The D-8 Secretary General, Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari participated in the inaugural Transformers Summit 2018 held in Cambridge, United Kingdom on 10th December, 2018 organized by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The Summit aimed at exploring state-of-the-art policies, initiatives and solutions for creating better cities in line with “Sustainable Development Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. Among the high-profile participants of the event were President of IsDB H.E. Dr. Bandar Hajjar; Chief Advisor to the President, Science, Technology and Innovation, Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Hayat Sindi and UK Minister of State for Energy and Green Growth, Rt. Hon. Claire Perry.
During the panel discussion, Secretary-General expressed that it is the noblest of endeavors to reward creativity, innovation and scientific achievement. He further stated that the Transformers Summit fills a much-needed gap in the field of endorsing innovative solutions to sustainable development problems. He reiterated that one of the most important aspects of socioeconomic development is equal access to opportunities which is possible only through inclusive and life-long education policies and full utilization of smart technologies. His Excellency further announced the future endeavors of D-8, including the Creative Islamic Economic Zone and the D-8 Technological Empowerment Center.
The Summit was concluded by the award ceremony and the announcement of the Transformers Summit 2019.
Transform is a $500 million fund to provide seed money for start-ups and SMEs to develop their ideas and facilitate the commercialization of technology among the IsDB’s member countries. Launched in April, 2018 it represents IsDB’s commitment to support science, technology and innovation in the member countries.