The World Islamic Economic Forum began as the Organization of Islamic Conference Business Forum back in 2003. It was created to explore business partnership opportunities within the Muslim world. At this year's opening ceremony, Indonesian President Widodo called on the world's Muslim community to play a central role in helping the world overcome its economic problems. 

He said the Muslim community has the world's strongest demographic profile, with a large number of young people.  Widodo added that the Muslim community has created a vibrant Sharia financial industry now worth millions of US dollars. However, he stressed that the world's Muslim community must overcome challenges -- from high unemployment to poor education levels -- that weaken its relative competitiveness.