Washington DC, May 21, 2025 — The International Islamic Economics and Finance Conference for Sustainable Development (IFESDC) 2025 was officially opened today at the World Bank Headquarters, spotlighting global efforts to combat poverty and promote shared prosperity through the principles of Islamic economics and finance.
Carrying the theme “Eradicating Poverty and Enhancing Prosperity for Sustainable Development,” the conference brings together policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders from across the globe. It is organized by the Indonesian Muslim Association in America (IMAAM) in partnership with Tazkia University and Sakinah Finance, and supported by the Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Voting Group (EDS16) of the World Bank Group.
One of the sessions of Day One was the CEO, Rector, & Regulators’ Talk session, where Dr. Sutan Emir Hidayat, Director of Islamic Economy Supporting Ecosystem at KNEKS (Komite Nasional Ekonomi dan Keuangan Syariah - Indonesia), delivered a forward-looking presentation titled "Policy Approaches to Support Digital Halal Startups." He emphasized the need for a comprehensive national ecosystem that enables halal digital ventures to scale up and integrate with both domestic and globa value chains.
“If we want Islamic finance and halal industries to drive real development impact, we must institutionalize support for startups—from incubation and regulatory frameworks to market access,” stated Dr. Hidayat, reinforcing Indonesia's commitment to becoming a global halal hub.
In addition to top-level panels and keynote addresses from figures such as H.E. Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister of Finance, the Republic of Indonesia and H.E. Nasaruddin Umar, Minister of Religious Affairs, the Republic of Indonesia, the two-day event features more than 20 academic papers, showcasing innovation across topics like zakat and waqf, green sukuk, halal certification for MSMEs, and inclusive financing models.
IFESDC 2025 also aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration, with MoU signings between institutions and recognition of best papers and posters during the closing session.
The conference sends a powerful message: Islamic economics is not just about financial instruments—it’s about values, inclusiveness, and building a future economy that leaves no one behind.
Reporters :
Adelina Zuleika
Amin Firdaus
***
More Information:
Inza Putra - Kepala Divisi Promosi dan Kerja Sama Strategis
Komite Nasional Ekonomi dan Keuangan Syariah (KNEKS)
Komplek Kementerian Keuangan, Gedung Soetikno Slamet Lantai 18
Jl. Dr Wahidin No. 1 Jakarta Pusat 13790
Telepon: (021) 80683349 | Email: inza.putra@kneks.go.id | www.kneks.go.id