The International Open University (IOU), collaborated with the University of Management and Technology (UMT) Pakistan to organize the 6th Global Forum on Islamic Economics Finance and Banking (IEFB).

The Director of the Khurshid Ahmad Institute of Islamic Economics and Finance (KAIIEF) Prof. Dr. Toseef Azeez, thanked IOU for its significant role and presence during the conference. The conference was held between 17th and 18th April, 2026 which was officiated by the Hon. Minister of Religious Affairs of Pakistan. The keynote speech was delivered by His Excellency the Prime Minister of Malaysia Mr. Anwar Ibrahim.

The conference was attended by well over 300 participants with representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, USA, Nigeria, The Gambia and Canada among others.
On 20 April 2026, the IOU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) Prof. Dr. Aliyu Dahiru Muhammad, on behalf of the IOU, conveyed the goodwill message of the IOU Founder-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bilal Philips. He also witnessed the signing of the MOU which was pre signed by the IOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Makie Taal on behalf of IOU. The MOU covers research, publications , capacity building and other academic programs.

During the MOU signing ceremony on Monday 20th April, the Rector of UMT Ex-Air Vice Marshall Prof. Dr. Asif Raza who signed the MOU on behalf of UMT, commended the efforts of the IOU for being physically present and providing opportunities for students globally to study at affordable fees. He assured the DVC (Academics) of his commitment in the implementation of the MOU.

During the ceremony the DVC also introduced Br. Usman Qazi as the Regional Manager for IOU and the focal person for the implementation. The signing was also witnessed by Prof. Norma Saad, the former Head of Department of Economics at the International Islamic University of Malaysia.