The Islamic Development Bank Group President Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali has extended an invitation to leaders and experts of the Islamic financial industry for an urgent meeting to discuss the impact of global financial crisis on the industry.

The meeting will take place at the IDB Group headquarters in Jeddah Saturday 25 Shawwal 1429H (25 October 2008). During the one-day forum, participants will consult industry leaders, conduct brainstorming sessions on the developments and its challenges and opportunities for the Islamic financial industry, and will work out joint strategies and relevant initiatives as needed for implementation.

The IDB, like other Islamic banks, sets itself apart from financial markets in that its governing and operation is compliant with Shariah principles. Since IDB's establishment three decades ago, Islamic financial institutions worldwide has risen from one (being the IDB)in 1975, to over 300 today in more than 75 countries