Washington, D.C., July 2026 — The International Islamic Economics and Finance Conference for Sustainable Development (IFESDC) 2026 will be held on July 15–16, 2026, at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Building on the success of IFESDC 2025, which reinforced the role of Islamic economics and finance in poverty eradication and sustainable development, this year’s conference will focus on advancing digital Islamic finance through inclusive services and ethical practices.
Themed, “Forging Shared Prosperity: Advancing Digital Islamic Economics and Finance through Inclusive Services and Ethical practices”, the event is co-organized by the Indonesian Muslim Association in America (IMAAM), Tazkia University, Sakinah Finance, and the Office of Executive Director for the Southeast Asia Voting Group (EDS16) of the World Bank Group.
The conference will bring together more than 200 participants from across the globe, including policymakers, regulators, academics, and industry leaders. Delegates from Southeast Asia, the United States, and other regions will engage in high-level discussions, keynote presentations, and research paper sessions. The program is designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange on how Islamic economics and finance can leverage digital transformation to promote inclusivity, trust, and sustainability.
Opening remarks will be delivered by representatives of the organizing committee, including Firdaus Kadir, President of IMAAM, and Wempi Saputra, Executive Director of EDS16 at the World Bank. Welcoming remarks will be presented by senior officials of the World Bank, followed by distinguished addresses from the Ambassador of Indonesia to the United States, Indroyono Soesilo. Emphasizing the core principles of the conference, Ambassador Soesilo states, "prosperity is most enduring when it is shared; innovation is most valuable when it is inclusive; and development is most meaningful when it is guided by ethics." The conference will also feature a special guest lecture by Michael J.T. McMillen from Columbia University, who will speak on the implementation of Maqasid Sharia principles in Islamic economics and finance.
The first day will highlight panel sessions on digital platforms for inclusive service delivery, regulatory frameworks for trust and security in financial transactions, and strategies for promoting shared prosperity. Speakers will include global economists, CEOs of Islamic finance institutions, and policymakers who will share insights on leveraging artificial intelligence, strengthening cybersecurity,
and harmonizing regulatory regimes. The day will conclude with a welcoming dinner hosted by the Ambassador of Indonesia to the United States at the Indonesian Ambassador’s Residence.
On the second day, the conference will feature research paper presentations showcasing Islamic Finance on innovations and digital transformation, economic growth and law, sustainability, as well as Islamic micro and family finance. The sessions will emphasize the role of Islamic finance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in developing eco-friendly business models within the digital economy.
The conference will culminate in the drafting of a resolution that reaffirms the commitment of governments, academia, industry, and civil society to strengthen collaboration in Islamic economics and finance. The resolution is expected to outline strategies for joint research, capacity building, and mutual recognition of academic programs, while emphasizing the importance of ethical investment,
inclusivity, and community empowerment.
IFESDC 2026 is expected to serve as a catalyst for building strategic alliances and institutional partnerships. By convening diverse stakeholders, the conference aims to advance dialogue on innovative financial technologies, promote inclusive growth, and ensure that Islamic economics and finance continue to contribute to sustainable development. The organizers have expressed their commitment to institutionalizing IFESDC as an annual global platform, positioning Washington, D.C., as a hub for international collaboration in Islamic finance.
With its focus on digital transformation, trust, inclusivity, and sustainability, IFESDC 2026 promises to be a landmark event that will shape the future of Islamic economics and finance. It will not only highlight the achievements of past initiatives but also chart new pathways for shared prosperity in an increasingly interconnected world.
IFESDC 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage with global experts, exchange best practices, and contribute to shaping the future of Islamic economics and finance. By participating, attendees will be part of a transformative dialogue that advances ethical innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable prosperity for all.