Halal Summer School – Speakers
02/13/2026 2026-06-15 8:06Halal Summer School – Speakers
July 6–9, 2026 | Novi Pazar, Serbia
July 6–9, 2026 | Novi Pazar, Serbia
Speakers
Our speakers are leading authorities in their fields, bringing decades of academic rigor and practical experience to create a truly transformative learning experience.
Mr. Waleed Jahangir
CEO | Muslim Travel Show / British Islamic Association / Salam Booking, United Kingdom
Waleed Jahangir is a premier leader in the global Halal economy with over 25 years of experience in marketing, events, and mass communications. Named one of the top 50 most influential Muslims in the UK and Europe, Waleed leverages strategic economic empowerment to reshape global perceptions and foster inclusivity for Muslim communities worldwide.
Prof. Edib Smolo
Associate Professor | Effat University, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Edib Smolo is an Associate Professor of Finance at Effat University, Saudi Arabia, and a fintech Global Shari’ah Coordinator. He is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Economics, Law and Society and founder of Islamic Finance for Everyone (IFE). He previously held senior academic and industry roles across Malaysia, Iran, Bosnia, and international institutions. Dr. Smolo earned his PhD from INCEIF, Malaysia, and researches Islamic banking, finance, and economic development.
Prof. Alija Avdukić
Chair of Political Economy and Islamic Finance | University of Dundee, United Kingdom
Dr Alija (Ali) Avdukic is currently a Professor in Political/Moral Economy and Islamic Finance at University of Dundee School of Business. He is also a trustee and investment advisor for International Waqf Fund of Islamic Relief Worldwide. Alija holds a Ph.D in Islamic Economics and Finance (2016) from University of Durham; and has MA in Islamic Banking, Finance and Management (2010) from Gloucestershire University.
Prof. Suad Bećirović
Rector | University of Novi Pazar, Serbia
Visionary Rector with 12+ years of experience leading the unique waqf-based University of Novi Pazar through periods of rapid expansion and modernization. A German-educated scholar and "Best Student in Generation" award recipient from Reutlingen University, specializing in Finance, Development Economics and Islamic economics as well as institutional accreditation. Proven expertise in aligning regional institutions with global standards, including the successful acquisition of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education.
Dr. Aldin Dugonjic
Chief Development Officer | International Halal Center Group, Germany
Assist. Prof. Dr. Aldin Dugonjic is the Chief Development Officer at the International Halal Center GmbH (Germany) and an international expert with over 20 years of experience in halal certification, standardization, and tourism. Previously the CEO of the Center for Halal Quality Certification Croatia, he holds a Ph.D. in Economic Sciences focusing on the halal industry's economic impact. Dr. Dugonjic is a certified ISO Lead Auditor, a key contributor to European halal standardization (CEN), and was featured in the ISLAMICA 500.
Dr. Haris Zogić
Head of Finance | University of Novi Pazar, Serbia
Dr. Haris Zogić is a finance professional and academic specializing in Islamic finance, banking, and business development. He earned his PhD in Islamic Finance at the University of Novi Pazar in 2025. He serves as Head of Finance and lecturer at the University of Novi Pazar. With international experience in banking and consulting, including roles at Bosna Bank International, he has worked on investment and business development projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar. He is also founder of Z-Finance Consulting and co-founder of the Academy of Business Leadership.
Dr. Mohammad Alsaghir
Managing Director | International Waqf Fund, United Kingdom
Dr. Mohammad Alsaghir is the Managing Director of the International Waqf Fund. This Sharia-compliant endowment fund invests charitable donations in low-risk assets. The original donation remains intact, while generated profits perpetually fund sustainable global humanitarian, educational, and healthcare projects.
Dr. Šemsudin Plojović
Entrepreneurship unit managerd | Information Technology School - ITS, Serbia
Šemsudin Plojović is a professor of economics and academic leader in Serbia with extensive experience in higher education, research, and institutional management. He holds PhDs in Economics from the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius and in Management from Alfa Univerzitet. He teaches Business Statistics, Macroeconomics, Management Information Systems, and Project Management. His research focuses on econometrics, quality management, and digital transformation, and he actively mentors graduate students.
Dr. Damir Alihodžić
Director | Agency for Halal Quality Certification of Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Hercegovina
He graduated from the Faculty of Technology, University of Tuzla in 2007, where he also earned his Master’s degree in Food Technology in 2012 and completed his PhD in 2022. He is the author and co-author of several scientific papers and three books in halal food and standardization, and has participated in numerous international conferences. He currently serves as Director of the Agency for Halal Quality Certification of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is actively involved in international standardization through SMIIC/OIC committees.mber of several technical committees of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC/OIC).
Prof. Enis Ujkanovic
Professor | University of Novi Pazar, Serbia
Enis Ujkanović is an academic and project management expert with over 18 years of experience in international development, EU-funded programs, and SME support initiatives. He holds a PhD in Project Management and Finance from the University of Novi Pazar and is PMP-certified by the Project Management Institute, as well as a PRINCE2 Practitioner. He has served as Sector Manager at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and previously led the Project Management Office at the University of Novi Pazar. He has authored numerous scientific publications in management and finance.
Dr. Almir Pramenkovic
Lecturer | Faculty of Islamic Studies, Serbia
Almir Pramenković is a scholar of Islamic theology, philosophy, and Islamic economics, serving as Course Leader and Lecturer at the Faculty of Islamic Studies in Novi Pazar. He previously served as Dean of the Faculty and is President of the Council of the Islamic Community in Serbia. He holds a PhD in Islamic Sciences and an MA in Islamic Banking, with research interests spanning theology, comparative religion, moral economy, and Islamic finance. He is the author of numerous books and academic papers and actively participates in international conferences and scholarly initiatives.
Dr. Admir Meskovic
Manager of the Center for Islamic Finance, Innovation and Sustainability | International University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina
Admir Mešković, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the International University of Sarajevo and Manager of the Center for Islamic Finance, Innovation and Sustainability (CIFIS). He earned his Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Sarajevo and holds an MBA from Durham University, UK. His research focuses on Islamic economics, finance, risk management, and sustainable development. He has published in leading journals and serves as President of the Economics and Social Research Institute and Journal Manager of the Journal of Economics, Law, and Society. He also has extensive experience in the Islamic finance industry.Join the Ethical Business Movement
The Halal industry requires more than compliance.
It requires leadership grounded in Ihsan — excellence in intention, execution, and impact.
Your journey toward ethical leadership begins in Novi Pazar.
Foundation, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship for Change
