London:- 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.
“The Awards Committee has decided this year to present the GIFA Leadership Award 2018 to His Excellency Bakir Izetbegović, Chairman of Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in recognition of his many contributions and key role played in advancing ethical finance in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as his commitment to providing a level-playing field to ethical banking and finance in enabling the industry to further grow in a competitive national financial sector,” said 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.
Dr Sofiza Azmi added: “We are honoured to have Ms Lisa Doughten as our Chief Guest at this year’s GIFA. Her presence at the ceremony will have enormous significance in furthering the role of Islamic finance in humanitarian aid initiatives.”
GIFA recognise, honour and celebrate success and contributions in different fields related with IBF including in the area of education and training, advocacy, technology, human capital development, financial inclusion, ancillary services and halal industry. Outstanding individuals in IBF are also honoured through various categories including Islamic Banker of the Year, GIFA CEO of the Year and Islamic Finance Personality of the Year.
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. More information on SHF is available at www.sarajevohalalfair.com
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About Edbiz Corporation
Edbiz Corporation is a global Islamic finance think tank, headquartered in London. For more information, please visit: www.gifaawards.com. Edbiz Corporation provides multiple services that balance the dual purpose of developing thought leadership in this niche industry and strengthening the Islamic finance capacity for businesses and banks. Its client base is diverse and includes financial institutions, governments, education providers, established businesses and entrepreneurs.
To learn more about GIFA 2018, please contact Khuram Shehzad at kshehzad@gifaawards.com
About Bosna Bank International
Bosna Bank International (BBI) is the first bank in Southeast Europe operating in accordance with Islamic principles and values. Established in 2000 by its shareholders – the Islamic Development Bank (45.46%), the Dubai Islamic Bank (27.27%) and the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (27.27%), BBI bank is completely dedicated to the economic growth and development of Bosnia and Herzegovina. To find out more about a range of BBI banking products and services please visit www.bbi.ba.
About CERF
The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is the United Nations’ global fund for life-saving assistance to people affected by natural disasters or conflicts. It was established in 2006 as a global emergency response fund, pooling voluntary contributions from donors around the world into a single fund. CERF facilitates humanitarian responders in delivering life-saving assistance whenever and wherever crises hit. It is the largest and most comprehensive emergency response fund in the world.
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