During his keynote at Durham Islamic Finance Summer School 2025, H.E. Mr. Yousef Hassan Khalawi, Secretary-General of the AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy, delivered a powerful reflection on 50 Years of Islamic Banking — not merely as a celebration, but as an invitation to shape what comes next.
He called on the next generation to go beyond the now well-recognized and firmly established Islamic banking sector — and to build a comprehensive Islamic economic ecosystem that drives real development across the globe. This commitment to youth empowerment was reflected in AlBaraka Forum’s initiative to award five grants for students and researchers to attend the summer school, supporting their academic journey and future leadership in the field.
He emphasized that Islamic finance was never meant to be exclusive to Muslims — it is a universal model rooted in values for all humanity. From halal principles to Shariah-compliant financial structures, the goal was always inclusion, ethics, and impact —not isolation.
Young Researchers Grant
At AlBaraka Forum, we believe that empowering youth is not a luxury — it’s a necessity for shaping the future of Islamic economics. We provide young researchers with grants that open doors to meaningful connections with leading experts, and offer them dedicated platforms at our global summits to present their ideas and contribute to the evolution of economic thought.
By investing in young minds, we invest in sustainability, innovation, and a future rooted in values and impact. Together with our partners, we continue to build an environment that nurtures ambition and rewards originality.
