The College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has announced a ‘Call for Papers’ for its International Conference on Islamic Finance and Circular Economy, which is jointly organized with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority to be held from December 3 to 5, 2019 in Doha.  

The conference, led by the CIS’ academic programs, including the Master of Science in Islamic Finance and PhD Islamic Finance and Economy degrees and the Center for Islamic Economics and Finance, with the support of QFC, will explore the existing body of knowledge on Islamic finance and circular economy and the prospects for transforming economies to achieve and sustain multidimensional development. 

Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, dean of CIS, said: “CIS endeavors to provide a platform for interdisciplinary discussion on the most contemporary and pressing issues in society in light of Islamic  codes and principles. This conference is another such attempt, specifically addressing the critical issues of environment and sustainability through the tools of Islamic finance. We invite scholars to submit their research papers that explore alternative economic paradigms and assess the effects of adopting a circular economy approach.”

Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, chief executive officer at QFC Authority, said: “Over the past 10 years, Qatar has managed to build one of the world’s fastest growing economies and the financial sector in Qatar continues to be one of the very foundations of this new diversified environment. The Islamic finance industry is a vital part of Qatar’s financial system and it has exhibited resilience in the face of challenging regional conditions. The International Conference on Islamic Finance and Circular Economy will provide guests with a platform to discuss with a broad range of Islamic finance experts the many opportunities this sector offers Qatar, as well as global economies.  The Qatar Financial Centre is therefore honoured to support this important initiative. “  

Dr. Tariqullah Khan, professor and co-ordinator of the PhD in Islamic Finance and Economy program at CIS, and co-chair of the Conference’s Scientific Committee, said: “The conference is being organized as an initial response to the challenges of environmental and business sustainability, and to encourage multidimensional and inclusive development and wellbeing within the role of Islamic Finance. Leading economies worldwide, including Qatar, are transforming their economies from the current linear approaches to more futuristic circular systems. This conference is a formal initiative that encourages conversations and thought processes that are futuristic and help shape a more informed and reformed conversation on Islamic economy and finance in addressing the current and future challenges of humanity and our planet. The upcoming conference supports the Master in Science in Islamic Finance and PhD in Islamic Finance and Economy programs offered at CIS. It helps us assess further potential pedagogical reforms in these programs to achieve sustainable solutions.” 

Dr. Syed Nazim Ali, director of the Research Division  at CIS, and co-chair of the Conference’s Organizing Committee, said: “The conference explores alternative avenues for the global future which is expected to offer a more sustainable route while being compatible with fundamental Islamic finance principles. We look forward to welcoming participants from all walks of life to engage in an enriching conversation as the conference proceeds in December.” 

During the three-day conference, attendees will examine the emergence of a circular economic paradigm in recent years, exploring the means, processes, and incentives to learn from nature and to minimize and ideally eliminate all types of waste. Aspects of responsive financial strategies and policies will also be discussed by exploring the synergies between the circular economy paradigm, Islamic economics and finance, and sustainable and responsible businesses. 

Scholars, intellectuals, and professionals from various academic and industrial disciplines are invited to submit their papers on topics covering any of the following themes: Circular Economy: An Islamic Perspective; Circular Economy: Concepts, Models - Challenges and Opportunities; Circular Economy and Islamic Finance; Circular Economy: Urban Innovative Actions and Design; and Transition to Circular Economy: Case Studies. Both Arabic and English manuscripts will be accepted. 

For more information about the conference and the call for papers, please visit conference’s website or contact cief@hbku.edu.qa