Jeddah (UNA) – The Director General of the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA), Professor Mohammed bin Abdulrab Al-Yami, stressed the importance of Islamic finance as one of the main components of the global economy, noting that estimates indicate that its assets worldwide exceed US$2.44 trillion, with growth rates reaching 11.4%.
This came in a speech he delivered during the virtual seminar held by the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions, in cooperation with UNA, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, entitled “General Concepts and Applications of Islamic Finance”.
Al-Yami explained that Islamic finance has special importance within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, not only in terms of its connection to the principles of Islamic Sharia, but also for its active role in supporting sustainable development, promoting financial inclusion and combating poverty, noting that the organization’s ten-year program emphasized the advantages that this industry provides in terms of stability, growth and sustainability for the economies that adopt it.
He pointed out that media practice derives its professionalism and credibility from a depth of knowledge and accurate understanding of the subjects, stressing that the absence of a knowledge-based foundation negatively affects the quality of the content, especially in specialized issues such as Islamic finance, in which economic and legal dimensions overlap and applications vary.
He stressed that UNA is keen in its various programs to qualify journalists in member states in terms of knowledge and skills, and to enhance their reliance on reliable sources and accredited centers of expertise, indicating that in this context, cooperation was made with the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions, as a prominent reference in Islamic banking, to provide the basic concepts and practical applications of this industry, which contributes to raising the awareness of media professionals and improving the financial media content, and strengthening the link between the media and Islamic financial institutions.
He explained that educating journalists and media practitioners in the field of Islamic finance indirectly reflects on public awareness, given that the media is a primary channel for transmitting knowledge. He pointed out that professional handling based on accurate understanding contributes to building a sound understanding among the public, while weak media treatment leads to the spread of misconceptions about this industry.
In closing, Al-Yami expressed his gratitude to the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions, led by its Secretary General, Professor Hamza Bawazir, for its efforts in organizing the symposium and attracting a select group of international experts, reflecting its keenness to enhance cooperation with partner institutions within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and to be open to the media as a key partner in achieving common goals.
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