Public events examine Shari’a and the urgent need for ‘green’ financial practices

The College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has been hosting a series of public events to engage the local community in discussions on progressive concepts in Islamic finance. As part of the series, a public lecture on Green Sukuk and the Climate Change Challenge, was hosted recently to examine how the financing mode can drive greener economies.

The Green Sukuk lecture, presented by Dr Dalal Aassouli, assistant professor and programme coordinator for the Master of Science in Islamic Finance Program at CIS, examined the effects of climate change on Qatar, how environmental challenges are directly and negatively affecting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and new approaches in redirecting financing to environmentally friendly projects.

According to Dr Aassouli the environmental and socio-economic implications of climate change are far-reaching, and are thus a crucial topic on the global development agenda. The lecture sheds light on how green sukuk could serve as a sustainable response to climate change, helping Qatar to mitigate the effects of this global environmental phenomenon, and fulfil Qatar National Vision 2030 and its SDG objectives.

The next public symposium, Circular Economy: Shari’a, Economic and Practical Perspectives, will draw the link between Shari’a and financial practices that needs to be tailored to mitigate wasteful, linear economies. It will bring together distinguished speakers of varying specialisations to share their perspectives. The symposium will be held this Wednesday, 27 February, at the Minaretein Building (formerly College of Islamic Studies building) Auditorium, 7 pm to 9 pm. The lecture will be held in English.

CIS regularly hosts public lectures and conferences to promote a deeper understanding of the various aspects of Islam among the wider community, including within contemporary fields such as finance, art, architecture, and global affairs. For more information, or to register to attend the next event, visit their website at hbku.edu.qa