued by the question of how I, as an individual, could make an impact in a crisis of this magnitude. When glancing at statistics, it’s not easy to imagine the faces behind these numbers. The truth is, I was reminded that each one is a unique story of struggle, resilience, and courage in the face of displacement. 

We may feel that our donations result in very little impact in light of these rising numbers, but the fact is through collective generosity and compassion, we have the power to make a tangible difference in the lives of Sudanese refugees in Chad, by offering them hope and security in times of uncertainty. With over 80% of Sudanese refugees in Chad being women and children in dire need of every basic essential, your Zakat can provide crucial support. Donate now to make an impact.                                                                     

United Nations General Assembly Side Event in New York 

In September 2024, on the sides of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, UNHCR hosted a high-level event led by Dr. Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR’s Senior Advisor to the High Commissioner and Representative to GCC Countries. The event focused on the growing role of Islamic philanthropy in the humanitarian sector, bringing together key representatives from governments, regional organizations, NGOs, and the private sector to explore the innovative impact of UNHCR’s Islamic philanthropy program in providing aid to refugees and displaced communities globally. A highlight of the event was a signing ceremony for strategic agreements, including a significant pledge from Islamic Relief USA to donate $25 million to support UNHCR’s humanitarian efforts with an emphasis on combating climate change and improving livelihoods. The collaboration will also support Zakat-eligible projects to assist the most vulnerable displaced people worldwide.  

3rd AlBaraka Summit London 

At the 3rd AlBaraka Summit in London in October 2024, UNHCR had the privilege of leading and moderating a session titled “A Visionary Outlook on Islamic Economics: Unfolding Opportunities and Managing Challenges.” The session, led by Nader El Nakib, the previous UNHCR’s Chief of Private Sector Partnerships and Philanthropy, examined how Islamic finance can empower communities and reduce the instability of conventional economic models. Esteemed panelists from Oxford University, HSBC, and Durham University discussed the vital role of Islamic finance in promoting economic resilience in uncertain times. 

Launch of the Islamic Mid-Year Report 2024 in Dubai 

In November 2024, UNHCR proudly launched its 7th Islamic Philanthropy Mid-Year Report in Dubai. The event showcased the impact of UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund since 2017, focusing on UNHCR’s Islamic philanthropy impact globally in the first half of 2024. The event also included a dynamic and engaging session, which brought together valuable key stakeholders, mainly UNHCR individual donors. The first half of 2024 saw remarkable generosity from partners and donors, with contributions to the Refugee Zakat Fund and other Islamic Philanthropy campaigns and products enabling UNHCR to support over 500,000 refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities across 22 countries from January until June 2024. UNHCR extends its heartfelt thanks to all partners for their ongoing support and generosity, helping to bring lasting change to communities in need. 

3rd AlBaraka Forum Regional Conference in Cairo 

In November 2024, Nader El Nakib, who was then the Chief of Private Sector Partnerships and Philanthropy took part in the 3rd AlBaraka Forum Regional Conference – part of Arab Development Week: titled “Innovative Strategies for Poverty Alleviation: Integration between Islamic Economics and Sustainable Development”. The conference was held at the League of Arab States General Secretariat in Cairo, Egypt in the presence of high-level people and experts in the field of Islamic Economy and Sustainable Development. Nader as a panelist, highlighted the intersection between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the empowerment of refugees and vulnerable communities, emphasizing that humanitarian investment should be seen as a strategic, long-term approach rather than a mere emergency response. 

UNHCR underscored that 70% of refugees and asylum seekers have fled highly climate-vulnerable countries and discussed the increasing role of AI for good in enhancing their work. The panel also highlighted that 50% of the world’s refugees and displaced persons originate from OIC member states, stressing the urgent need for innovative funding solutions.