IsDB and IRUSA Forge Partnership to Support GIFR Mission Worldwide

News

May 21, 2025

Algiers , Algeria, May 21, 2025 – In a significant step forward for global refugee relief efforts, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), acting as the trustee for the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees (GIFR), signed a Donor Contribution Agreement (DCA), today, May 21, 2025, with Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), a prominent U.S.-based humanitarian and development organization, bolstering the Fund’s mission to provide sustainable aid and empowerment to refugees and displaced populations worldwide.

Formalized during the IsDB Group’s Annual Meetings in Algeria, the agreement was signed by H.E. Mr. Adil Alsharif, Officer-in-Charge and Director General of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), and Mr. Ahmed Shehata, Chief Executive Officer of Islamic Relief USA, in a ceremony witnessed by H.E. Dr. Rami Ahmad, Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank for Operations. This new contribution builds on the GIFR’s growing momentum, which has already secured US$110 million in commitments—including US$50 million each from the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), plus US$10 million from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief). IRUSA's contribution marks a milestone in the GIFR's resource mobilization, expanding its ecosystem and underscoring its global perspective in addressing refugee crises.

With this contribution, IRUSA becomes the newest member to join the GIFR steering committee, a main governance body of the GIFR which reviews and approves allocation of funding to projects serving the forcibly displaced populations and their host communities in the IsDB member countries.

The GIFR is a unique, Shariah-compliant fund designed to provide sustainable financial support to refugees and displaced people, especially in IsDB member countries. Its pilot intervention, the Regional Emergency Response Initiative for Sudanese Refugees, demonstrates its commitment to addressing pressing crises with targeted, impactful programs. The IRUSA contribution will further bolster funding for programs that enhance access to education, water, sanitation, shelter, and other critical services for those affected by forced displacement.

Mr. Adil Alsharif, the ISFD’s Officer-in-Charge and Director General, welcomed the collaboration with IRUSA, stating, "This significant contribution by Islamic Relief USA reinforces our collective resolve to meet the growing needs of refugees and forcibly displaced individuals, particularly within IsDB member countries. The GIFR, with its innovative Shariah-compliant framework, is a vital tool for ensuring steady support, channeling funds into programs and interventions aimed at uplifting the lives of those most severely impacted by forced displacement."

Dr. Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor to the High Commissioner and UNHCR Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries, commended the partnership with Islamic Relief USA, stating: “We are deeply grateful to Islamic Relief USA for this generous contribution to the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees (GIFR). This partnership strengthens our shared commitment to compassion, dignity, and collective responsibility and exemplifies the power of Islamic philanthropy to transform lives and deliver hope to millions of forcibly displaced people. He added: “The GIFR offers a sustainable and Sharia-compliant funding model that channels contributions towards impactful, long-term humanitarian support for those most in need. By supporting it, Islamic Relief USA demonstrates leadership in faith-based giving and global solidarity. We invite others to join this growing initiative and collectively strengthen our ability to respond to the world’s most pressing displacement crises.”

Mr. Ahmed Shehata, Chief Executive Officer of IRUSA, praised IsDB and UNHCR for spearheading the GIFR initiative, stating, “As we continue to witness an unprecedented and alarming rise in refugees and forcibly displaced persons around the world, humanitarian institutions must devise bold, innovative approaches to solve such complex challenges. The GIFR initiative, which provides a sustainable, steady, and impactful source of funding for these populations, represents exactly that. IRUSA is honored to join and collaborate with IsDB and UNHCR in this incredibly vital program through a US$10 million contribution, the proceeds of which will go towards comprehensive humanitarian programming to some of the 51 million forcibly displaced persons around the world.”

About the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees (GIFR)

Launched in 2022 by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the GIFR represents a first-of-its-kind Shariah-compliant financing mechanism to support programs serving the refugees and host communities in IsDB member countries. It comprises of Waqf and Non-Waqf modalities, enabling contributions from a wide range of donors and benefactors. Contributions are invested according to Islamic Finance principles and Shariah guidelines, with proceeds used to support critical humanitarian efforts for refugees, including access to education, water, sanitation, shelter, and opportunities.

About the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)

Rated AAA by the major rating agencies of the world, the Islamic Development Bank is the pioneering multilateral development bank (MDB) of the Global South that has been working for 50 years to improve the lives of the people and communities it serves by delivering impact at scale. The Bank brings together 57 Member Countries across four continents, touching the lives of nearly 1 in 5 of the world population. It is committed to addressing development challenges and promoting collaboration to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by equipping people to drive their own green economic and sustainable social progress, putting planet-friendly infrastructure in place and enabling them to fulfil their potential. www.isdb.org

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee because of conflict, violence or persecution. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. Our vision is a world where every person forced to flee can build a better future. Since its establishment by the UN General Assembly in 1950 in the aftermath of the Second World War, UNHCR has been providing life-saving assistance, safeguarding fundamental rights, and helping build better futures for refugees, displaced communities and stateless people. Today, UNHCR works in 136 countries delivering protection and support to millions each year, helping them find safety, stability and hope. https://www.unhcr.org

About the Islamic Relief USA

Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), based in Alexandria, VA, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. IRUSA’s mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States.

IRUSA is on the US government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the Code of Conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. https://irusa.org