Voice of Islam Radio UK held its 10-year anniversary external guests conference on 7 June 2026, at the Baitul Futuh Mosque Complex, under the theme “World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace.”
The event was attended by academics, media professionals, faith representatives, civic figures and other external guests who have contributed to or taken part in Voice of Islam Radio programmes over the past decade. The conference also provided guests with an opportunity to visit the Baitul Futuh Mosque Complex and Voice of Islam studios.
Guests began arriving at 5pm and were welcomed by volunteers at the registration desks. They were served light refreshments and offered guided tours of the complex and radio studios. Exhibitions were also arranged in Nasir Hall, including a Holy Quran exhibition by the True Islam team and a history exhibition by the UK History Department.
The formal proceedings began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a welcome speech by my humble self. Raza Ahmed Sahib then delivered an introductory presentation on the Jamaat and Voice of Islam Radio. He spoke about the beliefs of the Jamaat, the claims of the Promised Messiah (as) and the purpose behind the establishment of Voice of Islam Radio. A video presentation was also shown, featuring extracts from addresses of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aa) on the subject of peace, justice and the responsibilities of nations in the modern age.
Two panel discussions were held during the evening. The first was titled “How are current global conflicts causing shifts in the world order?”, was hosted by Danayal Zia Sahib. The panellists were Dr Francesco Rigoli, Reader and Associate Professor at City St George’s, University of London; Dr Afzal Ashraf, Assistant Professor at Loughborough University; and Dr Martin Farr, Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University. The discussion focused on current conflicts, changing global alliances, public anxiety and the need for justice as a foundation for lasting peace.
The second panel discussion was titled “How does the media shape public opinion?” and was hosted by Dr Hammad Khan Sahib. The panellists included Dr Colin Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Political Communications at Nottingham Trent University; Mohammed Amin MBE, Co-Chair of the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester; Atif Rashid Sahib, Editor-in-Chief of the Analyst News and Munir Odeh Sahib, Director of Production at MTA and Board Member of Voice of Islam Radio. The discussion addressed media responsibility, misinformation, public perception and the importance of balanced reporting.
Thereafter, an address was delivered by Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK. He spoke about the original purpose of Voice of Islam Radio and its role in promoting dialogue, understanding and the peaceful teachings of Islam. He also referred to the moral and social challenges facing the world and emphasised that true peace can only be achieved through justice, sincerity and concern for the welfare of humanity.
The formal session concluded with silent prayer, followed by dinner and further informal discussions between guests, organisers and members of the Jamaat. The total attendance was 342, including 113 external guests.
Several guests later expressed appreciation for the event, mosque tours, hospitality and discussions. Feedback received from attendees highlighted the importance of mutual understanding, respectful dialogue and removing misconceptions between communities.