Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized 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 highlighted that 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar made these remarks during his Global Islamic Finance (GIFA) Laureate speech, where he was honored with the Global Islamic Finance Leadership Award 2025. This award recognizes his pivotal role in advancing Islamic finance. The GIFA Award is a prestigious label of excellence that honors governments, institutions, and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their respective fields, contributing to the sustainability of Islamic banking and finance within the global financial architecture.

Founded in 2011 by Edbiz Corporation, GIFA celebrates the achievements of individuals, institutions, and governments in promoting and advancing Islamic banking and finance, ensuring that it remains committed to social responsibility. Anwar also emphasized 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.

Anwar noted that while progress has been encouraging, more players, such as bankers, central bankers, and policymakers, are now showing greater assertiveness in advancing Islamic finance within the broader economic framework. He stated that such momentum, if sustained, would enable Islamic finance to tackle major challenges, including inequality, poverty, and marginalization, which remain more acute in the Muslim world than in other regions.

Furthermore, Anwar highlighted the need to expand Islamic finance through sustainable infrastructure, digital platforms, and social finance instruments such as zakat and waqf. He also mentioned innovative products like green sukuk, which he believes could support global inclusion and sustainable growth.