Reporting on the First Meeting of the Executive Council for Term 2024-2027

The World Federation Charts a Visionary Path at the
First Meeting of the Executive Council

The WF held its First Meeting of the Executive Council for the term 2024-2027 from 6th-8th December 2024, hosted by the KSIMC of Birmingham.

The meeting brought together Regional and Community leaders, councillors, delegates and experts to discuss key priorities and set the strategic direction for the term, focusing on impactful initiatives and community empowerment.

This milestone event reaffirmed The WF’s commitment to uniting and uplifting Khoja Shi’a Ithna-Asheri communities worldwide.

The meeting opened with recitations from the Holy Qur’an and a Marsiya in honour of Sayyida Fatima (a), setting a spiritual and reflective tone for the day. This foundation guided the focus on governance and accountability.

The Incorporation Review Team (IRT) presented its findings, recommending a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) model to enhance governance and operational efficiency. Delegates engaged in meaningful discussions, highlighting a shared commitment to strengthening the Federation’s structure while upholding its values of unity and excellence.

After examining the options, councillors unanimously endorsed the CLG model for its flexibility, improved governance capabilities, and alignment with international standards. The framework clearly defines roles across three tiers: strategic direction by the Conference, oversight by the Members Representative Executive Council (MREC), and operational management by the Board of Directors. These redefined roles enhance accountability and internal checks, ensuring a balanced and efficient governance structure.

Day two began with a warm welcome from Alhaj Muslim Khoja, President of KSIMC of Birmingham, who introduced the councillors to the key features of the Al-Abbas Islamic Centre project. Alhaj Arifali Hirji – COEJ President, the host region, delivered a warm welcome to the councillors and emphasized the enduring importance of standing for justice.

The WF President – Alhaj Safder Jaffer, presented his State of the Community Address, outlining the Secretariat’s vision built on five strategic pillars: Faith, Operational Excellence, Unity, Outreach, and Prosperity. Key achievements between June and December 2024 included advancements in Islamic Education, ICAIR, and the Kadhimiyya Tiles Project, as well as housing projects in India, economic upliftment initiatives in Mumbai and Karachi, and the Secretariat’s launch of an AI strategy.

A major milestone celebrated was The WF’s attainment of NGO status in Iraq, significantly enhancing its ability to serve the community. The President emphasized the importance of collaboration among regional federations and outlined priorities for 2025 and 2026, ensuring a united path toward growth and greater impact.

The session continued with vibrant discussions from the floor, encouraging dialogue among delegates and fostering collective problem-solving.

The WF Awards celebrated individuals and initiatives making impactful contributions to the community.

Updates from the Treasury reflected financial resilience, while departmental presentations from the Secretariat illustrated progress in bringing The World Federation’s strategic pillars to life. Achievements included:

• Supporting over 5,000 students through the Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme (ZCSS) in 2024.
• Advancing Education with the launch of a new website.
• Reaching over 17,300 students globally through the Madrasah Centre of Excellence (MCE).
• Delivering over USD $1 million each in emergency aid to Lebanon and Gaza through WF-AID’s humanitarian efforts.

Further updates from ICAIR and Islamic Education Department showcased a wide range of impactful activities, publications, and the launch of the latest edition of the Al-Sidrah Magazine. Delegates also received strategic insights into Intellectual Empowerment and Vision 2050, offering a roadmap for fostering Islamic scholarship, building community capacity, and ensuring a sustainable future.

The final day of the meeting emphasized practical strategies and key policy priorities. The Economic Upliftment update highlighted initiatives aimed at empowering underprivileged members through skill-building and financial support, demonstrating the organisation’s unwavering commitment to prosperity. An update on the Global Census Project offered a preview of its transformative potential, with plans for a Global ID system to enhance data accuracy and community engagement.

Deliberations on External Engagement and the Conduct Taskforce underscored The WF’s focus on ethical governance, transparency, and fostering global collaboration.

The meeting concluded with an Any Other Business session, leaving delegates aligned on a shared vision for progress. By integrating faith, governance, and strategic planning, the meeting reaffirmed The WF’s mission to empower its members, unite communities, and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.

On behalf of The WF, we extend our sincere gratitude to KSIMC of Birmingham for their warm hospitality and excellent hosting of the First Meeting of the Executive Council for the term 2024-2027. A special appreciation to COEJ, the host Regional Federation, for their support and collaboration. We also appreciate the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers and staff whose efforts made this meeting run smoothly.

For a full overview of the discussions and strategies from the First Meeting of the Executive Council, we invite you to explore the ExCo pack. 

The proceedings can also be viewed on our YouTube Channel: