27^th – 30^th November 2023, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain | The General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI) and Ivey Business School at Western University, Canada, announced the commencement of their ninth joint Executive Programme, titled "Strategic Leadership for Islamic Finance: Navigating Complexity and Seizing Opportunities". This year's programme is being conducted virtually.

In maintaining their commitment to delivering a high-impact learning experience, CIBAFI and Ivey Business School have focused on empowering leaders in the Islamic financial services industry (IFSI) throughout the four-day initiative. The programme aims to provide participants with essential skills and strategic foresight to thrive in the dynamic global economy.

Building upon previous achievements, this year’s programme leverages Ivey's high-engagement learning pedagogy for immersive skill development. Interactive materials seamlessly connect best practices to participants' organizational contexts, ensuring a tailored and impactful learning journey.

Throughout the programme, senior executives from Islamic banks and regulatory authorities actively engage in compelling presentations and discussions. Topics covered include addressing challenges related to macroeconomic factors, digitalization, cybersecurity, economic slowdown, and climate change. The programme also features high-level discussions aimed at facilitating a deep exploration of ongoing macroeconomic risk management.

The diverse agenda incorporates thought-provoking sessions on the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. Discussions delve into the implications for Islamic finance and explore how ESGs create new opportunities.

By the programme's conclusion, participants will gain practical insights to shape the future of work in Islamic finance, equipped with the strategic acumen needed to thrive in the complex and ever-changing industry landscape.

CIBAFI and Ivey Business School express their dedication to the ongoing development of Islamic finance leadership. Initiatives are already underway for upcoming editions, ensuring the programme's continuous evolution to effectively address emerging challenges and maintain its position at the forefront of strategic leadership education in the industry.