Halal pharma push; OIC faces food insecurity; community finance lessons

September 12, 2025

Pulse of the Global Islamic Economy

Rabi al-Awwal 20, 1447 AH

Assalamualaikum,

The development of the world’s first international halal standards for medicines, vaccines, and nutraceuticals could mark a turning point for global pharmaceutical trade. Led by the OIC’s Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), the initiative aims to harmonize fragmented certification systems, strengthen patient trust, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and cross-border collaboration.

Meanwhile, with nearly half the population of OIC countries facing a moderate to severe shortage in supply, food insecurity is being countered by investments in bold strategies, from vertical farming to fertilizer expansion and sukuk-backed infrastructure, as lifelines for the future.

Finally, a closer look at community-driven finance models highlights how trust and intentionality are the true building blocks of sustainable systems. From traditional mutual aid circles in West Africa and Southeast Asia to new blockchain-powered DAOs, the principle is clear: strong communities thrive when participation is purposeful.

Did you know?

Around four billion people worldwide, comprising half of the global population, experience high water stress for at least one month annually. Furthermore, twenty-five countries, home to a quarter of the world’s population, face extreme water stress each year, consuming nearly all their available supply.

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