Redefining Halal: A Call for Justice and Sustainability in the Global Economy
Photo: “Without justice, there can be no true Halal economy.” said Bilal Erdoğan, visionary leader and founder of the Turkish Youth Foundation, speaks passionately at London Halal Forum, 2025.
Bilal Erdogan’s Vision for a Conscience-Driven Halal Economy Emphasizes Ethics, Dignity, and Environmental Responsibility
The London Halal Forum 2025 emphasizes ethical, sustainable economic models, highlighting Halal’s global potential in food, finance, and beyond, fostering justice, youth innovation, and excellence to address humanity’s moral and environmental challenges.
T he inaugural London Halal Forum commenced at the ExCeL London, bringing together distinguished global leaders, innovators, and industry experts to reimagine the future of the Halal economy. This landmark event is inspired by the highly successful Makkah Halal Forum and promises to expand upon its mission, this time with a distinctly global approach.
Over two days, the forum, themed “Halal Tayyib for Humanity,” seeks to explore not only the technicalities of Halal certification but also the values of sustainability, ethics, and inclusivity. The event has drawn participants from around the world, including businesses, policymakers, and youth entrepreneurs, all aiming to chart a transformative course for the Halal economy.
The event opened with a powerful keynote by Bilal Erdoğan, Founder of the Turkish Youth Foundation and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ilim Yayma Foundation. Erdoğan emphasized the need for the Halal economy to transcend food and consumption, expanding into broader sectors such as tourism, finance, cosmetics, and fashion.
Erdoğan underscored a profound moral message, questioning the very philosophy underpinning modern economic systems. “Are we trying to make capitalism Halal, or are we genuinely pursuing an Islamic way of life?” he posed to the audience, advocating for a recalibration of economic models to prioritize justice, human dignity, and sustainability.
“Do we really need Elon Musk to have a trillion dollars for the world to be a better place?” – Erdogan
Touching upon pressing global concerns, Erdoğan highlighted the moral crises facing humanity, from erosion of trust to increasing inequality. Referencing the situation in Palestine, he called for a justice-driven approach to global conflicts, arguing that “without justice, there can be no true Halal economy.”
On the future of finance, Erdoğan poignantly remarked, “Do we really need Elon Musk to have a trillion dollars for the world to be a better place?” His statement resonated with calls for equity in wealth distribution and the development of financial systems rooted in risk-sharing and accountability.
Parallel to his macroeconomic vision, Erdoğan focused on the pivotal role of youth in shaping a dynamic Halal market. He hailed the younger generation as innovators demanding solutions that align with ecological and ethical imperatives, driving global shifts towards responsible consumption.
Excellence as the Cornerstone of Progress
Yousef Khalawi, Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, followed with an address centered on the forum’s slogan, “Halal for Humanity.” Khalawi called for an uncompromising focus on excellence across all aspects of the Halal supply chain—packaging, branding, marketing, and communication.
“Halal for Humanity is not just a slogan,” he stated. “It is a responsibility to create systems that reflect fairness, transparency, and sustainability.” Khalawi highlighted the immense opportunities within the Halal economy, projecting its value to double within a decade if excellence becomes the guiding principle.
Khalawi further emphasized the transformative potential of the Halal economy to deliver a better, more sustainable future for humanity, addressing challenges ranging from environmental impact to worker welfare. “This forum is more than business—it is a call to global conscience,” he declared.
The Global Significance of Halal
In its opening sessions, the London Halal Forum 2025 has already sparked profound discussions on the moral foundations of economic systems and the role of the Halal market as a catalyst for ethical transformation. From digital certifications powered by blockchain to sustainable production that respects the environment, the forum is showcasing innovation in action.
The forum also highlighted the rapid growth of the Halal economy, expected to soon reach a value of $10 trillion globally. As awareness of ethical consumption rises, the Halal industry sees its appeal extending beyond Muslim communities to a wide range of markets and stakeholders around the world.
A Shared Mission for the Future
With participants from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, the forum is facilitating crucial dialogues on creating a fairer, more compassionate global economy that addresses the pressing challenges of climate change, inequality, and ethical sourcing.
As the event continues, the vision of a holistic Halal economy serving humanity remains at the forefront. Through initiatives like the London Halal Forum 2025, the global Halal industry is poised to become a beacon of sustainable and ethical growth for generations to come.
