Karachi: Building on the resounding success of its inaugural edition, the Sustainable Tourism Forum & Expo (STF) 2026 returned for its second edition under the theme “Transforming Tourism for Community Development”. The two-day international forum was 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, and was held on January 21–22, 2026, at PC Hotel, Karachi.
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, STF 2026 brought together global leaders, policymakers, investors, and sustainability advocates to reimagine tourism as a force for people, planet, and prosperity.
The forum featured a comprehensive program of keynote addresses, high-level panel discussions, workshops, symposia, and investor pitch sessions, delivering actionable insights into ethical investment, climate-resilient infrastructure, digital innovation, and public-private partnerships. Discussions emphasized tourism’s role in driving equitable economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and advancing climate action.
Opening the forum, H.E. Mr. Yousef Hassan Khalawi, Secretary General of ICCD, highlighted the importance of unified global action to build a resilient and inclusive tourism sector.
“We look forward to collaborating with all partners to transform this annual international forum into a global summit for sustainable tourism, featuring exhibitions, conferences, capacity-building programs, and technological advancements,” he said.
H.E. Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, underscored tourism’s economic significance, noting:
“Tourism is a strategic economic sector and a powerful engine for employment, investment, cultural exchange, and sustainable development globally.”
The forum saw strong participation from the Government of Pakistan, including H.E. Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister of Investment, who emphasized Pakistan’s untapped tourism potential.
“Pakistan is a cradle of diverse civilizations, rich cultural heritage, historic sites, and home to some of the world’s highest peaks. With its large Muslim population, the country offers immense tourism opportunities that require increased investment,” he stated.
Delivering a keynote address, H.E. Tariq Mustafa, Adviser to the Governor of Sindh, stressed that sustainable tourism has become central to global economic growth.
“It generates employment, strengthens cultural understanding, promotes environmental conservation, and enhances global connectivity,” he said.
A key milestone of STF 2026 was the inauguration of the STF Exhibition, providing a practical platform for showcasing scalable solutions, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and presenting investment-ready models aligned with international sustainability standards.
Another keynote was delivered by H.E. Mr. Muhammad Atif Hanif, President & CEO of Al Baraka Bank Pakistan, who remarked:
“Sustainable tourism means meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to enjoy the same environmental and social benefits.”
The forum concluded with strategic reflections by H.E. Mr. Zubair Tufail, Former President FPCCI, who shared a forward-looking vision emphasizing private-sector leadership in advancing sustainable tourism initiatives.
STF 2026 reaffirmed its role as an action-oriented international platform, aimed at accelerating investment-ready tourism projects, strengthening cross-border collaboration, and promoting scalable models that balance environmental responsibility, cultural authenticity, and financial viability.
Aligned with ICCD’s mandate to advance sustainable economic cooperation across the Muslim world, STF 2026 successfully united governments, businesses, youth, and civil society—positioning tourism as a powerful driver of dignity, development, and intergenerational equity.
