JEDDAH, 18 April 2008 — “Specialization and Integration of Charitable Organizations” is the theme of a major seminar to be organized by the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) at the Inter.Continental Hotel here on April 27-28.

Dr. Muhammad Badahdah, assistant secretary-general of WAMY, said several nongovernmental organizations in the Kingdom and abroad would take part in the seminar, which will be opened by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. “We hope the seminar will contribute to improving the activities of charitable organizations in terms of quality and quantity,” Badahdah told Arab News.

Prominent researchers and experts in developmental and voluntary work will present papers at the event, Badahdah said, and he thanked the ministries of Islamic affairs and social affairs for their support.

A meeting of the directors of WAMY’s overseas offices in 20 countries will be held on the sidelines of the seminar, he said, adding that Dr. Saleh Al-Wohaiby, secretary-general the Riyadh-based organization, would attend the function.

Wohaiby, Dr. Abdul Hameed Mazroue and Dr. Ihsan Tayeb will speak at the first session that will focus on the role of private and public organizations in promoting specialization and integration among charitable societies.

Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Ali, president of the Islamic Development Bank, will address the second session on “The Role of Donor Agencies in the Development of Charitable Organizations.” Dr. Hani Al-Banna will also speak at the session, which will be presided over by Dr. Muhammad Al-Najaifi.

The third session will focus on the topic: “Civil Society Organizations: Present and Future” with professor Khaled Habbani and Dr. Ali Al-Henaki presenting papers. During the same session, Badahdah will lead a discussion on the importance of specialization in charitable work.

Dr. Abdul Wahab Noorwali, Dr. Samir Fakhru, Dr. Humaid Al-Shaiji, Dr. Owaish Al-Harbi, Dr. Yuslim Al-Shaiba, Dr. Ali Badahdah, professor Wael Julaidan and Dr. Adnan Al-Bar are other major speakers.

Meanwhile, Badahdah said he had received a message from charitable organizations in Gaza, requesting emergency assistance for Palestinians in the strip. The message highlighted the difficult situation of Palestinians in Gaza as a result of the unjust Israeli siege.

“No public facilities in the area including health and educational institutions are working,” said the message. “Hunger has hit about 90 percent of the population while 80 percent are unemployed.”

Badahdah urged Saudis and expatriate to respond favorably to the call and stand by their Palestinian brethren at this time of need by extending them the necessary financial and material assistance.