Baku: The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group is set to host the IsDB Halal Economy Leadership Forum (HELF) alongside a Special Edition of the Azerbaijan Halal Business (AZHAB) Forum during its 51st Annual Meetings in Baku. The event, themed 'Halal Economy for Sustainable Regional Integration,' will take place on June 16, 2026, as part of the Private Sector Forum (PSF 2026).
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, this gathering will blend the strengths of the HELF and AZHAB platforms, providing a unique space for dialogue, partnership, and cooperation on the future of the global halal economy. This marks the third edition of the AZHAB Forum, which aims to enhance discussions on ethical halal business models, sustainability, innovation, and regional economic integration.
The forum will draw high-level government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, financial institutions, development organizations, and private sector representatives from IsDB Group member countries and beyond. It seeks to foster practical partnerships, investment opportunities, and technical cooperation initiatives that will contribute to resilient and sustainable halal ecosystems across member countries.
The event will feature high-level panel discussions on themes such as 'Strategic Leadership Dialogue: Ethical Halal Business Models and Resilient Financing,' 'Leaders of the Halal Industry: Driving Innovation, Trust, and Global Growth,' and 'Halal MSMEs and Sustainability: Green Transition, Halal Value Chains, and Inclusive Development.' Additionally, a Ministerial Session on 'Halal Economy for Sustainable Regional Integration' will unite ministers and senior government representatives to discuss policy priorities within the halal economy.
Participants will have opportunities to create new partnerships, engage with potential collaborators, and explore financing instruments and support mechanisms offered by the IsDB Group and its partners. The collaboration involves the IsDB Centre of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur (KL CoE), Azerbaijan Halal Business (AZHAB) Forum, Halal Development Corporation (HDC) of Malaysia, and Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) of Saudi Arabia, all contributing their expertise to advance a more integrated halal economy.