At the outset of his remarks, His Excellency expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the kind invitation and warm hospitality. He commended the programme’s humanitarian and developmental efforts around the world and highlighted the Shariah guidance provided by the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) to support the effective utilisation of Islamic social finance instruments in advancing sustainable development.
His Excellency emphasised that Islamic social finance instruments, when implemented in accordance with Shariah principles and sound governance frameworks, are capable of contributing significantly to key development outcomes. These include poverty reduction, the provision of financial support, and the economic empowerment of eligible beneficiaries. He noted that the proper application of these instruments within their prescribed Shariah categories and channels can strengthen development programmes and initiatives, particularly in the areas of poverty alleviation, social protection, resilience-building, and the achievement of sustainable development.
For her part, Ms. Zeina Ali Ahmed, Deputy Regional Director of the United Nations Development Programme for the Arab States, underscored the importance of linking zakat, charitable donations (sadaqah), and endowments (awqaf) with early recovery efforts and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She noted that combining the juristic expertise of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy with the technical experience of the United Nations Development Programme would create an effective synergy that enhances community resilience and supports reintegration and sustainable development.
The meeting was also attended by Ms. Nahid Hussein, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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