The Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge reflecting in the water in Istanbul

Global Waqf Forum

Revitalizing Waqf for Sustainable Global Development

Policy . Governance . Transparency . Collaboration

Flagship event of World Islamic Economy Week, 20-26 September 2026

Waqf Was Built to Create Lasting Impact

For centuries, Waqf has served as one of the most enduring institutions of Islamic civilisation—supporting education, healthcare, community development, public services, places of worship and economic activity.

Its fundamental principle remains powerful:

Preserve value. Generate benefit. Serve generations.

Today, the global Waqf sector stands at the threshold of a new era.

The opportunity is to transform Waqf from fragmented assets and institutions into a connected, trusted and professionally managed ecosystem capable of contributing to the development challenges of the modern world.

The Global Waqf Forum brings together Waqf authorities, regulators, scholars, financial institutions, investors, technology innovators, development organisations and strategic partners to explore that transformation.

From Waqf Assets to Waqf Impact.

About The Forum

Reimagining Waqf as a modern institution for sustainable development, social impact and intergenerational prosperity.

A crowd of people circling the Kaaba in Mecca under a bright sun
A crowd of people circling the Kaaba in Mecca under a bright sun

Why Waqf Transformation Matters

The global Waqf ecosystem contains significant institutional, social and economic potential.

Yet Waqf institutions operate within different legal, regulatory, governance and administrative environments.

The transformation agenda therefore requires cooperation across jurisdictions and sectors.

The Global Waqf Forum provides a platform to examine how Waqf can be strengthened through:

  • Better governance

  • Stronger institutional capacity

  • Modern regulatory frameworks

  • Digital infrastructure

  • Professional asset management

  • Responsible investment

  • Research and education

  • Cross-border cooperation

  • Innovation

  • Sustainable development

The Forum is designed to move the conversation beyond the question of “What is Waqf?” towards: “What can Waqf become?”

Our Inspiration

The Madina Model

The Islamic World Summit draws inspiration from the Madina Model established by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—a remarkable example of ethical leadership, inclusive governance and peaceful coexistence.

Madina demonstrated that a society could be:

  • Governed with justice

  • Economically vibrant

  • Socially cohesive

  • Environmentally responsible

  • Knowledge-driven

  • Diverse yet united

The Summit explores how these timeless principles can inform modern governance, international cooperation and sustainable development.

The Global Waqf Transformation

From Tradition to Transformation

The Petronas Twin Towers illuminated at night in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Petronas Twin Towers illuminated at night in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The future of Waqf requires more than preserving existing structures.

It requires strengthening the entire ecosystem.

GOVERNANCE

Building transparent, accountable and effective Waqf institutions.

PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT

Strengthening institutional capacity, asset management and trusteeship.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Using technology to improve registration, administration, transparency, reporting and accessibility.

ASSET DEVELOPMENT

Unlocking productive potential from land, property, agricultural, cash and other Waqf assets.

INVESTMENT

Connecting Waqf with responsible investment, Islamic finance and impact-oriented capital.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Directing sustainable Waqf income towards education, healthcare, housing, food security and community development.

GLOBAL COLLABORATION

Connecting Waqf institutions across countries to exchange knowledge, standards, expertise and opportunities.

INTERGENERATIONAL IMPACT

Building institutions and assets capable of serving communities for generations.

Forum Themes

brown concrete building under blue sky during daytime
brown concrete building under blue sky during daytime
Eight Pillars of Waqf Transformation
01 — WAQF GOVERNANCE

Strengthening governance structures, accountability, transparency, oversight and institutional trust.

02 — DIGITAL WAQF

Exploring digital asset registries, digital contributions, data systems, technology-enabled administration and emerging digital infrastructure.

03 — WAQF ADMINISTRATION

Advancing professional management, institutional systems, human capital and operational excellence.

04 — REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS

Exploring modern legal and regulatory approaches capable of supporting contemporary forms of Waqf.

05 — INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE

Building capable, transparent and professionally managed Waqf institutions.

06 — GLOBAL COLLABORATION

Creating stronger networks between Waqf authorities, institutions, scholars, governments and strategic partners.

07 — RESEARCH & EDUCATION

Developing knowledge, research, professional education and future Waqf leadership.

08 — THE FUTURE OF WAQF

Exploring emerging models including investment Waqf, corporate Waqf, cash Waqf, digital Waqf and development-oriented Waqf.

The Future of Waqf Starts With What We Build Today

The Hagia Sophia with its large dome and minarets in Istanbul, Turkey
The Hagia Sophia with its large dome and minarets in Istanbul, Turkey

Waqf was created around a powerful idea:

That wealth can be transformed into lasting benefit.

The challenge of our generation is to carry that idea forward—to build institutions that are trusted, assets that are productive, systems that are transparent and partnerships that create meaningful impact.

The Global Waqf Forum brings together those who believe that Waqf can play a greater role in building a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future.

From Waqf Assets to Waqf Impact.
From Individual Institutions to Global Collaboration.
From Tradition to Transformation.
Empower Waqf Transformation.
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