Maker Majlis, a platform under the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), was invited to a special award ceremony at the Embassy of Bangladesh earlier in August, to formally recognize its impact on the lives of youth, for which it won the Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award last year. 

Maker Majlis won the “Best Innovative Idea” category for the Middle East, which sought “to recognize individuals and organizations that have come up with the most innovative and creative voluntary initiatives in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic”. 

His Excellency the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Qatar Mr. Mohamed Jashim Uddin and the Third Secretary, Mohamed Nashir Uddin, presented Maker Majlis with a crest and certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who co-hosted the Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Awards with the Ministries of Youth and Sports, and Cultural Affairs. The initiative was organized under the auspices of the “Dhaka Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Youth Capital 2020”.   

The award specifically recognized Maker Majlis for the impact it has created in the lives of youth by empowering them with the ability to embody the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through various events and activities. During the pandemic, a robust program of virtual initiatives such as “Design Post-COVID Humanity” and “Schifa” presented youth across the globe with an educational journey to help them design a roadmap for a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable humanity.

Representing CIS at the Embassy event was Dr. M. Evren Tok, Assistant Dean for Innovation and Community Development and Founder of Maker Majlis, accompanied by Dr. Syed Nazim Ali, Director of the Research Division and Director of the Center for Islamic Economics and Finance (CIEF), Dr. Mustafa Osman I. Elamin, Professor of Islam and Global Affairs, Bayan Khaled, Research Fellow, and Alina Zaman, Research Assistant. 

Dr. Ibrahim M. Zain, Interim Dean of CIS, commented: “We are honored by this recognition for Maker Majlis. Amid the challenges of COVID-19, youth bore much of the impact of social isolation during lockdowns. Our virtual programs sought to keep them connected and to find ways to keep channeling their abilities to create social change. Through Maker Majlis, the spirit of the Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award, with its aim to recognize the resolve and determination of young volunteers across the globe, will be carried forward.”

Maker Majlis is a space where young leaders can gain the education and tools to unleash their creativity, innovative ideas, and Islamic values and contribute to achieving the SDGs. Workshops, educational programs, and events are held in partnership with local, regional, and global organizations throughout the year.