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You are on Islamic Relief Worldwide site, which provides global content. For UK-specific information and projects you may also visit Islamic Relief UK
May this month bring you peace, blessings and closeness to Allah.
Since October 2022, Islamic Relief Worldwide has been a proud signatory of the Grand Bargain 2.0 – a rigorous global framework for humanitarian work.
In celebration of the anniversary of this achievement, we are breaking down what the framework is and why it is crucial for organisations like Islamic Relief.
Q1: What is the Grand Bargain 2.0 framework?
A: The Grand Bargain 2.0 is an innovative framework to enhance humanitarian effectiveness. It builds upon the original Grand Bargain – a commitment major donors and humanitarian organisations made at the World Humanitarian Summit 2016. The framework addresses the humanitarian sector’s critical challenges and promotes collaboration, efficiency, and transparency in humanitarian action.
The framework aims to empower local responders who understand community needs, streamline processes, and secure predictable, multi-year funding. By fostering collaboration and transparency, Grand Bargain 2.0 strives to maximise and improve resources, and better address the evolving needs of affected populations.
Q2: What are the main objectives of Grand Bargain 2.0?
A: The Grand Bargain 2.0 aims to achieve 3 main objectives:
Q3: Who are the key stakeholders involved in the Grand Bargain 2.0?
A: The Grand Bargain 2.0 involves a wide range of stakeholders, including major donors, humanitarian organisations, and affected countries. Key actors include governments, United Nations’ agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and other humanitarian actors.
Q4: What are the main changes or improvements introduced in Grand Bargain 2.0?
A: Grand Bargain 2.0 introduces several changes and improvements compared to the original framework. Some of the most notable include:
The Grand Bargain 2.0 framework is organised around 5 key workstreams, which are:
Q6: What is the difference between Grand Bargain 2.0 and other frameworks for humanitarian organisations?
A: The Grand Bargain 2.0 stands out from other humanitarian frameworks in various ways. Firstly, it prioritises collaboration and coordination, aiming to eliminate redundancy and enhance cooperation for a more efficient response.
Secondly, it places a strong emphasis on local involvement and leadership, empowering and developing local actors.
Thirdly, it simplifies reporting across the sector, enhancing transparency and efficiency. Additionally, the inclusion of a dedicated workstream for cash-based programming highlights its innovative approach.
Lastly, Grand Bargain 2.0’s focus on transparency and accountability in financing sets it apart by offering concrete measures for financial clarity.
Q7: What does it mean for Islamic Relief to be a signatory of Grand Bargain 2.0?
A: Being a signatory of the Grand Bargain 2.0 reflects Islamic Relief’s commitment to its principles and goals. It signifies dedication to enhancing humanitarian effectiveness, aligning with the framework’s objectives.
By becoming a signatory, Islamic Relief has shown a willingness to collaborate, coordinate, and contribute to addressing sector challenges. Through this commitment, Islamic Relief makes specific pledges in line with the framework’s workstreams, including local empowerment, coordination improvement, streamlined reporting, cash-based programming expansion, and enhanced financial transparency.
Being a signatory also offers networking opportunities and knowledge sharing, allowing Islamic Relief to contribute expertise to collective humanitarian improvement. It showcases the organisation’s commitment to collaboration, accountability, and effectiveness in its response efforts.
Q8: Which other organisations have signed this agreement?
A: Some of the notable international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) to have signed the agreement include:
Q9: How will Islamic Relief keep ensuring it meets the Grand Bargain 2.0 commitments?
Islamic Relief, as a signatory of the Grand Bargain 2.0, is taking concrete steps to fulfil its commitments outlined in the framework. To ensure compliance with the commitments, Islamic Relief aims to employ the following measures:
Islamic Relief is actively pursuing its commitment to the Grand Bargain 2.0 by empowering local partners worldwide and aligning its strategies with the framework’s objectives. The organisation is in the process of formulating distinct partnership and operational models tailored to the specific needs of each country among the more than 40 it operates in globally. This move is based on field experiences and learnings from a diverse range of contexts, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of local actors in humanitarian operations.
Islamic Relief’s dedication to local empowerment is evident through the implementation of the Strengthening Response Capacity and Institutional Development for Excellence (STRIDE) project across its global operations. This project, with a budget of $1.8 million, offers flexible grants to local partners and its field offices for capacity enhancement in multiple countries.
These include: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Lebanon, Myanmar, Mali, Niger, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Yemen.
The project covers various areas, including governance, financial sustainability, disaster management, and more. We have successfully provided capacity-building support to 53 local organisations under STRIDE project and regular programmes, enabling them to respond effectively to emergencies.
The organisation’s commitment to localisation involves self-assessment by local partners in diverse countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Nigeria. They identify their strengths and needs, ensuring sustainable support interventions tailored to the capabilities of local actors. For instance, Islamic Relief’s local partners in DRC and Nigeria identified areas like financial and reporting systems, human resource management, and resource management for capacity strengthening. This localised approach enhances efficiency and ownership, resulting in timely and effective humanitarian responses.
Gender equality and nexus integration:
Islamic Relief’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment is systematically integrated into its projects across various countries. Gender inclusion and mainstreaming occur at all stages of projects, with a special focus on needs assessments and rights holder targeting.
Additionally, the organisation strategically aligns its actions with the humanitarian-development nexus across its operations in multiple countries, adapting its work streams to meet the evolving needs of field teams and local partners.
Islamic Relief’s commitment extends to transparent risk-sharing with partners across its operations in multiple countries. The organization conducted comprehensive capacity mapping and due diligence exercises in 20 “high-risk” countries to understand the landscape. To enhance risk management, Islamic Relief advocates for the hiring of dedicated Humanitarian Managers in field offices across multiple countries. Additionally, the organisation supports local partners through risk analysis strategies, resource generation, and regular reviews, promoting effective risk mitigation.
By executing these strategies globally, Islamic Relief actively ensures the realization of its Grand Bargain 2.0 commitments across its operations in multiple countries.
Find out more about Islamic Relief’s work on Grand Bargain 2.0 in the recently released Annual Independent Report 2023 by the Humanitarian Policy Group.
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Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission. Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work. Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.
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