CEDAR, Europe's first Muslim Professionals' Network, was developed out of a series of trans-Atlantic workshops and launched by ISD and the Salzburg Global Seminar in November 2008. This major civil society initiative aims to represent a growing generation of young successful Muslim professionals in Europe to bolster their influence within wider professional, political and social networks. CEDAR will further facilitate member's engagement as role models and mentors with youth in marginalised communities thus expanding pathways to career opportunities and development for the next generation.

The CEDAR network currently has an ever increasing membership spanning 11 European countries with new members considered every six months. Sector Working Groups have been identified to address a diverse range of issues including Policy and Politics, ICT, Media and Communications, and Women. Specific products currently being developed by the Network include, among others: a mentoring programme for young people; an 'Expert Finder' comprising a databank of experts and policy figures from within Muslim communities who are willing and able to speak to a wide-range of issues; and a  European Muslim Women of Influence list (EMWI). To visit the EMWI website, click here.

The CEDAR Network has attracted the attention and eager support of figures from beyond the Muslim community, who will continue to play a key role in CEDAR’s activity as founding members of the network’s Advisory Board; Gwyneth Williams- Director of English Networks & News for the BBC World Service, Louis Schweitzer- Chairman of Le Monde and Renault, Peter Kellner- President, YouGov and Cherie Blaire- QC.

ISD and the Salzburg Global Seminar are serving as the Network's interim secretariat for the initial 18-24 months of its development. The aim is to establish the Network as its own self-managed and sustainable organisation within a two-year time period. 

To download the CEDAR leaflet click here

To visit the CEDAR website click here

Prior Events

CEDAR Management Board

4 - 5 December 2009, Amsterdam

The CEDAR Management Board, facilitated by the Institute, came together at the World Fashion Centre in Amsterdam on 5 December. The Board discussed the CEDAR network’s developments since its inception in autumn 2008. More

CEDAR Youth Mentoring

7 November 2009

CEDAR, in partnership with Young Enterprise London, launched its mentoring programme for young people on 7th November 2009 with a successful mentoring session at Tawhid Mosque in east London. More

CEDAR Board Meeting and Drinks Reception

21 March 2009, London

Following a board meeting, CEDAR was delighted to welcome supporters and potential donors for an informal drinks reception. Cherie Blair expressed her support and has agreed to serve on the Advisory Board. More

CEDAR Action Workshop

16 -17 November 2008, Austria 

This intensive four-day workshop held in Salzburg, Austria brought together over 40 Muslims from around Europe to explore the possibilities and the modus operendi for launching a Europe-wide network of Muslim professionals. More

Executive Summary