Dr Hany El-Banna is the co-founder and President of Islamic Relief, the largest Western-based international Muslim relief and development NGO. Established in 1984, the organization provides assistance in over 30 countries worldwide. Islamic Relief has also been active in signing a memorandum of understanding with the African Union to tackle poverty on the continent. Dr El- Banna is still an active leader in the Muslim charity sector as chairman of the Muslim Charities Forum, Zakat House and president of The Humanitarian Forum. Dr El- Banna has been awarded a number of prestigious awards receiving various lifetime achievement awards and being awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth for his services to the community.