ISLAMIC AND ETHICAL FINANCE TAKES THE STAGE AT CONFERENCE FOR SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT

Dr Humayon Dar Delivers Keynote at economie’s Flagship International SRI Event eco6

London, 5th June, 2006 – economie, the international organisation dedicated to the education, promotion and development of socially responsible investment (SRI) worldwide, today announced that Dr Humayon Dar will be delivering a keynote speech at the annual event, eco6. eco6 is economie’s flagship annual conference aimed at raising global awareness and transform attitudes towards the fast growing economic movements of SRI and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Dr Humayon Dar, currently Managing Director of Dar Al Istithmar, a London based subsidiary of Deutsche Bank, will be speaking about the synergies between Islamic and ethical finance.

“Islamic finance is already a values-based system, which is seeking to embrace Koran-based financial principles for the benefit of the greater Islamic community”, said Dr Humayon Dar. “Western European and English speaking financial institutions have much to learn about value-based investment but the West also has much to offer in terms of sophisticated systems and issues such as Corporate CSR, positive SRI strategies and engagement. It seems that there is a convergence of the two systems taking place – very distinctive but with a great deal of commonality.”

economie was set up in order to achieve its aim of creating a world where investment with social, environmental and ethical consideration is the universal norm. The conference will also encourage experts to make their advice accessible to the public and will demonstrate that ethics and profits go hand in hand and can shape a mass movement for change.

International speakers at eco6 include:

Prof. Hans Ruh, Institute for Social Ethics at Zurich University

Amy Domini, Founder of Domini Social Investments

Noreena Hertz, bestselling international author and academic

Deborah Doane, Head Corporate Accountability at the New Economics Foundation

Dr Kevin Money, Associate Director of the Centre for Organisation Reputation and Relationships (CORR)

Dr. Julia Balandina, Vice President, Co-Head Direct Investments Europe, AIG Switzerland

John Renesch, Business futurist and writer

Dr Humayon Dar, Director of Dar Al Istithmar London

eco6 will be held in Zurich on 9th and 10th October 2006. The conference aims to attract national and multi-national coporations, financial institutions, private investors, financial advisors, charities and NGOs. The themes, “SRI – Just Another Marketing Ploy?” and “CSR – Fact or Fiction”, will seek to address attitudes to these economic movements and to promote channels that faciliate social and environmental change.

About Dr Humayon Dar

Dr Humayon Dar is the Managing Director of Dar Al Istithmar, a London based subsidiary of Deutsche Bank. He has advised numerous organisations, governments and central banks on policy matters related to Islamic banking and finance. His other directorships include Charity Bank Limited, Olive Tree Educational Trust, and the Sudanese International Academy. He is also involved in a number of other social and academic initiatives, and is frequently interviewed by print and electronic media.

About economie

Founded in 2005, economie is an international organisation devoted to creating international awareness and establishing social responsible investment and corporate social responsibility as the norm. Headquartered in London, economie is made up of international partners from 20 countries, including Australia, Argentina and Norway, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Romania, South Africa, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA.

At the heart of the organisation’s ethos is the belief that much more can be achieved by working together than by standing apart. For more information, please visit www.economie.co.uk.

About eco6

On 9th and 10th October 2006, economie will be hosting its flagship event, eco6. eco6 seeks to bring together the world’s leading SRI and CSR experts. The conference offers delegates the opportunity to meet, learn from and be inspired by passionate, creative individuals from all corners of the SRI and CSR community. For further information about eco6, please visit www.eco6.co.uk