NCCM High Level Leaders Conference and Advocacy Day in Ottawa

The Foundation for a Path Forward attended the NCCM High Level Leaders Conference and Advocacy Day in Ottawa. Canadian Muslim community leaders, including Nusaiba Al Azem and experts like Dr. Michael Lynk, gathered to discuss enhancing Palestine advocacy and combating Islamophobia. They evaluated advocacy strategies, identified gaps, and considered how to better engage organizations in these efforts.

The discussions, also featuring Raees Ahmed and Amira Elghawaby, emphasized the need for a unified approach to fight Islamophobia. Panels led by figures like Dr. Nadia Hasan explored establishing an Islamophobia Research Centre at York University, focusing on media monitoring and promoting positive community stories.

Another key discussion, involving leaders such as Nabeela Elsayed and Mahmood Qasim, addressed engaging community professionals in activism and the importance of leadership training.

The event also considered strategic partisan engagement, with Mohamad Fakih and Zubair Patel debating the benefits of a third-party advertiser for policy influence, suggesting a multi-partisan approach.

This gathering marked a step towards more effective advocacy and a united stance against Islamophobia, underscoring the importance of strategic planning and community involvement.