What does it mean to be young and Muslim today? The launch event for Ogilvy Noor’s book ‘Generation M’ shone a light on one of the world’s most influential economic forces.  

From fashion magazines to social networking, the ‘Mipsterz’ to the ‘Haloodies’, halal internet dating to Muslim boy bands, Generation M are making their mark. Ogilvy Noor VP & award-winning author, Shelina Janmohamed, took to the stage at the event to discuss this growing cultural phenomenon at a time when understanding the mindset of young Muslims is critical. The panel explored what their beliefs meant for an identity that encompasses both faith and modernity, and why Generation M are not only adapting to Western consumerism, but reclaiming it as their own.

Speakers included:

Shelina Mohamed: ‘Generation M’ author & Vice President, Ogilvy Noor
John Seifert: Worldwide CEO, Ogilvy & Mather
Martin Sorrell: Founder & CEO, WPP
Romanna Bint Abu Baker: Fashion entrepreneur & Founder/CEO of Haute-Elan.com & MODLIST
Navid Akhtar: Founder/CEO of Alchemiya.com, a global video on demand platform that showcases the best films and documentaries from across the Muslim world- dubbed ‘Netflix for Muslims’
Poetic Pilgrimage – Muneera Rashid and Sukina Owen-Douglas: A female British Muslim Hip Hop and Spoken Word duo
Zaufishan Iqbal: Founder of www.TheEcoMuslim.com

Key Take Outs:

1. There is a new kind of consumerism on the horizon- the notion of Islamic branding; building businesses, products and brands to engage with Muslim consumers is gaining traction & this is where this global cohort of young Muslims comes in. Their faith inspires them to engage with brands to do all of these things & their youth, their growth and their economic power makes them one of the most important and exciting rising economic forces.
2. While the world’s population is projected to grow 35 per cent in the next four decades, the number of Muslims is expected to increase by 73 per cent – from 1.6 billion in 2010 to 2.8 billion in 2050; by 2030 Muslims will make up 26.5 per cent of the global population.
3. The role of faith in the social and commercial space is not to be underestimated and every day religiosity continues to be important for many around the world.
4. As one of the 21st century’s most powerful economic forces the Muslim lifestyle which spans across all categories from food to travel to healthcare and more has resulted in a thriving Islamic economy.
5. As one of the world’s most powerful economic forces brands must now adapt their marketing to incorporate the values and ideals of the Muslim population.

To find out more contact Bree Throssell at Ogilvy