What contribution does Islamic Relief have to make the World Economic Forum (WEF)?

Islamic Relief brings an injection of different values. It was reassuring to find a real desire to make the world a better place amongst some of the wealthiest people in the world. Islamic Relief can help develop, inform and reinforce that instinct.

Africa, poverty and climate change were all high on the agenda this year and Islamic Relief has valuable contributions to make to these discussions, based on real experience. I wanted to bring the dust of the refugee camps into the gleaming corridors of Davos.

Islamic Relief also re-introduced consideration of religious ethics into some very secular dialogues – for example, about reproduction.

What was different at Davos this year?

There was greater recognition and acceptance of Islamic Relief this time, as this was our third year at Davos.

According to its motto, the World Economic Forum is about "improving the state of the world", and I think that the Forum’s culture is slowly changing. You now have tycoons and social mobilisers sitting side by side on the same panel. It’s a good start.

How does attending the WEF benefit Islamic Relief staff or the poor people we work with?

The Forum allows Islamic Relief to represent the communities we work with. These discussions inform the decision-making of some of the world’s leaders. Our presence also raises our profile and the role of Muslims in the humanitarian field.

In today’s climate, especially in the last 10 years, there is increased suspicion of all Muslim organisations. This directly impacts and can interfere with Islamic Relief’s humanitarian work. Our staff may have visas refused, face extra checks at airports or encounter problems transferring money for projects.

This is why it is important for Islamic Relief to be an active member of global networks such as the WEF. By raising our profile we strengthen our access to humanitarian space allowing us to continue to help people in need.

What was your main message to the participants at Davos this year?

My overall message was about the importance of entering into dialogue with others, regardless of your differences. Dialogue is still possible, and maybe even more important because of these very differences.

A photograph on the cover of the WEF pack shows you hugging a Buddhist and a Rabbi. Where was this taken?

It was taken at last years WEF, during the final farewell at a forum on religion. We were all from different backgrounds, Muslim Jewish, Buddhist and others. We shared some values, differed in others but were able to develop mutual respect.

We became friends and were genuinely sorry to say goodbye, not knowing if our paths would cross again. This photograph is a very natural reflection of what went on – the mutual respect and understanding we were able to develop. And that is perhaps the best example of what we should try to achieve inside and outside of the WEF.