As economies become increasingly digital, some of the world’s most valuable assets are no longer measured in financial terms alone. Trust, influence, expertise and communities are emerging as powerful forms of capital. It is reshaping how value is created, accumulated and exchanged. Reflecting this shift, Sidra Iqbal was invited to speak at the 3rd Global Islamic Economy Summit in Istanbul, one of the leading international forums exploring the future of capital, finance and sustainable development.
Held with the support of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye and under the leadership of Sheikh Yousef Khalawi at AlBarakah Forum, the summit brought together policymakers, investors, regulators, scholars and business leaders from across the 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, credibility, communities and digital influence are emerging as valuable forms of capital in the digital age.
The session explored the growing relevance of the creator economy and trust economy, and their connection to broader conversations around ethical finance, stewardship, sustainable development and societal impact.
Speaking at the summit, Sidra Iqbal observed: “Some of the most valuable assets being created today do not sit on balance sheets. They 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.” The discussion highlighted a growing global recognition that understanding attention, trust and digital value creation will be critical to the future of economic development.
Sidra Iqbal’s participation reflects the increasing importance of these conversations in international policy and business circles, while marking an important milestone for Pakistani representation in global thought leadership forums.