20th Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Global Forum on Islamic Finance Strengthens Sustainable Prosperity in Azerbaijan
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is set to host the 20th IsDB Global Forum on Islamic Finance in Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 17, 2026. This significant event will be held under the theme “Achieving Sustainable Prosperity through Islamic Finance,” coinciding with the IsDB Group Annual Meetings.
A Platform for High-Level Dialogue
This milestone edition of the forum will serve as a premier platform for dialogue among policymakers, regulators, development practitioners, academics, and industry leaders. The primary objective is to foster innovation and development in Islamic finance. The focus this year will be on enhancing regional integration and unlocking sustainable growth across IsDB member countries through various Islamic finance solutions.
The forum aims to address structural development challenges, including the so-called “development traps” that hinder inclusive growth and resilience. It will also spotlight innovative Islamic social finance mechanisms, particularly Awqaf Free Zones, as effective tools for mobilizing sustainable resources to bolster food and energy security.
Key Highlights and Sessions
The forum will feature several key highlights, including keynote speeches, the launch of a new report on the prospects of Islamic finance in Azerbaijan, and the announcement of a memorandum of understanding between IsDBI and the Labuan Financial Services Authority. Additionally, distinguished panel discussions will take place, culminating in the recognition of top achievers in the Applied AI in Islamic Finance Competency Challenge.
H.E. Taleh Kazimov, Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, will deliver the inaugural keynote speech. He will be followed by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), who will speak on behalf of the IsDB Group. Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, will provide the welcome remarks.
Panel Discussions on Economic Transformation
The first panel session will delve into how Islamic finance can assist countries in overcoming development barriers and achieving sustainable economic transformation. Panelists will include Mr. Shahin Aydin Mahmudzade, Executive Director of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan; Mr. Adnan Zaylani, Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia; Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director of the Division for Prosperity at UNITAR; Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro, Dean of the Asian Development Bank Institute; and Dr. Areef Suleman, Chief Economist of the IsDB Group. Mr. Mustafa Adil, Head of Islamic Finance at the London Stock Exchange Group, will moderate the session.
The second panel will focus on innovative approaches to mobilizing Islamic social finance, particularly through Awqaf Free Zones, to tackle global food and energy challenges. Speakers will include Mr. Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board of the AFEZ Authority in Azerbaijan; Dr. Mansur Muhtar, Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Industry in Nigeria; Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Azmi Omar, President and CEO of INCEIF University; and Mr. Orkhan Vidadi oglu Mammadov, Chairman of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (KOBİA). This session will be moderated by Mr. Yahya Rehman, Associate Manager at IsDBI.
Expected Outcomes and Future Directions
The forum is anticipated to generate actionable recommendations, strengthen partnerships, and promote stakeholder collaboration. It aims to advance innovative, AI-enabled tools that will support the global growth of Islamic finance.
For further details about the forum, visit the IsDBI website here.
Source: www.zawya.com
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About the IsDB Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) stands as a knowledge beacon within the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, IsDBI spearheads the development of innovative, knowledge-based solutions aimed at fostering sustainable economic advancement in IsDB member countries and various Muslim communities globally. The Institute facilitates economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and effective knowledge management. More information about the IsDB Institute can be found here.
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Published on 2026-06-11 19:35:00 • By the Editorial Desk
