CEDAR is a unique pan-European professional network, focused on the promotion of leadership, diversity and empowerment of European Muslims. This major civil society initiative was developed out of a series of transatlantic workshops and launched by ISD and the Salzburg Global Seminar in November 2008. ISD currently acts as a facilitator for the Network.

CEDAR represents a growing generation of successful professionals in Europe that seek to foster a culture of achievement amongst Europe’s diverse communities. The Network is currently comprised of over 70 members spanning 16 European countries. CEDAR’s objectives are to:

• Support professional development among Network members and wider Muslim communities;
• Raise aspirations and increase access to career opportunities for marginalised young Muslims;
• Increase the visibility of successful Muslim professionals;
• Become a platform for the development of projects that will empower European Muslims.

CEDAR works to promote positive perceptions of European Muslims’ contributions to society. CEDAR has hosted a range of programmes and activities across Europe, including in-mosque mentoring and inspirational events for young Muslims; exclusive meetings with leading European figures from media, business and government sectors; the first European Muslim Women of Influence Awards (EMWI); and a number of professional development and networking events.

CEDAR has attracted the attention and keen support of figures from within and beyond the Muslim community, who  continue to play a key role in CEDAR’s activity as founding members of the Network’s Advisory Board: Cherie Blair (Cherie Blair Foundation); Kristiane Backer (former host, MTV Europe); Peter Kellner (President, YouGov); and Farah Pandith (Special Representative to Muslim Communities, US Department of State).

To download the latest CEDAR Newsletter click here

You can follow CEDAR on its Facebook page and Twitter feed, and view videos of its work on ISD's YouTube channel.

To visit the CEDAR website click here