Waqf Roundtables
From Dialogue to Global Waqf Frameworks
The Global Waqf Roundtables are focused, outcome-oriented working sessions designed to move the Waqf transformation agenda from discussion to institutional action.
Bringing together Waqf authorities, regulators, scholars, legal experts, financial institutions, technology leaders, researchers, investors and strategic partners, the Roundtables will examine key areas required to build a stronger, more trusted, digitally enabled and globally connected Waqf ecosystem.
Each Roundtable is designed around a clear mandate:
Identify → Deliberate → Design → Collaborate → Commit
The objective is not simply to exchange views, but to develop practical frameworks, institutional mechanisms and collaborative pathways that can continue beyond the Forum.
THE SEVEN STRATEGIC WAQF ROUNDTABLES
01. GLOBAL WAQF ALLIANCE
Building a Global Platform for Waqf Cooperation
The Global Waqf Alliance Roundtable will explore the establishment of a permanent international platform connecting Waqf authorities, institutions, governments, scholars, financial institutions, investors, technology organisations and development partners.
Key Discussion Areas
Vision and mandate of the Global Waqf Alliance
Institutional structure and governance
Membership and participation models
Roles of national and institutional Waqf bodies
Global working groups and technical committees
Knowledge and research cooperation
International partnerships
Sustainable financing of the Alliance
Relationship with existing Waqf institutions and networks
Roadmap for establishment and global expansion
Intended Outcome
Foundational framework and implementation roadmap for the Global Waqf Alliance.
Who Should Participate?
Waqf authorities • Governments • Regulators • Scholars • Islamic financial institutions • Development organisations • Universities • Investors • Strategic partners
02. GLOBAL WAQF GOVERNANCE STANDARDS
Building Trust Through Excellence in Governance
Strong governance is fundamental to the credibility, sustainability and impact of Waqf institutions.
This Roundtable will explore the development of a Global Waqf Governance Standards Framework that can provide a common reference point for governance, accountability, transparency and institutional responsibility while allowing for different national legal environments.
Key Discussion Areas
Governance structures
Roles and responsibilities of trustees and boards
Accountability and oversight
Transparency and disclosure
Financial governance
Audit and assurance
Conflict-of-interest policies
Risk management
Shariah governance
Beneficiary protection
Performance and impact reporting
Institutional ethics and integrity
Intended Outcome
A proposed framework for Global Waqf Governance Standards and a pathway for consultation and implementation.
Who Should Participate?
Waqf authorities • Regulators • Shariah scholars • Governance experts • Auditors • Legal professionals • Islamic financial institutions • Researchers
03. MODEL WAQF LAW FRAMEWORK
Creating a Contemporary Legal Foundation for Waqf
Waqf operates within diverse legal and regulatory environments around the world.
This Roundtable will explore the development of a Model Waqf Law Framework that can serve as a reference for jurisdictions seeking to establish, review or modernise their Waqf legislation.
Key Discussion Areas
Legal recognition of Waqf
Establishment and registration
Waqf governance
Trustee responsibilities
Asset protection
Asset development and investment
Cash and investment Waqf
Corporate and contemporary Waqf models
Digital Waqf
Beneficiary rights
Regulatory oversight
Dispute resolution
Cross-border considerations
Intended Outcome
A proposed Model Waqf Law Framework for expert, Shariah and jurisdictional consultation.
Who Should Participate?
Government ministries • Legislators • Regulators • Waqf authorities • Shariah scholars • Legal experts • Islamic finance specialists • Academics
04. WAQF DIGITISATION FRAMEWORK
Building the Digital Infrastructure for Modern Waqf
Digital transformation can provide Waqf institutions with new capabilities for asset registration, administration, transparency, reporting, stakeholder engagement and impact measurement.
This Roundtable will explore a Waqf Digitisation Framework designed to support the systematic digital transformation of Waqf institutions.
Key Discussion Areas
Digital Waqf registries
Waqf asset identification and mapping
Digital documentation
Asset tracking and management
Digital contribution mechanisms
Donor and beneficiary systems
Digital reporting
Data standards
Interoperability
Cybersecurity
Digital identity and authentication
Digital transparency
Impact measurement
Intended Outcome
A proposed Waqf Digitisation Framework identifying common priorities, infrastructure requirements and implementation pathways.
Who Should Participate?
Waqf authorities • Technology companies • Digital government experts • FinTech organisations • Data specialists • Cybersecurity experts • Regulators • Researchers
05. GLOBAL WAQF INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION FRAMEWORK
Building Confidence Through Institutional Excellence
As Waqf institutions evolve, there is an opportunity to establish common approaches for assessing institutional capability, governance, operational systems and professional standards.
This Roundtable will explore a Global Waqf Institutional Accreditation Framework designed to support continuous institutional improvement and provide a structured reference for Waqf excellence.
Key Discussion Areas
Institutional governance
Leadership and organisational capacity
Professional qualifications
Operational systems
Financial management
Asset management
Shariah compliance
Risk management
Transparency and reporting
Digital capability
Beneficiary services
Impact measurement
Institutional performance indicators
Accreditation principles and processes
Intended Outcome
A proposed Global Waqf Institutional Accreditation Framework and roadmap for pilot development and consultation.
Who Should Participate?
Waqf authorities • Accreditation bodies • Governance experts • Auditors • Professional bodies • Universities • Shariah scholars • Quality-assurance specialists
06. GLOBAL WAQF DIGITISATION & AI GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
Guiding Responsible Technology in the Waqf Ecosystem
Artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies are creating new possibilities for Waqf administration, asset management, research, services and decision-making.
At the same time, these technologies introduce important questions around governance, data, transparency, privacy, accountability and responsible use.
This Roundtable will explore a Global Waqf Digitisation & AI Governance Framework.
Key Discussion Areas
Responsible AI in Waqf
AI-assisted administration
Data governance
Privacy and data protection
Algorithmic transparency
Human oversight
AI risk management
Cybersecurity
Digital ethics
AI in asset management
AI-enabled beneficiary services
Digital and AI literacy
Interoperability and data standards
Governance of emerging technologies
Intended Outcome
A proposed Global Waqf Digitisation & AI Governance Framework establishing principles and practical considerations for responsible technology adoption.
Who Should Participate?
Waqf authorities • AI experts • Technology companies • Data specialists • Regulators • Cybersecurity professionals • Shariah scholars • Legal experts • Researchers
07. INTERNATIONAL WAQF COOPERATION FRAMEWORK
Connecting Waqf Institutions Across Borders
Waqf transformation can be accelerated through stronger international cooperation, knowledge exchange and institutional partnerships.
This Roundtable will explore an International Waqf Cooperation Framework to facilitate structured collaboration between Waqf institutions, governments, regulators, financial institutions, universities and development organisations.
Key Discussion Areas
International Waqf cooperation
Institutional partnerships
Knowledge exchange
Technical cooperation
Research collaboration
Capacity building
Cross-border investment opportunities
Waqf asset development
Digital cooperation
Professional exchange programmes
Joint initiatives
International networks
Cooperation protocols and mechanisms
Intended Outcome
A proposed International Waqf Cooperation Framework establishing practical mechanisms for cross-border institutional collaboration.
Who Should Participate?
Waqf authorities • Governments • International organisations • Islamic financial institutions • Universities • Development organisations • Investors • Strategic partners
