The 11th Global Waqf Conference, which has been hosted by different countries and institutions for a decade, was organized this year by Ibn Haldun University Faculty of Law, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University and Ilim Yayma Waqf with the strategic support of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), iWAQF, UNIRAZAK, MEDIU, UNITAR and Finterra. It was held hybrid in Istanbul on 7-9 September 2023, with the theme “New Generation Waqfship”. At the event, where approximately 120 participants from 26 countries took part, international academics and practitioners shared their experiences and studies and made paper presentations on the applicability of technological and financial developments to foundations (awqaf).
The conference started with the playing of the Turkish National Anthem and the recitation of the Holy Quran. Following this, open sessions were held.
At the conference, a total of 19 sessions were held, including two open sessions and 17 parallel sessions, presentations were made under various sub-themes such as Awqaf and Real Estate Management, Legal Issues Related to Awqaf, Innovative Approaches to Awqaf, Blockchain Technology in Awqaf, Waqf Management, Waqf and Social Welfare, Awqaf from the Economic Perspective, Digitalization in Awqaf, Waqf and Sustainability.
In addition to 14 English sessions 2 sessions in Turkish and 1 session in Arabic were held.
During the conference, Sokoto State Zakat & Waqf (Endowment) Commission delegation, which attended the conference from Nigeria, was accepted by the Rector of Ibn Haldun University, Prof. Dr. Atilla Arkan, Rector of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar and the Chief Advisor to the President, Dr. İsrafil Kışla. The parties discussed the possible collaborations between the waqf sectors in Türkiye and Nigeria.
On the third day of the conference, an Istanbul trip was made with international participants. The participants had the opportunity to explore old Istanbul and various examples of Turkish foundation (waqf) heritage, and were hosted at the Suleymaniye campus of Ibn Haldun University at the end of the trip.
As a result of the conference, the importance of increasing foundation (waqf) awareness among participating countries and establishing collaborations in the fields of education, investment and foundations (awqaf) was emphasized.
The opening ceremony, panel sessions and closing ceremony of the conference were broadcasted live on YouTube. Video recordings of the sessions can be accessed from the links below.
Conference Day 1 (Opening and First Session)
https://youtube.com/live/qbz6rCL_k9Y?si=SS5Qk2oUJxpMPRCZ
Conference Day 2 (Panel Session)
https://youtube.com/live/SGrw8q_na3M?si=7V1RT-zBxTgne8jf
Conference Day 2 (Closing Remarks)
https://youtube.com/live/NnWb3is8Xr4?feature=shared
