Page 22 - CMA Journal (Mar-Apr 2025)

Exclusive Interview

ICMA: What initiatives has ICCD undertaken to
strengthen the Islamic banking sector across its
member states?
ICCD has launched international
Yousef Hassan Khalawi: We view Islamic banking not
Shariah-compliant events like the merely as a financial service but as a cornerstone of
ethical and sustainable economic growth for the world.
Makkah Halal Forum, gathering Since 2022, ICCD has launched a series of strategic
initiatives aimed at strengthening the Islamic banking
industry leaders to discuss halal and finance ecosystem through policy dialogue, regional
engagement, and international partnerships.
standards and practices, in We strongly believe in the power of convening
partnerships and building alliances to advance our
addition to a series of webinars mission. A key example of this is our ongoing
collaboration with the AlBaraka Forum for Islamic
focused on various aspects of Economy—a leading global non-profit association
dedicated to the development and promotion of the
Islamic finance and trade Islamic economy and finance. Through this strategic
relationship, ICCD has served as a strategic partner in the
AlBaraka Summit in London for three consecutive
years—2022, 2023, and 2024—bringing the voice of the
broader OIC community into global conversations on
ICMA: What are ICCD’s strategic priorities for Islamic finance, fintech, and policy innovation.
deepening Shariah-compliant trade and economic The Summit has become a flagship platform where ICCD
integration within the Islamic world? connects with international institutions, policymakers,
and industry leaders to foster collaboration, share
Yousef Hassan Khalawi: Since ICCD’s establishment
knowledge, and shape a unified vision for the future of
nearly half a century ago, we have remained committed
Islamic finance. This partnership has also extended
to deepening Shariah-compliant trade and promoting
meaningfully to Pakistan, where ICCD served as a co-host
economic integration throughout the Islamic world.
of the AlBaraka Regional Conferences in Karachi in 2023
By advocating for the role of the private sector as a key and 2024. These high-impact gatherings were
player in achieving the United Nations Sustainable distinguished by the active participation of senior
Development Goals (SDGs) and the OIC Program of government officials and prominent financial sector
Action 2025, ICCD aims to create a conducive leaders, offering a platform to localize global Islamic
environment for ethical business practices. finance strategies while addressing national
development priorities. The conferences catalyzed
In this regard, ICCD has launched international dialogue on regulatory reform, participatory banking
Shariah-compliant events like the Makkah Halal Forum, models, and cross-border collaboration.
gathering industry leaders to discuss halal standards and
practices, in addition to a series of webinars focused on
various aspects of Islamic finance and trade. These
events cover topics such as digital marketing for halal Since 2022, ICCD has launched
products, sustainable business practices, and the
intricacies of Shariah-compliance. This comprehensive a series of strategic initiatives
approach not only educates stakeholders but also fosters
a culture of collaboration and innovation in the Islamic aimed at strengthening the
business landscape.
Islamic banking and finance
By emphasizing the importance of harmonizing
regulatory frameworks and enhancing the capacity of ecosystem through policy
chambers of commerce, ICCD works tirelessly to facilitate dialogue, regional engagement,
seamless trade that adheres to Islamic principles.
Through these efforts, we seek to create an and international partnerships
interconnected economic ecosystem that not only
promotes trade but also strengthens the overall
economic resilience of the Islamic nation.

20 ICMA’s Chartered Management Accountant, Mar-Apr 2025