Introduction
Did you know that environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors are now reshaping global financial regulation, investment decisions, and risk management frameworks—yet many Islamic financial institutions are still navigating how to align ESG requirements with Shariah principles? Are you interested in understanding how ESG standards complement the ethical foundations of Islamic finance? Do you want to explore how Islamic financial institutions can integrate ESG practices into governance, product structuring, risk management, and reporting? Are you a finance professional, regulator, Shariah scholar, or sustainability practitioner seeking practical tools to operationalize ESG within Islamic finance? Do you want to be part of the global transition toward responsible, transparent, and impact-driven finance by positioning Islamic financial institutions at the forefront of ESG leadership?
Warba Bank, Global Islamic Finance and Impact Investing Platform, Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), UNDP Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are pleased to provide this free Advanced Online Course on “Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Standards and Practices for Islamic Financial Institutions.”
Skills you will gain
About the course
This advanced online course offers a comprehensive exploration of how Islamic financial institutions can integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards into their operations. Designed for professionals, policymakers, and students, it bridges the principles of Islamic moral economy with modern sustainability frameworks, empowering participants to develop responsible, ethical, and impactful financial practices.
Through expert-led modules, case studies, and practical tools, the course provides insights into global ESG regulations, innovative Islamic finance products, and effective risk management strategies. It aims to foster a deeper understanding within the Islamic finance sector, promoting responsible investment and long-term resilience in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
What you will learn
- Understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to Islamic finance.
- Explain the fundamental concepts, principles, and importance of ESG standards.
- Analyze ESG ratings, metrics, methodologies, and their implications for Islamic financial institutions.
- Interpret international ESG regulations, compliance requirements, and reporting standards.
- Assess financial, reputational, and sustainability risks associated with ESG factors.
- Integrate ESG considerations into Shariah-compliant investment and financing decisions.
- Apply corporate governance and Shariah governance frameworks to support ESG implementation.
- Design sustainable investment strategies and financial solutions aligned with Islamic values.
- Improve institutional ESG reporting, disclosure, and accountability mechanisms.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, stakeholder engagement, and impact creation through ESG integration.
- Understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to Islamic finance.
- Explain the fundamental concepts, principles, and importance of ESG standards.
- Analyze ESG ratings, metrics, methodologies, and their implications for Islamic financial institutions.
- Interpret international ESG regulations, compliance requirements, and reporting standards.
- Assess financial, reputational, and sustainability risks associated with ESG factors.
- Integrate ESG considerations into Shariah-compliant investment and financing decisions.
- Apply corporate governance and Shariah governance frameworks to support ESG implementation.
- Design sustainable investment strategies and financial solutions aligned with Islamic values.
- Improve institutional ESG reporting, disclosure, and accountability mechanisms.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, stakeholder engagement, and impact creation through ESG integration.
Completion requirements
- Complete all online lessons
- Complete the course survey
- Pass all the quizzes with a score of 60% or higher
- Complete all online lessons
- Pass all the quizzes with a score of 60% or higher
- Complete the course survey
Course modules
Discussion forum 1 activity
Module 1: Transitioning from Sustainable Development Goals to Environmental, Social, and Governance Frameworks – Rating Metrics and Methodologies 5 activities, 1 quiz
Module 2: ESG Compliance in Islamic Financial Institutions: Navigating International Standards, Reporting, and Disclosure Practice 5 activities, 1 quiz
Module 3: Integrating ESG into Corporate Governance and Risk Management in Islamic Finance 4 activities, 1 quiz
Module 4: Strategically Integrating Sustainability into the Business Practices of Islamic Financial Institutions 5 activities, 1 quiz
FAQs
1. How many languages is the course available in?
The course is available in English.
2. Do I need any qualifications to enroll in this course?
No. This course is aimed at individuals who are interested in development issues, Islamic finance, and environmental, social and governance standards, but is open to everyone.
3. What are the technical requirements to enroll in this course?
Participants should be able to access the Internet, even if only periodically, in order to access the course materials and complete the course requirements.
4. What are the requirements to receive the certificate of completion?
In order to receive the certificate of course completion, participants must complete all the online lessons, four quizzes, and the course survey.
5. How do I receive my course completion certificate when I complete the course?
Once you complete the course requirements, the certificate of course completion will be generated automatically and will become available for download in PDF format directly from the course home page. To download the certificate, you will need to click the “Download my certificate” button right above the Course Content section of the home page.