20th IsDB Global Forum on Islamic Finance to Convene in Azerbaijan

Jeddah, June 11, 2026, SPA -- The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) will host the 20th IsDB Global Forum on Islamic Finance in Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 17, 2026, under the theme “Achieving Sustainable Prosperity through Islamic Finance,” in conjunction with the IsDB Group Annual Meetings.

Marking its 20th edition, the forum serves as a flagship platform for high-level dialogue, convening policymakers, regulators, development practitioners, academics, and industry leaders to advance innovation and development in Islamic finance. This year’s forum will focus on strengthening regional integration and unlocking sustainable growth across IsDB member countries through Islamic finance solutions.

The forum will examine how Islamic finance can help address structural development challenges, including “development traps” that constrain inclusive growth and resilience. It will also highlight innovative Islamic social finance mechanisms, particularly Awqaf Free Zones, as tools for mobilizing sustainable resources to support food and energy security.

Key highlights of the forum include keynote speeches, launch of a new report on the prospects of Islamic Finance in Azerbaijan alongside other flagship publications, announcement of a memorandum of understanding between IsDBI and Labuan Financial Services Authority, distinguished panel discussion sessions, and unveiling of top achievers in the Applied AI in Islamic Finance Competency Challenge.

Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan Taleh Kazimov will deliver the first keynote speech, followed by Chief Executive Officer of ITFC Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, whose speech will be on behalf of the IsDB Group. Acting Director General of IsDBI Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem will deliver the welcome remarks.

The first panel session will explore how Islamic finance can help countries overcome development barriers and achieve sustainable economic transformation. The panelists include Executive Director of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan Shahin Aydin Mahmudzade; Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia Adnan Zaylani; UNITAR Division for Prosperity Director Mihoko Kumamoto; Dean of Asian Development Bank Institute Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro; and Chief Economist at IsDB Group Dr. Areef Suleman. The session will be moderated by Head of Islamic Finance at London Stock Exchange Group Mustafa Adil.

The second panel session will examine innovative approaches to mobilizing Islamic social finance, particularly through Awqaf Free Zones, to address global food and energy challenges. The speakers include Chairman of the Board of AFEZ Authority in Azerbaijan Valeh Alasgarov; Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Industry in Nigeria Dr. Mansur Muhtar; President and CEO of INCEIF University Professor Dr. Azmi Omar; and Chairman, Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (KOBİA) Orkhan Vidadi oglu Mammadov. The session will be moderated by Associate Manager at IsDBI Yahya Rehman.
The forum is expected to generate actionable recommendations, strengthen partnerships, promote stakeholder collaboration, and advance innovative, AI-enabled tools to support the growth of Islamic finance globally.