Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishek took part in the Third Global Islamic Economy Summit, held in Istanbul, where he delivered the conference’s keynote speech, titled “Capital and Its Role in Advancing the Educational and Social Sectors.” In his speech, he presented Al-Quds University’s vision for harnessing the tools of Islamic economy and endowment to support education and sustainable development.

The summit accorded special recognition to Al-Quds University through the selection of Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishek to deliver the conference’s keynote speech, making him the sole keynote speaker among all official delegations in attendance. This distinction reflects the international confidence in the model Al-Quds University has developed in educational endowment and sustainable development. It also affirms the stature of Jerusalem and its university, as well as their pioneering role in advancing education and serving the community through a development vision grounded in the values of Islamic economy.

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Abu Kishek emphasized that, in Islamic civilization, wealth was never viewed merely as a means of generating profit but as a responsibility and a powerful instrument for serving society and supporting education, scientific research, and development. He highlighted the historic role of endowment institutions in establishing universities, hospitals, libraries, and charitable organizations and their lasting contribution to the growth of Islamic civilization across the ages.

Prof. Dr. Abu Kishek presented the model of the “Al-Quds University Endowment for Educational Development,” which is built on transforming donations, charitable contributions, and endowments into sustainable investments that generate long-term returns. These returns are then directed toward supporting scholarships, scientific research, innovation, and community development, ensuring a lasting developmental impact for future generations.

He also highlighted the challenges facing the city of Jerusalem and its higher education sector, reaffirming Al-Quds University’s commitment to carrying forward its academic, research, and community mission. This commitment is reflected in its efforts to prepare young talent, support innovation and entrepreneurship, and build local, regional, and international partnerships that help turn challenges into sustainable development opportunities. 

In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Abu Kishek outlined the university’s vision for expanding the educational endowment model across Islamic countries by establishing partnerships and local endowment funds that support education and sustainable development. He noted that such efforts would strengthen cooperation among educational and economic institutions across the Islamic world and lay the foundation for a long-term developmental legacy built on knowledge and shared values.

On the sidelines of the summit, Prof. Dr. Abu Kishek met with Bilal Erdoğan, son of the Turkish president, and honored him on behalf of the Al-Quds University community in recognition of his efforts to support education, advance community development, and preserve shared cultural and civilizational values.

The summit brought together a wide range of academics, experts, decision-makers, and representatives of economic and development institutions from around the world. Discussions focused on ways to harness the tools of Islamic economy and endowment-based financing to support sustainable development and strengthen the social and economic impact of institutions.