IHU's CIEF to Host COP31 Panel on Islamic Finance for Climate Action and a Just Energy Transition

The Center for Applied Research in Islamic Economics and Finance (CIEF) at Ibn Haldun University (IHU) will convene an international panel as part of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. Developed under CIEF's academic coordination on behalf of IHU, the panel, titled "Islamic Finance for Climate Action: Financing a Just and Resilient Energy Transition", is scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, at 14:00 at the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Pavilion in the COP31 Blue Zone.

Reflecting CIEF's research interests in Islamic economics, Islamic finance, and sustainable development, the panel will explore how Islamic finance can contribute to addressing climate change and financing a just, inclusive, and resilient energy transition. Bringing together experts from academia, the financial industry, and international organizations, the discussion will consider Islamic finance not merely as a source of alternative financial instruments, but as an approach grounded in principles of justice, risk sharing, social responsibility, and sustainability.

Key topics will include green sukuk, risk-sharing financing arrangements, Islamic social finance instruments, and innovative approaches to climate investment. The panel will also examine access to climate finance in developing economies, the relationship between economic efficiency and social justice, and the contribution of climate investments to long-term societal well-being.

Planned Speakers:

• H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin: United Nations Special Envoy on Financing Sustainable Development; Founding Chair-designate, Global Islamic Climate Finance Alliance (GICFA)

• Prof. Mehmet Asutay: Durham University Business School; Director, Durham Centre for Islamic Economics and Finance

• M. Farrukh Raza: Chairman, Islamic Finance Advisory & Assurance Services (IFAAS); Chairman, AAOIFI Governance and Ethics Board

• Dr. Omar Shaikh: Managing Director, Global Ethical Finance Initiative (GEFI); Board Member, UK Islamic Finance Council (UKIFC)

• Astrid Fionna Harningtyas: Senior Economist, Bank Indonesia; PhD Researcher, Durham University

Moderator:

Asst. Prof. Fatih Al
Director, Center for Applied Research in Islamic Economics and Finance (CIEF), Ibn Haldun University

The approximately 60-minute session aims to connect CIEF's academic expertise and international engagement in Islamic finance and sustainable development with global climate policy discussions. It will provide an opportunity to exchange perspectives on how Islamic finance can support equitable, inclusive, and resilient energy transitions.

Event Information

Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Time: 14:00–15:00 (Türkiye local time)
Venue: C595, COP31 Blue Zone, Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Pavilion, Antalya, Türkiye
Language: English

Further information is available on the CIEF Events page.