Anwar: Islamic Finance Must Shape Next Generation Of Leaders
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that Islamic finance must continue to play a central role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while nurturing the next generation of ethical leaders.
He said the success of Islamic finance should be measured not only by the size of its assets but also by its ability to transform lives and secure the future.
“In shaa Allah, we will continue to strengthen the role of Islamic finance in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, and we will nurture the next generation of ethical leaders.
“Ethical generation, meaning generation that leaders can believe in values, in ethical principles, who will carry the mission of the future,” he said in his Global Islamic Finance (GIFA) Laureate speech today.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, was honoured with the Global Islamic Finance Leadership Award 2025 in recognition of his pivotal role in advancing Islamic finance.
The GIFA Award is a prestigious label of excellence that recognises governments, institutions and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their respective fields, contributing to the sustainability of Islamic banking and finance as a viable system within the global financial architecture.
Founded in 2011 by Edbiz Corporation as part of its advocacy for Islamic banking and finance, GIFA celebrates the achievements of individuals, institutions and governments in promoting and advancing Islamic banking and finance, and ensuring that it remains committed to social responsibility.
Anwar also stressed that the principles of Maqasid Shariah, which focus on fairness, risk-sharing and the reduction of exploitation, must remain the foundation of Islamic finance, providing timeless guidance.
While progress has been encouraging, Anwar noted that more players, such as bankers, central bankers and policymakers, are now showing greater assertiveness in advancing Islamic finance within the broader economic framework.
The Prime Minister said such momentum, if sustained, would enable Islamic finance to tackle major challenges including inequality, poverty and marginalisation, which remain more acute in the Muslim world than in other regions.
He also highlighted the need to expand Islamic finance through sustainable infrastructure, digital platforms and social finance instruments such as zakat and waqf, alongside innovative products such as green sukuk, which he said could support global inclusion and sustainable growth.
-- BERNAMA