Brunei Darussalam’s hosting of the 11th ASEAN Universities International Conference on Islamic Finance 2023 (11th AICIF) is timely as the Sultanate is focusing on United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while having initiatives to develop Islamic finance, said Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid at the opening of the 11th AICIF at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah yesterday.
The deputy minister said the Brunei Darussalam Sustainable Development Goals Annual Report stated that in 2022, contributions from stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, were instrumental in driving the sustainable agenda.
Dato Seri Paduka Haji Khairuddin said the Sultanate marked achievements in advancing sustainability in several areas adding that there is room for improvement.
The deputy minister said Brunei Vision 2035 and SDGs, particularly in finance and economy, should be tackled in tandem.
Dato Seri Paduka Haji Khairuddin said Islamic banks, takaful providers and other stakeholders should contribute to the initiatives.
He said past financial crises and pandemics showed Islamic finance’s resilience and adaptability to strive in difficult circumstances.
The deputy minister also highlighted Islamic finance’s role in social responsibility and the environment. – Rokiah Mahmud
