Annual Retreat

A Transformative Retreat for Visionary Muslim Changemakers

For over 16 years The Concordia Forum’s Annual Flagship Retreat gathers over 200 Muslim leaders from across the world for four days of dialogue, reflection, and collective action. Through thought-provoking talks, cultural showcases, workshops, and spiritual gatherings, participants find the space and community to reimagine leadership and spark lasting change.

Concordians are leaders across business, media, philanthropy, education, politics, arts and culture, and technology: shaping ideas and driving initiatives whose impact extends well beyond their own communities in North America, Europe, Australia, and South Africa.”

coming soon

Cape Town, South Africa
2026

Our 17th Annual Concordia Forum Retreat brings together Muslim leaders from around the world for transformative dialogue, hands-on workshops, and strategic collaboration. This exclusively curated gathering fosters trust, innovation, and meaningful impact in the heart of Cape Town.

As an invitation-only retreat, we welcome expressions of interest from passionate, high-impact Muslims across sectors.

Past Annual Retreat Scroll down to load events...

Testimonials

Voices from global leaders and Participants

An impressive array of talented people in a space where they can talk, share ideas and have fun, which is really important.

Sadiq Khan,

London Mayor

I appreciate the work of The Concordia Forum in bringing Muslims together, and many others, to highlight what’s possible.

Zohran Kwame Mamdani,

Mayor of The City of New York

Concordia convenes people of incredibly diverse skills, expertise and geography. This builds power and is much needed investment in our communities.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,

U.S. Rep

An accomplished and diverse group of leaders, some of my trusted friends and colleagues count themselves as Concordia alumni.

Hillary Clinton,

Former US Secretary of State

Concordia’s work of connecting communities that don’t know one another is vital in this day and age.

Ahmed Hussen MP,

Canadian Cabinet Minister

The Concordia Forum has the potential to make an outstanding impact on communities around the world.

Theresa May,

Former British Prime Minister

Thank you to The Concordia Forum for all you do to build relationships and encourage the conversations that are so valuable today

Kier Starmer,

UK Prime Minister

Past Annual Retreat

The Mediterranean,
2025

Our 16th Annual Concordia Forum Retreat brings together Muslim leaders from across the world for transformative dialogue, workshops, and strategic collaboration. This exclusively curated event fosters trust, innovation, and impact at the heart of a dynamic Sicilian setting.

As an invitation-only retreat, we welcome expressions of interest from passionate, high-impact Muslims across sectors.

Past Annual Retreat

Atlanta, Georgia
2024

Marking its fifteenth anniversary, the Forum returned to the United States at Barnsley Resort near Atlanta, Georgia. Highlights included a performance by noted Syrian-American pianist Malek Jandali, keynote discussions with Bill Bazzi, Mayor of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, and President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, Naz Shah UK Member of Parliament and UK Trade Envoy to Indonesia and ASEAN, and Debbie Almontaser Educator and interfaith leader, and a gala evening titled “Fifteen Years of Light” featuring poet Amir Sulaiman. Entertainment ranged from the HaLOL: Comedy Night to the premiere of Exception with director Iman Zawahry. The programme also featured the Strait of Crisis simulation led by the New Lines Institute, a plenary on Gaza, and a closing policy conference at the Carter Center, founded by former US President Jimmy Carter. Over 200 delegates attended this milestone retreat.

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Past Annual Retreat

Málaga, Spain
2023

Held at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace on Spain’s Costa del Sol, this retreat blended Andalusian hospitality with a dynamic programme of dialogue, arts, and action. Keynotes featured Sara Minkara former U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights and Mohamedou Ould Slahi, Mauritanian author of Guantánamo Diary while workshops ranged from crisis simulations to political reform. Evenings offered Night Owl sessions tackling issues like cultural wars, psychedelic therapy and children’s health. Friday included a scavenger‑hunt excursion through the ancient city of Ronda, followed by the Synergizers – Dragons’ Den pitch session hosted by BBC journalist Faisal Islam Entertainment included comedians Imran Yusuf, Shazia Mirza, Aizzah Fatima and Omer Regan at the Always HaLOL, Mostly Halal comedy night, as well as performances by Al Firdaus Ensemble and Orchestra Qawali. The gala dinner hosted conversations with Mehdi Hasan British-American journalist and broadcaster, Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General, and Shabana Mahmood, UK Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. Over 180 delegates attended this retreat.

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Past Annual Retreat

Texas, USA
2022

Returning to the United States, our 13th annual retreat was held at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa near Austin, Texas. Keynote speakers included George Friedman, author, strategist and founder, Geopolitical Futures and Yusuf Salaam, Member of the Exonerated Five and criminal justice reform advocate. This year launched a new crisis management exercise by the New Lines Institute and two exclusive film screenings (“In Search of My Sister” and “American Skin”). Entertainment was provided by hip hop duo Ain’t Afraid, Grammy nominee Mumu Fresh, and Texas-based Pakistani musicians Riyaaz Qawalli. Over 150 delegates attended this event.

Past Annual Retreat

Lisbon, Portugal
2021

After taking a fallow year due to COVID, the Concordia Forum returned for the second time to the Ritz Carlton Penha Longa resort near Lisbon, Portugal. This event, held with strict COVID protocols, featured a return of the Al Firdaus Ensemble, and the subject of the feature film, The Mauritanian, Mohamedou Ould Slahi. A “musicalligraphy” performance by artist Bahman Panahi kicked things off and a closing ceremony and lunch was held at the Lisbon Central Mosque. Over 90 delegates attended this retreat.

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Past Annual Retreat

Ontario, Canada
2019

The Concordia Forum returned to Canada in 2019, holding its annual retreat at the Westin Blue Mountain at the Blue Mountain resort in Ontario. This event included keynote speakers such as Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. It was also the launch of ConcordiART, a showcase featuring innovative Muslim artists from around the world. An advance screening of “American-ish,” a feature film created by Concordians, was also held, along with a closing reception at the Ismaili Centre in Toronto. Over 180 delegates attended this event.

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Past Annual Retreat

Caux, Switzerland
2018

This year featured a summer schedule at the at the Caux Palace on a hilltop overlooking Montreux, Switzerland. The event featured a recorded welcome address from Hillary Clinton and remarks from British politicians Yasmin Qureshi and Magid “Magic” Magid among others. Excursions included a Synergizer session at the lakeside Chillon Castle. Entertainment included a full length play by Khayaal Theatre Company and a live performance by Zeshan Bagewadi. This was the largest Concordia Forum retreat held so far, with more than 220 delegates attending.

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Past Annual Retreat

Montréal, Canada
2017

Returning to North America, the first Canadian retreat was held this year at the Esterel Resort near Montreal, Quebec. This even featured a dragon boat competition, a boat cruise from the Port of Montreal, and high profile speeches from actor Riz Ahmed and Canadian Minister Ahmed Hussen. Entertainment featured Iraqi-Canadian rapper Narcy. The HaLOL comedy night featured then up-and-coming comedian Mo Amer. Workshops included choral music training by Hussein Janmohamed and film creation by director Iman Zawahry. Over 170 delegates attended this event.

Past Annual Retreat

Lisbon, Portugal
2016

For the first Portuguese retreat, the Concordia Forum was held this year at the Ritz Carlton Penha Longa resort in Sintra, near Lisbon. This event hosted the first Concordia Forum app to connect delegates, the HaLOL comedy night, featuring four up and coming Muslim comedians, and the Oxford Union-style Concordia Debates. Entertainment was provided by the returning Al Firdaus Ensemble and by Danish hip hop group Outlandish at the seaside Forte da Cruz castle. A closing reception was held at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon with remarks from the US Ambassador. Attendance for this event grew to 150 people.

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Past Annual Retreat

Atlanta, Georgia
2015

Returning to the United States, the Concordia Forum was held this year at the Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Continuing with traditions from previous retreats, this event included a tour of the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, followed by a reception with 150 local leaders at the Atlanta Aquarium. Entertainment included a performance by the Morehouse College Choir and remarks from legendary civil rights activist C.T. Vivian. Attendance for this event grew to 130 people.

Past Annual Retreat

Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2014

The Concordia Forum began alternating between Europe and North America with this year’s retreat at Estate Duin & Kruidberg in Santpoort near Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This was the first World Café brainstorming session that would feature in later retreats. The event also featured Theatre of the Oppressed at the Parnassian can Zee beach pavilion, a scavenger hunt with Segway scooters along Amsterdam’s canals, and entertainment by Dakka Nzaha Nzaha, a Moroccan music ensemble. Attendance for this event grew to 110 people.

Past Annual Retreat

West Virginia, USA
2013

The first American Concordia Forum retreat took place at a facility in the Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia. This event hosted the first Synergizer, a session where delegates pitch their ideas and projects to gain support or funding from fellow attendees. Entertainment included a performance by an Americana roots band and a music and dance demonstration from a local Native American tribe. Attendance for this event exceeded 90 people.

Past Annual Retreat

Castelraimondo, Italy
2012

The Concordia Forum hosted its first retreat out of Spain in the La Marche region of Italy at a resort near the town of Castelraimondo. This retreat included excursions to nearby caves, a Renaissance jousting re-enactment, and a visit to the Basilica della Santa Casa in nearby Loreto. Entertainment was provided by a local opera ensemble and journalist Wajahat Ali, who hosted the first open mic Chai After Dark which later became a Concordia Forum tradition. Attendance this year grew to 70 people.

Past Annual Retreat

Alquería de Rosales, Spain
2009–2011

The first three Concordia Forum retreats took place in the rural, Islamic-themed Alquería de Rosales in the heart of Andalucia, Spain. It was here that the Concordia Forum format took shape, with excursions to Granada, jinn stories under moonlight, and structured workshops and debates. High profile guests included journalist Medhi Hasan, US Special Representative to Muslim Communities Farah Pandith, and US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain. Entertainment was provided by the Andalucia-based Al Firdaus Ensemble and Flamenco musicians and dancers from nearby Puebla Don Fadrique. Attendance steadily increased from 40-60 during these three years.

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