Karachi: Following the impressive success of its inaugural edition, the Sustainable Tourism Forum & Expo returns for its 2nd edition “Transforming Tourism for Community Development”, organized by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), under the esteemed patronage of the Ministry of Commerce and the Board of Investment, Government of Pakistan, on January 21 – 22, 2026, at PC Hotel, Karachi, Pakistan.
With Al Baraka Bank Pakistan and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) as Strategic Partners, the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) as Youth Partner, and Airblue as Airline Partner, this landmark event unites leading voices in sustainable tourism, investment and Islamic economies, to redefine tourism through the lens of sustainability, inclusion, and shared prosperity, working to establish sustainable tourism as a catalyst for economic development, cultural preservation, and climate action.
Through a well-packed program including keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, symposia, and investors pitch, STF 2026 delivered actionable insights into the critical significance of ethical investment, climate-resilient infrastructure, digital innovation, and public-private partnerships in transforming tourism into a means of equitable and sustainable development.
The event commenced with a welcome address by H.E. Mr. Yousef Hassan Khalawi, Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), who emphasized the significance of unified global action in building a tourism sector that is equitable, resilient, and sustainable, stating: “We look forward to collaborating with all partners to transform this annual international forum, that features exhibition, conference, capacity-building programs, technological advancements, etc., into a global summit for sustainable tourism.”
In this regard, H.E. Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), pointed out the tourism sector as a catalyst for the sustainable economic growth, indicating: “Tourism is a strategic economic sector and a powerful engine for employment, investment, cultural exchange and sustainable development globally.”
Bringing policies with actionable strategies to STF 2026, the forum witnessed a high-level participation from H.E. Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister of Investment of Pakistan, who stated “Pakistan stands as a central hub for diverse civilizations. and boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, historic sites and some of the highest peaks in the world. With its significant Muslim population, Pakistan has immense potential for opportunities, particularly in tourism, which requires increased investment.”
Moreover, H.E. Tariq Mustafa, Adviser to Governor Sindh, Pakistan, delivered a keynote speech, emphasizing: “Sustainable tourism is no longer merely an emerging concept; it has become a cornerstone for the global economic growth. It generates employment, strengthens cultural understandings, promotes environmental conservation, and enhances connections.”
In a pivotal moment, STF Exhibition opened its doors, marking a defining moment for the Sustainable Tourism Forum, as it offered a tangible platform for scalable solutions, cross-sector partnerships, and investable models that embody the highest standards of sustainable tourism.
The forum also witnessed a keynote speech by H.E. Mr. Muhammad Atif Hanif, President & CEO of Al Baraka Bank Pakistan, stressing: “Sustainable tourism can be simply defined as tourism that does not compromise the needs of future generations. This means that the tourism we enjoy today should leave the environment in a significantly good state, allowing the next generation to experience the same benefits without losing that opportunity.”
Concluding the two-day insightful dialogue, H.E. Mr. Zubair Tufail, Former President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), delivered strategic reflections on the forum’s key insights and a forward-looking vision for private-sector leadership in sustainable tourism.
STF 2026 is an action-oriented international platform, designed to advance investment-ready tourism projects, forge cross-border partnerships, and promote scalable models that integrate environmental responsibility, cultural authenticity, and financial viability.
It operates in alignment with ICCD’s institutional mandate to support sustainable economic cooperation across the Muslim world, bringing together governments, businesses, youth, and civil society to transform tourism into a force for dignity, development, and intergenerational equity.
