Achieving Global Halal Integrity with the 4th World Halal Forum

Achieving Global Halal Integrity with the 4th World Halal Forum

The fourth World Halal Forum (WHF) – themed “Achieving Global Halal Integrity” – is scheduled to be held from 4th to 5th May 2009 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, situated in the heart of the city.

Since its inception in 2006, the World Halal Forum has grown from strength to strength, always at the forefront of a challenging industry. It has grown from 463 delegates from 27 countries in 2006, to 980 delegates from 40 countries in 2007, making it the most important event in the Halal industry calendar.

The third World Halal Forum in 2008 raised the bar once again and drew together over 1,200 delegates from industries, governments, research organisations, universities and consumer associations under one roof to discuss the major issues affecting the Halal industry.

At the close of the two eventful days, a resolution was arrived at, for the International Halal Integrity Alliance (IHI Alliance), to develop and present the International Halal Standard – a single standard to unify the fragmented industry and ensure global Halal integrity.

IHI Alliance’s goals were also endorsed by the Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. In his keynote address at WHF 2008, Abdullah said, “My government has formally endorsed the function and aspirations of the IHI Alliance. I understand that the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), through the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), is also committed towards making IHI Alliance a strong, credible and respected global Halal authority.”

Following the resolution passed at WHF 2008, IHI Alliance has started the first series of Technical Committee meetings to develop modules for the Global Halal Standard, which will be presented to the OIC Standards Committee in Jeddah, in March 2009 for endorsement. Once endorsed, it will then be released for public comment at the fourth WHF in May 2009.

The fourth World Halal Forum will be the biggest yet, due to the impact and importance of the Global Halal Standard, as well as the expansion of the forum’s format.

WHF 2009 will be the largest forum of its kind to be held in Malaysia and in the whole of South East Asia, expecting increased participation from the Middle East because of WHF Chairman Sheikh Saleh Kamel’s significant influence in the region.

WHF 2009 also anticipates large delegations from South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, as well as non-traditional countries such as Brazil and Uruguay. Russia and the CIS (Commonwealth and Independent States) countries have also shown interest in WHF and the Halal industry.

WHF 2009 is the perfect avenue with expanding opportunities for market leaders, industry experts, academicians, and Islamic scholars to gather and comment on the Global Halal Standard, as well as gain insights on potential implications on Halal integrity, business and trade.

WHF 2009 will change the face of the Halal industry.

For more information on attending the World Halal Forum call the WHF Secretariat at +603 6203 1025. Book your seat now!.