Muslim philanthropists from around the world will gather in Istanbul, Turkey for the first assembly of the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists, from March 22-24.
Organized by the Pakistani-American physician, Dr. Tariq Cheema, the convening will bring together philanthropists, issue experts and on-the-ground practitioners to work together to mobilize human and financial resources to address poverty, literacy, social justice and economic development. 

Through these exchanges, philanthropists will identify practical, sustainable solutions they need to promote the dynamic, healthy communities they envision. 

“We intend to transform the energy generated through this assembly into a catalyst for enduring engagement of high net worth individuals and philanthropic institutions”, says Dr. Cheema.

According to the World Congress organizers, Muslim philanthropists invest annually an estimated $20 billion in charitable endeavors worldwide.  The first-ever gathering of these influential philanthropists provides a forum for mutual learning, identifying best practices and creating greater transparency and accountability between donors and the communities they purport to benefit.

Posted March 21, 2008