Lord Sheikh Represents APPGIF at Edinburgh Forum

Lord Sheikh visited Edinburgh on Saturday 8 September 2018 to participate in the ‘Ethical Finance & Community Development Forum’ organised by Edinburgh Napier University’s International Centre for Management and Governance Research (ICMGR) hosted.

Lord Sheikh was invited to represent the APPGIF at the forum that was attended by a number of community and business leaders of diverse backgrounds from across Scotland.

Professor Alistair Sambell, Vice Principal & Deputy Vice Chancellor, welcomed the participants. In his speech, he stressed the important role of higher educational institutions in educating and raising public awareness on the issue of ethical finance.

Professor Maura Sheehan, Director of ICMGR, has also delivered a welcome address. She mentioned that governance and being ethical are under the spotlights as the global community is increasingly pursuing better life quality.

The keynote address was delivered by Lord Sheikh who, as well as praising the efforts of Scottish Government in promoting ethical finance sector, also highlighted the UK’s strength in Islamic finance.

The forum included four presentations bringing different interesting perspectives of ethical finance.

• Reverend Iain May, Chair of Castle Community Bank shared his experience in banking and credit unions into the formation of a community bank in Leith.
• Brother Muhammad bin Arshad, an Imam at the Iqra Academy Edinburgh, addressed the important role of social finance which has been at the heart of Muslim community development.
• Mr Zahir Haider, an alumnus of Edinburgh Napier University and a businessman at Computer Division Stirling, presented his sterling work in helping the local businesses and community through his role as Director in Stirling Council for Volunteer Services.
• Ms Sally-Anne Hunter, a multi-award winning fundraising and strategy professional and social entrepreneur, shared her wealth of experience in social enterprise and funding challenges. She is also working very closely with Bright Red Triangle, a one-stop shop for extra-curricular innovation and enterprise activities at Edinburgh Napier University.

The forum ended with a round-table discussion led by Dr Nazam Dzolkarnaini, Associate Professor of Accounting and Finance at the Business School.