In a talk at the Makkah Halal Forum 2025 , H.E. Mr. Yousef Khalawi , Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), shared his vision for shaping the future of the global halal economy. The session, titled “Strategies Shaping the Future of Halal,” was moderated by Dr. Wael Eldesouki Bedda , Secretary General of the Saleh Kamel Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development Organization (SKSEED), and provided attendees with a roadmap for driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the rapidly growing halal sector.
During the 20-minute interview, Mr. Khalawi emphasized the transformative potential of the halal industry,He outlined key strategies to position the halal economy as a force for ethical trade, environmental stewardship, and cross-border collaboration.
“The halal economy is not just about compliance—it’s about creating value that benefits humanity and the planet,” Mr. Khalawi stated. He highlighted the importance of aligning halal practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that growth in the sector contributes to poverty alleviation, gender equality, and climate action.
One of the central themes of the discussion was the role of technology in advancing the halal ecosystem. Mr. Khalawi praised the integration of blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and e-commerce as tools to enhance transparency, traceability, and consumer trust.
“Digital solutions are revolutionizing the halal supply chain,” he explained. “From farm to fork, blockchain ensures that products meet halal standards at every stage, while AI optimizes resource use and reduces waste.”
He also called for greater investment in halal tech startups, urging governments and private sectors to support innovation in areas like halal pharmaceuticals, logistics, and fintech.
Mr. Khalawi underscored the critical role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and women entrepreneurs in driving the halal economy forward. “SMEs are the backbone of the halal industry, and women are its untapped potential,” he said.
He highlighted initiatives led by the ICCD to provide training, funding, and market access to SMEs, particularly in underserved regions. Similarly, he praised programs empowering women entrepreneurs, noting that their leadership is essential to fostering inclusivity and innovation.
The interview also addressed the need for harmonized global standards to facilitate trade and build consumer confidence. Mr. Khalawi stressed the importance of partnerships between international organizations, governments, and private sectors to overcome barriers such as certification inconsistencies and trade restrictions.
“Unified standards are the foundation of trust,” he asserted. “By working together, we can create a seamless halal ecosystem that benefits producers and consumers alike.”
Mr. Khalawi commended Saudi Arabia’s leadership in advancing the halal agenda, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. He noted that Makkah’s unique position as the spiritual heart of the Islamic world makes it an ideal hub for fostering collaboration and innovation in the halal sector.
“Makkah is not just a host—it is a symbol of unity and ethical leadership,” he said. “This forum is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to shaping the halal future.”
Concluding the session, Mr. Khalawi issued a call to action for stakeholders across the halal ecosystem. “We must move beyond dialogue and take concrete steps to implement these strategies,” he urged
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