The International Open University (IOU) and the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore Pakistan are collaborating to organize the 6th IEFB Global Forum on Islamic Economics, Banking and Finance between 17th and 18th April, 2026.

The main conference organizer UMT invited IOU to join it as academic partner in the event. According to the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics Prof. Aliyu Dahiru Muhammad, this is a welcome development and will add to the already existing recognition IOU has in the global academic community. The conference theme is centred around Transitioning from conventional to Islamic banking : Best Global Practices and Way forward in Pakistan. This theme is timely because Pakistan has set the year 2028 to end interest-based banking system and move to a fully Islamic one.

Other partners are Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), INCEIF University Malaysia and International Federation of Islamic Economics and Finance Education (I-FIEFE).

The IOU management urges all faculties in the area to attend the conference either on-site or virtually. Interested faculties are requested to notify the Director Research and Publications (DRP) Prof. Dr. Afroza or Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof. Aliyu D. Muhd.