The Second Informal D-8 Commissioners’ Retreat was hosted by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Lahore on 5-6 February 2026.

The Retreat brought together D-8 Commissioners and representatives from all Member States, providing a platform for informal consultations on a range of issues including organizational matters, institutional priorities, and enhanced intra-D-8 cooperation.  The meeting followed the precedent of the Commissioners’ first Informal Retreat held in Baku in October 2025 and built on the work accomplished in the Reform Committee deliberations as well as during the 50th Commission Meeting in Cairo in December 2025.

Consultations focused on strengthening the Secretariat’s institutional capacity, upscaling its operational efficacy, and ensuring mobilization of requisite human and material resources in support of the mandate. The Retreat also reviewed preparations for the 12th D-8 Summit and its related meetings and events, scheduled to take place in Indonesia from 12–15 April 2026.

The meeting marked the first-ever participation of H.E. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), in a gathering of D-8 Commissioners since assuming office on 1 January 2026.

In his opening remarks, the Secretary-General welcomed all delegations and expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of Pakistan for hosting the Retreat. He also commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan’s D-8 Commissioner for the excellent arrangements, warm reception, and gracious hospitality extended to all participants. Special appreciation was conveyed to the Government of Punjab for its support in holding the Retreat and for organizing an elaborate programme to acquaint the visiting delegates with multiple layers of historical and cultural traditions of Lahore. The delegates marveled at the city’s cultural vibrance, including the colourful Basant festival, which coincided with the Retreat dates.

The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of collective endeavours in advancing the D-8’s organizational and substantive agenda and the special role of the Leaders, Ministers, and Commissioners in this context. He underlined the need to strengthen efforts for D-8’s enhanced visibility and effectiveness in the face of evolving global geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. The Secretary General further underscored the imperatives of efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the Secretariat’s work.

Regarding the 12th D-8 Summit in Jakarta, the Indonesian delegation provided a detailed briefing on the preparatory process. The thematic focus of the forthcoming Summit is: “Navigating Global Shifts: Strengthening Equality, Solidarity and Cooperation for Shared Prosperity.” The Summit on 15 April 2026 will be preceded by the Council of Ministers and D-8 Commission meetings. The side events will include Business Forum and a Halal Expo. The Summit is expected to provide strategic direction and support major institutional decisions for the future course of the Organization.

The Informal Retreat concluded with reaffirmation of the shared commitment to constructive engagement, consensus-building, and coordinated efforts to ensure timely steps to build institutional capacity as well as a successful process for the D-8 Summit in April 2026.