14th - 16th April 2025
Rebuilding Amid Global Power Shifts
Join 100 global philanthropists, visionary leaders, and charity executives for three days of transformative discussions, strategic collaborations, and high-impact philanthropy.
A Global Gathering for Lasting Impact
Bringing together world-renowned philanthropists, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore innovative solutions, forge strategic partnerships, and drive meaningful change.
2025
Speakers
Founder of LaunchGood
Labour Member of Parliament UK
Partner at DLA Piper
Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
President of Afghan Relief, Professor of Political Science & International Relations
CEO of Abusulayman Foundation
Founder of Modanisa & Founder and Chairman of Nisa Vaqf
Founder of WCMP & GDF
Director of Academy of Philanthropy
Islamic Finance Expert
Executive Director, Hub Foundation and Philanthropic Advisor, UVC Fund
Founder & Chairman of ePlanet Capital
CEO of Mercy Mission UK
Professor at Bayes Business School & Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London
Member of Parliament, Türkiye & Founding Member of AK Party
Chair of the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists
Facilitators
Innovator and Entrepreneur
Researcher and Academic
Researcher and Academic
Diversity Expert
Program Manager
Strategy & Philanthropy Consultant
Research Analyst
Researcher and Academic
Doctor & Media Professional
Charities
2:30pm - 2:45pm
Welcome & Refreshments
2:45 - 3:00pm
Keynote
Welcome address from key organisers and an introduction to the themes of the event.
3:00 - 3:30pm
Session 1: Self-Determination: The Only Path Forward
Exploring the role of self-determination in reshaping the future of philanthropy and sustainable development.
3:30pm - 4:00pm
Coffee & Networking Break
4:00pm - 4:30pm
Session 2: Trump’s World: The Collapse of Western International Development
The decline of traditional aid structures and the emergence of new power centres. What this means for global philanthropy?
4:30pm - 5:00pm
Session 3: Gaza: We Are All Palestinians
The evolving role of global giving in response to humanitarian crises. Beyond charity, how do we make more impactful change?
5:00pm
Close
Summary of insights and end of Day 1.
7:30pm
Official launch of Global Wealth Forum Dinner
An exclusive gathering to share our vision that will shape the future of philanthropy.
*Prayer breaks will take place according to local prayer times in Istanbul.
8:30am - 9:00am
Registration & Networking Breakfast
9:00am - 9.30am
Morning Plenary
Welcome address from key organisers and an introduction to the themes of the event.
9:30AM - 10:00AM
Opening Keynote: Shaping the Future of Global Philanthropy
Objective: Explore how philanthropy needs to evolve.
- The evolving landscape of philanthropy in the context of geopolitical tensions, rising inequality, and technology.
- Inspiring examples of transformative projects.
- Strength should come from a young Muslim population across the world
10:00am - 10.15am
Topic 1: The New Rules of Engagement for Islamic Philanthropy
10:15am - 11.00am
Session 1: Panel Discussion – Modern Islamic Philanthropy: Principles and Practices
Objective: Understand how traditional Islamic giving (zakat, waqf) can adapt to global challenges.
- Innovative approaches to fund allocation for poverty alleviation and education.
- Case studies on zakat programs in conflict zones.
- Opportunities for cross-sector collaborations.
11:00am - 11:30am
Coffee & Networking Break
11:30AM - 1:30PM
Session 2: Hackathons
- Leveraging social media and digital platforms for transparency.
- Designing campaigns that resonate with millennials and Gen Z.
- Addressing trust deficits through data and storytelling.
- Blueprints for housing projects.
- Plans for trauma-informed schools.
- Proposals for supply chain development.
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Lunch and Prayers
2:30pm - 2:45pm
Topic 2: Capitalising on BRICS, Trade Wars, and Digital Philanthropy:
2:45PM - 3:00PM
Session 1: Keynote Session – Philanthropy in the BRICS Era
Insights from global leaders and policymakers on shifting geopolitical power balances and their impact on philanthropy.
3:00PM - 4:30PM
Session 2 - Breakout Sessions
- Demo of blockchain for transparent donations.
- Use of AI for donor segmentation and campaign personalization.
- Case studies of successful digital campaigns.
- Consider Strategies for maintaining philanthropic flows during geopolitical crises.
- Consider the role of diplomacy/ lobby and engagement in overcoming challenges
- Consider examples of trade forums and potential learning for charities forums
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Facilitated Networking
Preplanned meeting sessions and refreshments
7:30pm
Keynote Banquet
Gala dinner and annnouncements with VIP guests.
*Prayer breaks will take place according to local prayer times in Istanbul.
9:00AM - 9:30AM
Morning Plenary
Welcome address from key organisers and an introduction to the themes of the event.
9:30AM - 10:00AM
Opening Keynote: Leadership in Times of Crisis
Objective: Explore way we can lead in times of crisis.
- Lessons on leadership during pandemics, economic downturns, and natural disasters.
- Strategies for philanthropic organizations to remain agile.
10:00am - 10.10am
Topic 3: Managing the Rise of Populism in Politics
10:10am - 10:40am
Session 1: Debate – Populism and Philanthropy
Format: Oxford-style debate. Motion: “Populism is detrimental to global humanitarian efforts.”
10:40am - 11:20AM
Session 2: Panel Discussion – Advocacy Strategies in Polarized Political Climates:
Objective: Provide tools for nonprofits to build coalitions and advocate effectively.
- Role-playing exercises on lobbying in polarized contexts.
- Developing a media strategy for sensitive issues.
11:20am - 11:45am
Coffee & Networking Break
11:45AM - 1:30PM
Session 2: Hackathons
- Advocacy roadmaps.
- Partnership strategies for working with USAID
- Advocacy roadmaps.
- Partnership strategies for working with new Syria
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Lunch and Prayers
2:30pm - 3:30PM
Topic 4: The Role of Humanitarian Philanthropy
2:30PM - 3:00PM
Session 1: Panel Discussion – From Reaction to Resilience
Objective: Highlight the shift from reactive to proactive humanitarian aid and the use of enterprise as a tool for mobilising local development partners.
3:00PM - 3:30PM
Session 2: Panel Discussion – Grassroots Leadership
Objective: Highlight emerging millennial leadership from across the world.
3:30PM - 4:00PM
Session 1 - Interactive Discussion – Media Partnerships for Social Change
Objective: Explore collaborations between journalists and philanthropists.
4:00PM - 4:30PM
Session 2 – Telling Stories That Inspire Change
Objective: Demonstrate how narratives influence public opinion and donor engagement.
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Keynote Address
Announcement of Partnerhsips
5:45PM
Close
*Prayer breaks will take place according to local prayer times in Istanbul.
Discussions to shape the future
The New Rules of Engagement
BRICS, Trade Wars, and Global Philanthropy
The Rise of Populism in Politics
The Role of Humanitarian Philanthropy
Leadership in Times of Crisis
The Importance of Free Press in Shaping Global Perception
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to share your ideas and learn from experts at Global Donors Forum 2025.
Istanbul, Türkiye