21 Dec, 2020
The Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), in collaboration with the High Waqf Authority of Senegal, organized a regional workshop on Waqf legislation under the theme “Development of Waqf Legislation in West and North Africa: Lessons Learned from the Model Law for the Enhancement of Senegalese Waqf Law.”
Representatives of Awqaf directorates and relevant ministries from six West African countries attended the workshop, which was held online on 15 December 2020. The countries are Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Niger and Mali.
The workshop aimed to create awareness in IsDB Member Countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries on the importance of Waqf legislation and laws; promote the development of legislative systems for Waqf in harmony with modern laws and legislation; as well as study and analyze legal problems in Senegalese waqf law and present proposals for its enhancement.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IRTI and Chief Economist of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, hailed the Senegalese experience in Waqf regulation and management. He stressed that IRTI and IsDB would continue supporting IsDB Member Countries to enhance the role of Waqf in financing the Sustainable Development Goals.
On her part, Mrs. Olimata Diop, Director General of the High Waqf Authority of Senegal, expressed her gratitude to IRTI and IsDB, and emphasized the need for continuous cooperation to achieve the objectives of the authority concerning Waqf.
The workshop also discussed on encouraging Waqf institutions and charities to work at the regional level to communicate and exchange successful experiences and best practices in the field of Waqf and charitable work and benefit from them.
Active participation during the workshop by waqf and legal experts resulted in fruitful discussions and useful recommendations that will contribute to enhancement Waqf legal frameworks in the region and beyond.
The workshop comes in the context of IRTI’s continuous efforts to assist IsDB Member Countries in developing their legislative systems for Awqaf, with the aim to revive the Islamic institution of Waqf and integrate Waqf system into national strategies for achieving sustainable development in Islamic countries and societies.
