THE UNION OF NGOs OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD
İDSB / UNIW
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6 Continents, 67 Countries, One Ummah

Foundation

Corporate Memory

Our History

The institutional development process of UNIW from its establishment to the present day.

On May 1, 2005, a conference titled “Seeking a New Vision in a Changing World” was organized in Istanbul under the leadership of the Union of NGOs of Turkey (TGTV), with the participation of over three hundred non-governmental organizations from 40 countries.

On the first day of the conference, the President of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mr. Bülent Arınç, and on the second day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Abdullah Gül, delivered speeches. In the final session of the conference, the draft statute of the planned Union was opened for discussion, and by the vote of the participating representatives, it was decided to establish the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (UNIW).

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, shared the good news of the newly established Union with the public at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

Aiming to build sustainable cooperation based on shared values among non-governmental organizations operating in different regions of the Islamic world, Necmi Sadıkoğlu was elected as the First Term Secretary General of UNIW, and Atty. Ali Kurt was elected as the Representative of Turkey. Istanbul was accepted as the headquarters of the Union.

The establishment of UNIW gained official status as an international organization pursuant to Law No. 3335 on the Establishment of Organizations with International Character, by the Council of Ministers Decision dated December 31, 2005.

Since 2022, Eyüp Akbal has been serving as the Secretary General of UNIW. Continuing its efforts under the principle of “6 Continents, 66 Countries, One Ummah”, UNIW currently has 488 members.

2005
Founding Conference

The conference titled “Seeking a New Vision in a Changing World” was held in Istanbul with the participation of over three hundred non-governmental organizations from 40 countries.

2005
Decision to Establish UNIW

Following the evaluation of the draft statute, it was decided to establish UNIW by the vote of the participating representatives.

2005
International Status

The establishment of UNIW gained official status with international organization status by the Council of Ministers Decision dated December 31, 2005.

2022
New Era

Eyüp Akbal assumed the role of Secretary General of UNIW.

Today
Current
6 Continents, 66 Countries, One Ummah

UNIW continues its international cooperation and solidarity efforts with its 488 member organizations.

Corporate Purpose

Our Mission

To establish sustainable cooperation, coordination, and a common platform for joint action among non-governmental organizations of the Islamic world.

01
Cooperation and Coordination

To enhance cooperation and coordination among non-governmental organizations in the Islamic world within a framework that respects each organization's constitutional system.

02
Knowledge and Experience Sharing

To facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience, and ideas among member organizations, creating shared reflexes and institutional gains.

03
A Peaceful World

To carry out efforts for a better world in collaboration with non-governmental organizations that aim for a secure and peaceful world.

04
Institutional Structuring

To carry out necessary structural arrangements and establish branches, sub-units, and representative offices.

05
International Participation

To ensure the effective participation of member organizations in international mechanisms and support appropriate programs.

06
Education and Research

To establish joint working groups and research centers, and organize educational programs and events.

07
Joint Crisis Response

To contribute to the resolution of issues concerning the Islamic world; monitor crises, develop projects, and take joint initiatives.

08
Culture and Civilization

To conduct activities aimed at promoting Islamic culture and civilization and preventing all forms of discrimination.

09
Supporting Solidarity

To support local, regional, and international initiatives aimed at cooperation and solidarity in the Islamic world.

10
Humanitarian Aid

To deliver aid to people affected by wars, disasters, and crises in cooperation with local and international charitable institutions.

Future Perspective

Our Vision

To build a shared future based on justice, peace, stability, and a strong civil society.

01
Sustainable Development

To ensure sustainable development, unity, and coordination among non-governmental organizations in the Islamic world.

02
Justice and Peace

To contribute to the establishment of an environment of justice, peace, and stability in the world.

03
Rights and Freedoms

To conduct studies and efforts aimed at protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and societies.

04
Strong Civil Society

To carry out technical and social work for the development of civil society on the basis of participatory and pluralistic principles.

05
Culture and Values

To engage in activities that ensure the accurate promotion of Islamic culture and shared values.

Membership and Cooperation

Why UNIW?

A strong civil society network offering member organizations international representation, institutional solidarity, knowledge sharing, and joint project development opportunities.

01
Being United

Opportunities to connect, stand in solidarity, and act together with non-governmental organizations working in different regions and fields.

02
Consultation

The opportunity to build a bridge between the past, present, and future of our geography by establishing a broad platform for consultation across the Islamic world.

03
Inter-NGO Cooperation

The chance to participate in and support efforts in education, humanitarian aid, culture, and social and economic fields.

04
Global Network

The opportunity to be part of an international communication and cooperation network consisting of hundreds of non-governmental organizations operating in many countries.

05
Effective International Representation

The opportunity to contribute to work based on shared values in international mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

06
Standing Strong Together

Demonstrating a strong international stance that defends justice and peace by taking a joint stance against oppression and injustice.

07
Umbrella Organization Identity

The opportunity to carry out joint activities under the institutional identity and coordination of a strong umbrella organization.

08
Joint Organizations

The ability to plan and manage events and initiatives through collective strength that would be difficult for a single organization to execute alone.

09
Discovering Our Geography

The opportunity to attend programs held in different countries, establish close contact with local NGOs, and get to know different regions firsthand.

10
Effective Advocacy

The opportunity to conduct strong advocacy and public diplomacy activities in political, economic, and social decision-making processes.

11
Collective Mind and Memory

The opportunity to develop joint programs and create a lasting collective memory by drawing upon the institutional experience of member organizations.

12
Visionary Approach

Being part of a large family that thinks on the scale of the Islamic world, invests in future generations, and develops a holistic approach.

13
Membership Reference

Benefiting from the institutional reference and representational strength provided by UNIW membership in national and international activities.

14
Active Participation

Direct participation in commission work in areas such as women and family, youth, humanitarian aid, human rights, education, and project development.

15
A Global Brand

Transforming the solidarity of Islamic world non-governmental organizations into a globally visible and influential institutional brand.

16
Mutual Assistance

Developing solutions to the challenges faced by the Islamic geography and creating a foundation for mutual support across various levels.

17
Developing Joint Projects

Sharing institutional expertise to develop joint projects and solution-oriented work on vital issues.

18
Ummah Consciousness

Establishing an active sense of Ummah consciousness among non-governmental organizations and their members, leaving a lasting bridge of solidarity for future generations.

Join the UNIW Family
International Civil Society Ecosystem

If you say, "We are ready to walk together on this blessed path and care for the concerns of this Ummah!", we welcome you to UNIW. Come, let us work together around our shared values. Remember that success lies in unity and solidarity; strength springs from unity.


Go to Membership Application Page →

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