As digital platforms continue to reshape industries and economies, new forms of value creation are emerging beyond traditional financial models. Reflecting this global shift, Sidra Iqbal was invited to speak at the 3rd Global Islamic Economy Summit (GIES) in Istanbul, a flagship international forum convened by the AlBarakah Forum for Islamic Economy that brings together policymakers, investors, regulators, scholars and business leaders to explore the future of capital, finance and sustainable development.
Held with the support of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye and featuring participation from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and senior government leaders, the summit reflected a growing global focus on how economies are evolving in an increasingly connected and digital world. At the forum, Sidra Iqbal led a featured discussion titled “Raising the Quality of Capital: From Follower Counts to Financial Value,” examining how trust, influence, expertise and communities are increasingly being recognized as strategic forms of capital in their own right. The session explored the growing relevance of the creator economy and trust economy, and why digital audiences, credibility and engagement are becoming powerful drivers of economic value.
The inclusion of a discussion on digital influence and trust within one of the world’s leading Islamic economy forums reflected a broader recognition that the future of capital can no longer be understood through balance sheets alone. Speaking at the summit, Sidra Iqbal noted: “Some of the most valuable assets being created today exist in the form of trust, credibility, expertise and communities. The future of capital will be shaped not only by what we own, but by what we influence, what we enable and the value we create for others.” Her participation highlighted the growing international relevance of conversations around digital capital, trust, entrepreneurship and value creation, while reinforcing Pakistan’s contribution to emerging global discussions on the future economy.
