Avicenna Foundation Scholars convened charity-sector leaders at Adam Hub for a public discussion examining one of the most important questions facing the sector: how organisations can respond to immediate need while also addressing the conditions that make relief necessary.
The event, titled “Beyond Relief: Are UK Muslim Charities Built for Long-Term Empowerment?”, was organised by Avicenna Scholars and brought together Fadi Itani OBE, CEO of the Muslim Charities Forum; Lamees Hafeez, Director of Strategy and Communications at Muslim Aid; and Ahmed Jeddo, Advocacy Coordinator at Human Aid and Advocacy.
The conversation explored the strengths of traditional relief work alongside the need for longer-term approaches focused on empowerment, stronger institutions, community capacity and root causes.
For the scholars who organised the event, the aim was not to offer a predetermined answer but to create an honest and constructive space in which experienced practitioners and members of the public could test ideas and learn from one another.
The discussion continued beyond the event itself. The following day, Fadi Itani OBE reflected publicly on the questions raised, including the role of grassroots organisations and community institutions in building more sustainable approaches to social change.
The event demonstrated an important part of the Avicenna model: scholars are expected to put leadership development into practice by convening others, asking difficult questions and contributing to the debates shaping their communities and sectors.
Hosting the discussion at Adam Hub also reflected the wider purpose of the space as a platform for thoughtful civic dialogue led by both established leaders and the next generation.
