Beirut, Lebanon - Dr. Hiba Ahmed, the Director General of Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), actively participated in the 2nd Arab Forum for Equality, a two-day event organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in partnership with various renowned organizations. Hosted by the Center for International Cooperation at New York University, the event brought together prominent stakeholders including the Pathfinder Group "For Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies," ISFD, Oxfam, the World Food Program, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

The participation of ISFD in the forum signifies the ongoing collaboration between the Islamic Development Bank Group and ESCWA, showcasing ISFD's unwavering support for ESCWA's poverty-combating efforts in the Arab region. ISFD is committed to sponsoring numerous programs, including initiatives aimed at collaborating with regional organizations to combat poverty, particularly in the least developed countries.

Dr. Hiba Ahmed, emphasized the excellent timing of the conference, especially considering the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian war. She highlighted the alarming increase in the number of impoverished individuals, surpassing 120 million today. In this regard, Dr. Ahmed stressed the importance of implementing policies that foster equality and combat poverty in the Arab region. ISFD plays a pivotal role in supporting marginalized groups that are often overlooked by public policies, making it a significant contributor to the forum.

As one of the keynote speakers, Dr. Hiba Ahmed actively participated in a session titled "The State of Inequality in the Arab Region." The session addressed wealth disparity, income gaps, gender issues, poverty, and youth unemployment, shedding light on the pressing challenges faced by the region.

The 2nd Arab Forum for Equality, held under the theme "One Voice... Equality in Food Security," witnessed the participation of Arab ministers, high-level delegates, representatives from United Nations agencies operating in the Arab region, regional organizations, civil society networks, and international think tanks. The forum served as a platform to foster dialogue and collaboration towards achieving greater equality and food security in the region.