The 8th Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA) ceremony is scheduled to be held in Sarajevo on September 29, 2018 with Bosna Bank International as the official host. A large number of organizations from the Middle East, especially GCC, are expected to attend what is considered as the most prestigious Islamic finance awards ceremony in the world.
Over the last 7 years, GIFA have honoured more than 200 governments, institutions and individuals who have demonstrated strong commitment and leadership in Islamic finance. Commenting on previous awards winners, Dr Sofiza Azmi, Chairman of the GIFA Awards Committee and CEO of Edbiz Corporation, commented:
“Over the years, we have seen new levels of innovation and authenticity in the products and services of our winners. These reflect the growing diversity and strength of the Islamic financial services industry, especially within the GCC. At this year’s GIFA ceremony, over 50 award categories will be handed out including the most prestigious GIFA Leadership Award, which is presented to a head of state of government or someone similar in stature,” explained Dr Sofiza Azmi.
She added that under the leadership of His Excellency Bakir Izetbegović, several notable milestones and development had been achieved including the launch of the first ethical stock market index in the Balkan region and the prominent rise of Sarajevo as a hub for ethical finance in the SEE region.
“We are honoured that His Excellency Bakir Izetbegovic has agreed to attend the Awards Ceremony this 29th September as the Guest of Honour and to receive the prestigious GIFA Leadership Award 2018,” she said.
Dr Sofiza Azmi also announced the attendance of Ms Lisa Doughten, Chief of the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF), as the Chief Guest at the 8th GIFA Awards Ceremony. Commenting on her participation at the 8th GIFA, Ms Lisa Doughten said:
“It is with great honour that I accept the invitation to be Chief Guest at the 2018 Global Islamic Finance Awards, scheduled on 29 September in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through zakat, sadaqa and the institution of waqf, Islamic finance is a sector that is inherently built on the notion of humanitarian assistance. I look forward to meeting the industry leaders who are utilizing their position to support over 135 million people worldwide in desperate need of humanitarian assistance today.”
GIFA is not only global in nature but also takes into account the many stakeholders that continue to play an important supportive role to the development of IBF.
“Our focus is not just on Islamic banks or takaful providers,” stated Dr Sofiza Azmi. “We take a comprehensive view on the industry and the success of its various stakeholders.”
8th GIFA Awards Ceremony this year is held in conjunction with the Sarajevo Halal Fair that is taking place from 27th September till 29th September. The Sarajevo Halal Fair (SHF) is an international halal industry exhibition that brings together representatives from all parts of the halal industry supply chain, including private companies, public listed corporations, accreditation bodies, government officials, and other halal market representatives.
Source Zawya