The Langkawi International Islamic Sustainable Development Goals Conference 2025, held on 1st and 2nd February 2025, brought together 17 renowned scholars from across the globe to explore the intersection of Islamic teachings and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promoted by the United Nations. Organized by a coalition of institutions, such as IKAF, UUM, SME Bank, and ISSAD, the two-day event featured presentations from distinguished speakers and interactive sessions with the audience, spanning the entire day. Participants engaged in discussions on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social equity, with a particular focus on how Islamic values can contribute to these global goals. The program proved to be a vital platform for fostering collaboration and showcasing the significant role faith-driven solutions can play in sustainable development.
A key takeaway from the conference was that the foundation of sustainable development starts with the individual and that education plays a crucial role through collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders, especially involving university researchers. In the Islamic perspective on SDGs, education is emphasized as the first revelation from Allah S.W.T. in Surah Al-‘Alaq, verse 1:
“Read with the Name of your Lord Who created [everything].”
Furthermore, Allah S.W.T. reminds us in Surah Az-Zumar, verse 9:
“Say, are those who know equal to those who do not know?”
This highlights the importance of knowledge and education in elevating individuals and communities. Education is not limited to formal schooling; it is a lifelong journey that benefits both in this life and the hereafter. Through quality education (SDG 4), individuals can improve themselves, build strong families, and contribute to the growth of their communities. This aligns with the research work involving Imarah Eco-Friends as volunteers in the project led by Dr. Asmawati under the grant (MBPJ 01-2025), “Green Mosque Initiative: Pioneering Environmental Advocacy at Masjid Tun Abdul Aziz, Petaling Jaya.” The insights gained are also valuable for Dr. Zuraida’s research in the UMSDC Living Lab for the project “Integrative Spirituality, Youth N Community @ UM.”
As emphasized by Dato’ Dr. Fathul Bari Mat Jahya, the conference highlighted the Islamic perspective on sustainability in promoting a better life for a more sustainable world. Dato’ Fathul Bari, who is the President of International Khayr Ummah Foundation (IKAF), also expressed his appreciation towards the Universiti Malaya representatives under the management of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs) and UMSDC who participated in the program and hoped that Islamic perspectives on sustainability would continue to grow on a larger scale.
In conclusion, this event provided invaluable insights, inspiration, and opportunities for networking and collaboration with the speakers and organizers of the iSDG.
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Dr. Zakir Naik delivered his speech on True and Practical Gender Equality: An Islamic Solution (SDG 5: Gender Equality)
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Group discussion on Empowering the Ummah: Education, Gender Equality, and Inclusive Development (SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 10)
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All the speaker panelists, including main organizers (such as IKAF, UUM, and LADA)
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Universiti Malaya delegates met Dato’ Dr. Fathul Bari (President of IKAF), Dr. Fadly, and other UUM organizers
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Dr. Asmawati binti Muhamad (APIUM) and Dr. Zuraida binti Ahmad Sabki (FoM) had a short interview with Shaikh Waleed Basyouni on Islamic Sustainability & Green Mosque advocacy
Universiti Malaya delegates in front of the registration banner (Dr. Zuraida binti Ahmad Sabki, Dr. Asmawati binti Muhamad, Siti Aisyah Nur Izzati binti Abu Bak
Universiti Malaya delegates in front of the registration banner with the speakers’ image (Dr. Asmawati binti Muhamad, Dr. Zuraida binti Ahmad Sabki, Siti Aisyah Nur Izzati binti Abu Bakar)
This writeup was prepared by Siti Aisyah Nur Izzati binti Abu Bakar, Research Assistant, Academy of Islamic Studies Universiti Malaya.
