The Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) and the Institute for Regional Studies (IRS) based in Islamabad, Pakistan have organized a joint webinar with the theme:  ‘How Can D-8 Be Made More Effective’. The webinar, which was held virtually on 26 October, 2023, had in attendance participants from relevant research institutions and organizations in the Member States.

In his opening remarks at the event, the Secretary General of the D-8 Organization, Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, stated that organizing such webinar, in partnership with institution such as IRS, could make significant contributions in improving the effectiveness of the workings at the D-8 Secretariat, thus achieving the goals and objectives for which the organization was established.

Speaking further, the Secretary General gave assurance that the insights and recommendations shared by participants from relevant research institutions in member states during the webinar would be carefully documented and utilized for implementation to further advance the objectives of the D-8 organization positively.

Ambassador Imam commended the efforts of the IRS management under the leadership of its President, Ambassador Riyaz, for making the partnership a reality. He also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan for its unwavering support to the D-8 organization.

In his welcome address, the President of the IRS, Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz, emphasized the significance of the D-8 organization for the overall economic development of its member countries. He said that through regular and sustained engagement, with institutions such as IRS, the D-8 Organization could reach its goals and the desired effectiveness.

During the webinar, representatives of relevant institutions from the D-8 member countries who spoke, underscored the significant role of the organization in harnessing its potential for the economic development and well-being of its citizens. They unanimously agreed on the importance of holding such meetings more frequently, to contribute to this process. The participants also    expressed hope to convene the second meeting, in the near future.

The D-8 Organization is an inter-governmental organization founded in 1997 by Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye, with its Secretariat based in Istanbul, Türkiye.