IFESDC 2025

Event Overview
The International Islamic Economics and Finance Conference for Sustainable Development (IFESDC) 2025 is a pioneering initiative that marks among the first gatherings of its kind dedicated to the topics on Islamic economics and finance among universities in Washington, D.C., USA. This conference will serve as a strategic platform for fostering collaboration, dialogue, and knowledge exchange among academic leaders, researchers, regulators, and practitioners from Indonesia, the USA and around the world in the fields of Islamic economics and finance. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the conference aims to address shared challenges, promote innovative solutions, and explore strategic opportunities to enhance the management, development, and impact of Islamic economics and finance including in halal/ethical industry sectors.

The core focus areas of the conference include advancing research, enhancing curriculum development, and promoting community engagement initiatives in the fields of Islamic economics and finance. Through a series of high-level discussions, keynote presentations, and expert panel sessions, participants will engage in in-depth exploration of best practices, policy frameworks, and case studies to inform future strategies and collaborations.

This landmark event will serve as a catalyst for building strategic alliances and institutional partnerships aimed at leveraging the collective expertise from the universities and industries to address the pressing Islamic economic and finance challenges. Participants will include university rectors, deans, researchers, policymakers, and thought industry leaders, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful dialogue.

Keynote Speakers
● Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister of Finance, Ministry of Finance Republic of Indonesia. *
● Prof. Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, Minister of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs Republic of Indonesia

CEOs’ and Regulators’ Speakers:

1. Thaweelap Rittapirom, Director and President of The Islamic Bank of Thailand, “Shariah Compliance in Global Markets”
2. Hery Gunardi, President Director of Bank Syariah Indonesia, “Digital Innovations in Islamic Banking and Finance”*
3. Sunar Basuki, Director of Operations, Digital, and IT, PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM), “The Future of Islamic Microfinance”
4. Monem Salam, Executive Vice President of Saturna Capital, “Islamic Asset Management Potential in the USA”
5. Kal Elsayed, President and CEO of Guidance Residential, “Halal Mortgage in the USA”
6. Sandiaga Uno, CEO Saratoga Investama/Minister of Tourism and Presentations on successful halal projects and partnerships Creative Economy 2020-2024, “Muslim Friendly Tourism Potentials in The World”
7. Salman Subakat, Director of Paragon Corp., “Halal Lifestyle in Digitalization Era”*
8. Yaqub Mirza, Founder of Sterling Management, “Islamic Social Finance Potential in the USA”
9. Prof. Dr. KH. Noor Achmad, Chairman of the Indonesian National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS) RI, “The Role of Zakat in Empowering Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities” *
10. Rudy Kamdani, Chairman, Indonesia Sharia Insurance Association (AASI) “The Urgency of Islamic Insurance as a Part of Halal Lifestyle” *

*  to be confirmed

Rectors’ Talk
● Objective:
This session will be a strategic dialogue among participating universities to identify common focus areas for Islamic economics and finance research and potential pathways for mutual recognition of programs. This session aims to establish a formal framework for academic and institutional collaboration in the field of Islamic economics and finance.
● Key Themes:
○ Strategic areas for joint research and program development
○ Frameworks for mutual recognition of academic programs in Islamic economics and finance
○ Establishing networks and coalitions for shared objectives
○ Funding and support mechanisms for collaborative initiatives
● Expected Outcome:
A roadmap for collaborative initiatives in developing Islamic economics and finance and halal/ethical industry.

Research Presentation
● Objective:
This session will give representatives from leading universities the opportunity to present their latest innovations, research, and programmatic developments in Islamic economics and finance. The session will focus on exploring new opportunities for growth and collaboration and implementation of Islamic economics and finance development.
● Key Themes:
○ Innovative academic and research in Islamic economics and finance
○ Opportunities for curriculum development and joint research initiatives
○ University-community engagement in Islamic economics and finance
○ Digital transformation and technology adoption in Islamic economics and finance development.
● Expected Outcome:
Identification of potential areas for joint research and capacity-building initiatives.

Conference Subthemes
The conference invites submissions on the following key topics:
1. Innovations in Halal Business Practices
2. Development Strategies for Halal Markets
3. Halal Supply Chain Management
4. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks in Halal Industries
5. Sustainable Halal Production and Consumption
6. Halal Certification and Standardization
7. Islamic Finance and Investment Models
8. Islamic Social Finance (Zakat and Waqf)
9. Personal and Family Finance
10. Poverty among Marginalized and Vulnerable Groups (Women & Disabilities)