Navigating Change Together: Connecting the Global Halal Community

Chicago, IL — April 15, 2025 — The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) successfully hosted its 22nd International Halal Food Conference on April 14–15, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. Under the theme “Navigating Change Together: Connecting the Global Halal Community,” the event brought together international Halal authorities, regulators, scientists, scholars, and industry professionals to collaborate on the future of the Halal marketplace.

This year’s conference focused on key pillars of regulatory alignment, science-based certification, and global market development. Featured sessions explored Halal standardization, advancements in laboratory testing, North American market trends, and innovations in Halal ingredients.

Delegates from over ten countries participated, including representatives from Halal regulatory bodies in Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Contributing organizations included BPJPH, JAKIM, SMIIC, HAK, the Saudi Halal Center, EIAC, CICOT Thailand, MUIS, and LPPOM MUI.

Notable international speakers included:
• Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Muti Arintawati, and Nina Sutrisno (Indonesia)
• Faridah Hj. Hassan and Mohamad Samir bin Sulaiman (Malaysia)
• Ihsan Övüt (Turkey)
• Yousif Alharbi (Saudi Arabia)
• Akhtar A. Bughio (Pakistan)
• Abdulla Mohammed Almarzooqi (UAE)
• Winai Dahlan and Khathawut Lohmud (Thailand)
• Muhammad Faizal bin Othman (Singapore)

Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry, President and CEO of IFANCA, remarked:

“This conference is not just a platform for dialogue but a collaborative engine to shape the future of the Halal industry. Our mission at IFANCA is to ensure Halal integrity while fostering global cooperation.”

Speakers from academia, multinational corporations, and certification sectors offered expert insight into the evolving global Halal ecosystem. Topics ranged from food science and quality assurance to regulatory affairs and market expansion.

The conference reinforced IFANCA’s recognition by leading global Halal authorities—JAKIM (Malaysia), BPJPH (Indonesia), the Saudi Halal Center, MUIS (Singapore), and EIAC (UAE)—highlighting strong international partnerships aimed at facilitating global Halal trade and ensuring regulatory consistency.