Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye
November 2nd, 2025
The Business Leaders Summit 2025 took place at Istanbul Congress Center, uniting policymakers, business visionaries, and economic leaders from across the Islamic world, under the theme of “The Private Sector as a Strategic Partner for Sustainable Development”.
This crucial event was organized by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) in collaboration with Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), with the participation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Arbitration Centre (OIC-AC) as a strategic partner. The Summit also features the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) as a youth partner, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering innovation, empowering youth, and strengthening collaboration across the global Muslim business ecosystem.
The summit serves as a vital international platform that fosters collaboration, strengthens partnerships, and promotes economic growth through thought-provoking speeches and engaging panel discussions highlighting the private sector’s role in national development and economic diversification.
The event was graced by the distinguished participation of H.E. Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, who stated: “In today’s world, the foundation of sustainable development is not only the policies and directives implemented by states but also the innovative power of the private sector, its entrepreneurial capacity, and production capacity”.
During his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Kamel, President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), highlighted: “Today, we convene to open a new chapter in the evolution of the private sector in our emerging countries; a chapter that highlights the successes of the private sector and underscores its commitment to planning for a bright future. It reflects a desire for integration and developmental collaboration, as well as an acknowledgment of the necessity for coordinated planning alongside the government sector, all for the benefit of our nations and the future of our upcoming generations”.
In this regard, H.E. Mr. M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President, Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), delivered the welcoming remarks, stating: “We must combine the capital accumulations of the Islamic countries with the production expertise of the Turkish private sector in industry, tourism, and agriculture. Additionally, we can undertake joint investments across the entire Islamic world”.
Moreover, H.E. Mr. Taha Ayhan, President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) emphasized the role of youth in the global economic prosperity, indicating: “Youth represents a democratic challenge, but it’s a strategic opportunity. If we empower their potential through entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership, we can unlock a way of prosperity across the Islamic world”, during his opening remarks at the summit.
In a compelling Keynote Speech titled “The Private Sector as a Strategic Partner for Sustainable Development”, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, emphasized: “This global economic landscape is undergoing profound transformation, testing our resilience while opening new pathways for renewal and growth. Across the OIC region, the private sector is not merely an economic player, it is the primary engine of employment, innovation, and social progress”.
A key highlight of the summit is the launch of the B57+ Group, an OIC Business Leaders Network initiated by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) in partnership with the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC). This network aims to connect business leaders and policymakers to enhance intra-OIC trade and foster sustainable economic development, supported and guided by a strategic roadmap that serves as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.
The Business Leaders Summit 2025 is an integral part of ICCD’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the Islamic business community, for achieving a sustainable and resilient economic future.
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