About Conference

Values for Impact

Sarajevo, September 23-24, 2026

Solidarity, Authenticity, and Prosperity

About the Conference

Values for Impact: Solidarity, Authenticity, and Prosperity is a second edition of the Values for Impact conference organized at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) Campus in Sarajevo. The conference focuses on how Islamic finance can contribute to resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven development, while welcoming comparative perspectives from ethical and values-based finance traditions.

International University of Sarajevo

The International University of Sarajevo (IUS), located in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is the country’s leading private university. With its diverse community of domestic and international students, internationally oriented academic environment, and interdisciplinary approach to education and research, IUS provides a stimulating setting for the exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and ideas across cultures. The Faculty of Business and Administration (FBA) contributes to this mission through its academic programs, research activities, and engagement with the business community, government institutions, and civil society. The IUS Center for Islamic Finance, Innovation and Sustainability (CIFIS) serves as a platform for research, education, professional development, and international cooperation in Islamic economics and finance, financial technology, sustainability, and innovation.

The Islamic Development Bank Institute

The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, leading the exploration of innovative solutions for the economic challenges facing Member Countries and Muslim communities within the framework of Islamic economics and finance. Established in 1981 as the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), the Institute was rebranded in 2021 as IsDB Institute to better align with the strategic priorities of the IsDB and enable the Institute to contribute tangible and sustainable value for enhancing the well-being of the IsDB Member Countries and Muslim Communities in Non-Member Countries.

Platinum sponsor

Founded in 1989, Kuveyt Türk continues to maintain its leading position in the sector by effectively bringing its distinguished financial products and services to savers and investors. With a customer-oriented approach, a strong focus on technology and innovation, and significant steps in digital transformation, Kuveyt Türk stands out as a pioneer in its field.

It was the first participation finance institution to step into gold banking in Türkiye, and also realized the world’s and Türkiye’s first sustainable sukuk transaction.

Kuveyt Türk has been named “Türkiye’s Best Employer” for six consecutive years and, in 2021, was also selected as “Europe’s Best Employer.”

As of today, Kuveyt Türk provides services through 450 branches across Türkiye and its digital channels. It operates under the umbrella of the Kuveyt Türk Financial Group, which also includes Neova Katılım Sigorta, Architecht, Kuveyt Türk Portföy, Kuveyt Türk Yatırım, Körfez GYO, Katılım Emeklilik, Sağlam Finansal Teknolojiler, KT Sağlam Gayrimenkul, and KT Bank AG in Germany.

Beyond its operational activities, Kuveyt Türk is committed to social responsibility, basing its work on societal values and preserving cultural heritage. In line with its “Growing with Our Values” approach, it has undertaken numerous restoration projects, supported humanitarian aid campaigns, and produced lasting works such as books and documentaries.

Strategic partners

The Values for Impact is strengthened by a distinguished network of strategic partners. The network includes Ibn Haldun University, INCEIF University, College of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, IRCIEF at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, the Center for Islamic Economics and Business at Universitas Indonesia (PEBS FEB UI), the Centre for Excellence in Islamic Finance (CEIF), International Islamic University Malaysia, and Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia.

A Platform for Exchange and Collaboration

The conference will feature keynote speeches from leading figures in the field, including experts in Islamic finance, ethical banking, and sustainable development. Panel discussions, research paper presentations, and networking sessions will create a dynamic learning environment, enabling participants to engage in open dialogue and collaborative learning.

The Balkan Perspective

One of the unique features of this conference is its Bosnian perspective on ethical finance, with a particular emphasis on the role of waqf (endowments) as a vital tool for economic empowerment and social welfare. Drawing on historical lessons and current practices, the conference will highlight how Bosnia and Herzegovina can harness the potential of waqf to create lasting social impact. Comparative insights from other regions will be presented.

Why Attend?

Participants will gain:

  • Exposure to the latest research and trends in ethical finance and sustainability
  • Insights from thought leaders and practitioners in the field of Islamic and ethical finance
  • Opportunities for academic collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing
  • Practical guidance on integrating ethical principles into business and financial strategies

In an era marked by economic inequality and environmental crises, the moral political economy offers a compelling alternative grounded in shared religious values. By reimagining boundaries and fostering inclusive solidarities, this paradigm seeks to build economies that reflect the rich ethical traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Through collaboration and shared commitment to justice, equity, and compassion, the Balkans can serve as an inspiration of interfaith solidarity and human-centric economic development.

We invite scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in rich multidisciplinary discussions that reimagine socioeconomic paradigms through the lens of ethical principles, drawing inspiration from the Balkans’ legacy as a crossroads of cultural and religious diversity. Join us to contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable future.

Submit your papers and join us in shaping the discourse.

Conference Chairs:

Dr. Admir Meskovic

Dr. Hylmun Izhar

Dr. Abudumanafu Tuerhanali

Conference Academic Committee members:

Prof. Mehmet Asutay
Prof. Alija Avdukic
Prof. Sejma Aydin
Prof. Servet Bayındır
Prof. Khairul Anuar Ahmad
Prof. Latifa Bibi Musafar Hameed
Prof. Kabir Hasan
Prof. Aishath Muneeza
Prof. Edo Omercevic
Prof. Zeyneb Hafsa Orhan
Prof. Maya Puspa Rahman
Prof. Norfaizah Othman
Prof. Ibrahim Güran Yumuşak
Prof. Hengchao Zhang (Ali)
Prof. Rahmatina A. Kasri,
Prof. Tika Arundina
Prof. M. Soleh Nurzaman