Baku launches global Islamic economists training programme

A new global initiative aimed at developing future leaders in Islamic economics and finance has been launched in Baku by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in partnership with INCEIF University and Malaysia’s central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia.

The Global Islamic Economists Programme (GIEP), unveiled on the sidelines of the IsDB Group’s Annual Meetings, is designed to strengthen professional capacity and bridge the gap between academic research and real-world economic policymaking, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

According to the IsDB, the programme seeks to establish an international platform for training highly skilled specialists capable of addressing complex global development challenges through Islamic economic frameworks.

The first pilot cohort will bring together 20 mid-level professionals from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Participants will undergo structured training built around four core pillars: global intellectual leadership, executive education, mentorship, and applied policy research.

Officials said the initiative reflects a broader effort to enhance talent development in Islamic finance and promote innovative policy solutions in emerging markets.

The launch comes as Baku hosts the IsDB Group’s Annual Meetings from 16 to 19 June under the theme “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity”, bringing together government representatives, development experts and financial sector leaders from 57 member countries.

Azerbaijan is hosting the flagship gathering for the second time, 16 years after first welcoming the event in 2010.

By Aghakazim Guliyev