Strategic governance meeting and nationwide volunteer gathering mark bold new direction for MCB’s Vision 2050 implementation across Britain.
The first 2025-27 National Council meeting on 15 February set out the ambitious Vision 2050 roadmap, emphasising inclusivity and enhanced community engagement across Britain. This was followed by a crucial volunteer meeting on 22 February, where MCB volunteer teams from across the country convened to energise and boost the organisation’s work, bringing together an exceptional coalition of young professionals.
MCB’s Vision 2050 Unveiled at First National Council Meeting
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) convened its first National Council (NC) Meeting for 2025-27 at Masjid Ibrahim & Islamic Centre in London. The National Council, comprising approximately 60 individuals, meets at least quarterly and is responsible for holding the MCB leadership team to account.
Held in a hybrid format to accommodate diverse participation, the meeting saw the appointment of key leadership figures to steer MCB towards its ambitious Vision 2050.
Looking Ahead
Dr Wajid Akhter presented the vision of MCB 2050, highlighting a proactive approach to community challenges in legal, health, education, finance, mosque development, charity, and youth affairs. He reminded NC members of the rich tapestry of the diverse membership of the MCB, which stands as a robust and democratic organisation loyal to British Muslim interests in providing a vision for the common good.
Commitment to Community and Service
In his opening address, Maswood Ahmed, Deputy Secretary General, emphasised the importance of internal and external change to help address the contemporary challenges facing British Muslims. The opening session highlighted themes of unity, empowerment, and service for the MCB in providing proactive engagement, both internally as an organisation and externally within Civil Society.
Inclusivity and Innovation
Deaf Muslim UK, an MCB affiliate, addressed NC members on the importance of inclusivity and ensuring British Muslim organisations take into consideration the concerns and welfare of Deaf people. Khalid Ashraf, Chief Executive and co-founder of Deaf Muslim UK and NC member, provided colleagues with a tutorial on the use of British Sign Language and reminded those present of the need for greater accessibility and integration within British Muslim communities for the Deaf community.
Constitutional Duties
The NC deliberated and approved several initiatives including moving the Annual General Meeting to the summer for greater community engagement. The NC also approved the introduction of a structured four-week handover between outgoing and incoming teams for smoother transitions.
New affiliations and the reclassification of some member organisations in the structure were discussed. It was agreed that the Membership Committee would bring recommendations back to the next NC meeting. Members were reminded that MCB’s strength lies in the diversity of its membership, and while increasing membership numbers remains important, providing support, guidance, and representation to existing affiliates is equally vital—a task the Membership Committee has been instructed to prioritise.
Future Steps
For greater transparency and engagement, the NC has committed itself to monthly online meetings supplemented by quarterly face-to-face sessions to ensure transparency and effective action. NC members were also reminded of their duty towards the MCB and how financial fundraising and active representation across nations and regions were identified as key priorities to support MCB’s vision and aspirations.
Putting Vision into Action
On 22 February, volunteers from across the country gathered to create and merge teams that will drive forward the MCB’s ambitious agenda. This pivotal meeting focused on developing practical strategies to realise the MCB’s vision and implement the ‘open-heart-surgery’ mentioned by Dr Wajid Akhter in his inaugural address.
The meeting established new departments designed to make the MCB more fit for purpose in addressing contemporary challenges facing British Muslim communities. These restructured teams, comprising talented professionals from diverse backgrounds, have begun strategising on immediate priorities and long-term initiatives.
The NC was supportive and endorsed the MCB Vision 2050 plan to help unite, empower, and serve the British Muslim Communities, which will help lay the groundwork for a resilient and impactful future.