Mr Ahmad will be speaking on the theme of 'For a common human agenda: Muslim Aid’s vision and work towards a world which makes sense', starting at 7pm, in the University's Faraday Lecture Theatre, Faraday Building.

Through generous donations and legacy contributions, Muslim Aid has helped save and improve the lives of millions of people in over 60 of the world's poorest countries.

By responding rapidly to emergencies, Muslim Aid provides relief to victims of natural disasters, wars, and famine and through long-term developmental programmes such as provision of clean water, shelter, education, income-generation and healthcare, it is tackling the root causes of poverty.

Prior to joining London-based Muslim Aid, Mr Ahmad served as Chief Executive of the Faith Regen Foundation from 2002 to 2006. He was also the Chief Executive at the North London Muslim Housing Association from 1998 to 2002. 

Prior to that, he spent nine years leading the financial divisions of Housing and Technical Directorate in two inner London boroughs and 11 years in the private sector as Sales Executive and Finance Director.  

Mr Ahmad has also been a member of a number of boards and committees, including the Policy Action Team of the Social Exclusion Unit of the Cabinet Office, the National Young People's Learning Committee of the Learning and Skills Council, the Federation of Students Islamic Societies of UK and Eire (FOSIS), and the Housing Advisory Group of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Mr Ahmad said: "I have worked for over 25 years in Britain in the private and voluntary sectors as well as with local and central government.  However, my desire to be at the frontline of helping humanity has not been satisfied. Coming to Muslim Aid has opened the door for me to directly help disadvantaged and marginalised people. 

"Throughout my career I have tried to portray the compassionate, caring and inclusive nature of my faith, as I feel that the Muslim tradition is often misunderstood in the West. 

"I very much look forward to visiting Swansea to give this lecture at the University and through Muslim Aid, I want to demonstrate to the world at large that Islam is a tradition of giving, caring, and standing by those who are excluded and exploited.

The lecture's organiser, The Reverend Nigel John, Swansea University's Anglican Chaplain, said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome Mr Ahmad to the University to hear about Muslim Aid's work and we look forward to the occasion with great anticipation.

"We are very fortunate in having an excellent Islamic Students' Society at Swansea University who, of course, faithfully support the work of Muslim Aid."

Each year, Swansea University organises a diverse range of lectures that are open to the public.  The lectures on religious issues have long attracted high profile speakers of many different traditions to Swansea. 

Previous speakers have included the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Rowan Williams, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, and the Archbishop of Wales, The Most Reverend Dr Barry Morgan.

The new 2007/08 series will include speakers who will be addressing inter-religious/inter-faith issues.

Admission to the lecture is free and all are welcome. For further information, please contact the Reverend Nigel John, Swansea University Chaplaincy, Tel: +0044 (0)1792 205678, extension 4442, or e-mail n.john@swansea.ac.uk.  

For further information about Muslim Aid UK's work, click here.