Qatar Chamber successfully hosted the 9th Islamic Financial Institutions and Banks Conference & Award for Partnership and Social Responsibility 2025, organized in collaboration with the Regional Network Consultancy—a member of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility—and the Union of Arab Banks.
Held under the theme “Sustainability Governance in the Islamic Financial Sector: From Commitment to Impact,” the conference brought together economic experts, banking professionals, and sustainability advocates from Qatar and several Arab countries. The event aimed to highlight the evolving role of Islamic finance in promoting sustainable economic practices and responsible governance.
The opening session was attended by several distinguished guests, including Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali al-Thani, honorary president of the conference, who also serves as the International Ambassador for Social Responsibility in Qatar and vice chairman of the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA). Also present were Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri, acting general manager of Qatar Chamber and guest of honour; Dr Mohamed bin Saif al-Kuwari, conference president and International Ambassador for Social Responsibility in Qatar; and Dr Ali al-Ibrahim, general manager of the Regional Network Consultancy.
In his opening remarks, Sheikh Dr Thani emphasized that the conference provides a leading platform for collaboration among Islamic financial institutions and thought leaders. He highlighted the alignment between Islamic finance principles—such as justice, participation, and harm prevention—and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also praised Qatar’s continued commitment to sustainability and its efforts to promote responsible governance in the financial sector.
Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri underlined the importance of the conference in showcasing best practices within the Islamic financial ecosystem. He stressed that Islamic banks play a crucial role in supporting the transition to a sustainable economy that ensures inclusive and comprehensive development. He also reaffirmed Qatar Chamber’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote both economic advancement and social responsibility.
Dr al-Kuwari noted that the conference comes at a time when the financial sector is shifting from a compliance-based approach to actively adopting sustainability and governance as integral institutional values. He praised Islamic banks as exemplary models of institutions that combine ethical values with economic performance, thereby contributing meaningfully to sustainable development. He also commended Qatar Chamber’s strategic partnership and its ongoing support for initiatives that promote a responsible business environment.
Dr al-Ibrahim added that the conference tackled a wide range of critical topics related to sustainability governance in Islamic finance. These included the transition from traditional Shariah compliance to broader impact governance, the role of Sharia supervisory boards in enhancing responsible practices, and the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks in Islamic financial institutions.
Other discussions focused on mechanisms for institutional governance, international and Islamic sustainability standards, challenges in aligning Islamic principles with global sustainability frameworks, and the growing role of digital transformation in driving innovation and impact within the sector.
During the event, Qatar Chamber was honoured with the International Award for Excellence in Partnership and Social Responsibility in the Economic Institutions category. Several other institutions and individuals were also recognized with the Financial Institutions and Islamic Banks Award for Partnership and Scientific Competence, celebrating outstanding contributions to ethical finance and sustainability in the Islamic banking sector.