MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

2023 was a tumultuous year, as the gravest threats facing the world deepened their grip. The climate emergency fuelled hunger and suffering, mostly amongst the world’s poorest people. Islamic Relief was at the forefront of the response, including in the drought-stricken Horn of Africa. Our humanitarian aid reached nearly 543,000 people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, where the hunt for food and water had driven millions of people from their homes.

Understanding that long-term solutions are crucial, we pledged a further £15 million to boost community resilience to the changing climate and urged the international community to invest in climate mitigation and adaptation.

The erosion of global governance also caused more misery this year. As commitments to universal human rights weakened around the world, Islamic Relief was among the first to respond when conflict flared. In Gaza and Sudan, where our own courageous staff were among those in danger, we helped ordinary families with essentials such as food and water, shelter and medicine.

Facing greater need than ever before, Islamic Relief matched the challenges with our determination to help families in crisis. To increase our ability to respond, we expanded our family of member and country offices around the world – and improved their capacity to fund and deliver impactful interventions. We introduced a new Global Strategy to enhance our emergency relief, poverty alleviation, and campaigning work by tackling the causes of suffering, as well as the symptoms. As always, powering all this were our amazing staff, volunteers, donors and partners. Through your dedication and generosity, our annual income climbed to £274.6 million and we ploughed more than ever into much-needed programming. I am delighted to report that this year we touched 16.8 million lives.

In 2024, Islamic Relief marks its 40th year of serving humanity. As we reflect on our remarkable history and impact, we again commit ourselves to our mission to end poverty and suffering. I pray you will continue to stand with us as we continue to do all we can to secure a safe and fair world for everyone, everywhere.