We, the Heads of State and Government/Representatives of People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Republic of Turkey met virtually on the occasion of the Tenth Summit of the Developing Eight Countries (D-8) on 8th April, 2021 under the theme “Partnership for a Transformative World: Harnessing the Power of Youth and Technology”;

Reiterating our commitments made in Istanbul, Dhaka, Cairo, Tehran, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Abuja and Islamabad to peace, democracy, progress, dialogue, solidarity, partnership as well as tolerance and moderation as the core values and foundation for achieving economic prosperity and well-being of our peoples;

Reaffirming our strong faith in multilateralism, in particular the United Nations system, and committing to active participation, effective coordination and cooperation with all relevant regional and international organizations in order to maximize the realization of our common interests and underscoring the potential and benefit of South-South cooperation that contribute to the development of the D-8 Member States;

Emphasizing the importance of deepening our cooperation in the fight against the impacts of COVID-19 on various sectors of the Member States, in regards to the need to maintain continuous support towards the commendable work of the D-8 Health and Social Protection Programme;

Desiring to pursue the objective of sustainable socio-economic development and recognizing the importance of mutual cooperation in six priority areas of cooperation: Trade, Agriculture and Food Security, Industrial cooperation and SMEs, Energy and Minerals, Transportation and Tourism;
Seeking to explore possibilities to enhance cooperation on investment, banking, and financial institutions, infrastructural development, human resources development, health and social protection, science and technology, microfinance, migrant workers and remittances, small and medium enterprises, ICT and other issues;

Commending the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for proposing/identifying the theme of the Summit by realizing the need for harnessing the potential of the D-8 youth and utilizing their human capital as well as augmenting their capacities through the implementation of Fourth Industrial Revolution by adopting emerging technologies;

Recognizing the role of creative economy in promoting cultural heritages and diversity as well as achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2030 as mentioned in United Nations Resolution No. A/RES/74/198 on International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development 2021;

Reaffirms that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, expresses profound alarm that the emissions of greenhouse gases continue to rise globally, remains deeply concerned that all countries, particularly developing countries, are vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and are already experiencing an increase in such impacts, further threatening food security, water availability and livelihoods, and efforts to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions and achieve sustainable development. Countries recognize the substantial risks posed by climate change to health and emphasize in this regard that mitigation of and adaptation to climate change represent an immediate and urgent global priority, and express commitment to combined efforts in achieving effective adaptation to climate change through building climate resilience as enunciated by H.E. Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the current chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) in order to reduce the vulnerability of the people of the developing countries;

Recognizing that while governments are playing their pivotal role as catalysts and enablers of economic growth, proactive private-sector participation remains the engine that will put in motion the facilitation and assurance of D-8 cooperation through enhanced trade and commercial activities;

Affirming the importance of enhanced and deepened cross-sectoral cooperation for a more intensive private sector engagement in all activities in order to realize the intra-D-8 trade aspirations;

Desiring to pursue the objective of sustainable socio-economic development in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and recognizing the importance of mutual cooperation in trade, industry, Intellectual Property Rights, agriculture and food security, forestry, transportation, tourism, health and social protection, climate change and environmental sustainability;

Noting the benefits of tapping into the immense potential of the ‘Blue Economy’, which could further broaden and diversify the trade basket not only for intra-D-8 but internationally as well, thus fueling the growth of the economic pie and boosting prosperity across the Member States whilst safeguarding the ocean’s health through the sustainable development of its resources;

Underscoring the need for further strengthening the coordination and engagement among the Member States by taking into consideration the global developments and their impacts on national economies;

Expressing our resolution to fight against all threats to economic development as well as peace and prosperity of the Member States, including terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, sectarianism and extremism, amongst others;

Reaffirming our will to combat racism, discrimination, xenophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments in all its forms;

Emphasizing the need to employ the harmony among the D-8 Member States to further expand their affiliation and widen the scope of cooperation into new sectoral tracks and fields and towards that end;

We hereby,
1. Commend the Republic of Turkey for competently handling the chairmanship of the Organization since the Ninth Summit held on 20th October, 2017. We appreciate the commendable works done during the period on several project proposals and initiatives. These include the establishment of the D-8 International University, activation of the D-8 Chambers of Commerce and Industry and adoption of its statute, establishment of the D-8 Research Center for Agriculture and Food Security, initiation of the D-8 Heath and Social Protection Programme and establishment of the programme office in Abuja, establishment of the D-8 Project Support Fund, establishment of the D-8 Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D-8 NPRI), introduction of the D-8 Designated Airports, articulation of the D-8 Guiding Principles for Investment and Reforms, initiation of the D-8 Barter Trading System and establishment of the D-8 Creative Economy and Financial Center.

2. Welcome the fruitful collaboration with many national and international organizations such as the United Nations, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Technology Bank for LDCs, Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations of Malaysia (IDFR), Diplomacy Academy of Turkey and Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) with a view to getting support necessary for the realization of initiatives and projects and also formulating D-8 Designated programmes for advancing the D-8 agenda.

3. Welcome the establishment of the D-8 International University in Hamadan, Iran, and appreciate the support given by the Member States in the entire process. We also commend the support of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the University. The host country has provided state-of-the-art facilities as well as faculty and administrative staff for the take-off of the University. We assure full support for the promotion of the D-8 International University and call on the Ministries of Education and relevant authorities and institutions of the Member States to provide human and material resources for the effective and successful operation of academic affairs of the University, as appropriate.

4. Welcome the establishment of the D-8 Research Center for Agriculture and Food Security located in Faisalabad, Islamic Republic of Pakistan. We appreciate and acknowledge the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for providing excellent facilities and infrastructure for joint research on this very important sectoral track of cooperation of the Member States. We call on the Ministries of Member States responsible for Agriculture and Food Security and other relevant authorities and institutions to embark on joint research and workshops by utilizing the facilities and developing policies that promote partnerships and collective benefits and trade opportunities as well as ensure food security for our citizens.

5. Applaud the successful hosting of the inaugural Meeting of the D-8 Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (NPRI) by Pakistan and adoption of the Islamabad Joint Declaration of the D-8 NPRI for future course of action. We also appreciate the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad’s generous offer of awarding scholarships to the students from the D-8 Member States. We assure full support for the promotion of the D-8 NPRI and its activities.

6. Support the establishment of the D-8 project Support Fund for pre- feasibility studies of projects proposals. We encourage the Member States and relevant authorities, agencies as well as private institutions to come up with concrete and viable project proposals for the collective benefits of the Member States.

7. Acclaim the adoption of the D-8 Guiding Principles for Investment and Policymaking jointly developed by the D-8 Organization and the UNCTAD. This agreed document would ensure the role of investment as a driver of equitable and inclusive socio-economic growth. For the realization of our common goals such as the diversification and creation of new opportunities in international trade, enhancing our participation in international decision making, providing better standards of living for our citizens and the other developmental aspirations, we call for policies – at the national and international levels – that will effectively attract investment and help harness it for sustainable socio-economic development.

8. Commend the adoption of the D-8 Comprehensive Strategy for Tourism Cooperation and the Crescent Moon Initiative, which have been adopted during the 2nd D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Tourism in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 20 November 2019, that are designed to promote tourism activities among the Member States. We also call on the Ministries responsible for tourism and relevant authorities and institutions of the Member States to ensure the full and effective implementation of the adopted documents in their true spirit and also to conduct Senior Officials and Ministerial meetings on tourism cooperation at regular intervals for review of the work and implementation of the goals and targets as well as timelines agreed upon.

9. Commend the adoption of the statute of the D-8 Chamber of Commerce and Industry as we firmly believe that the private sector of the Member States is the backbone of their economies and will help to promote business across national borders and increase the density of intra D-8 trade. We applaud the successful initiatives of D-8 CCI, including preparation of the report on “How to Facilitate B2B Interaction within the D-8 Framework”, the Business Forum of 2018 and the Joint Declaration of D-8 CCI at the 18th Session of the D-8 Council of Ministers on 3 November 2018. We also support the idea of the establishment of D-8 CCI digital platform for the promotion of trade and business among the D-8 Member States and the rest of the world.

10. Express the need to work closely towards adopting and promoting the emerging technologies, science and technology policy, technology values and technology transfer management among Member States by using the existing platform of the D-8 Technology Transfer and Exchange Network (D-8 TTEN) and the D-8 Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D-8 NPRI).

11. Applaud the establishment of and support the D-8 Health and Social Protection Programme (D-8 HSP) and the follow-up actions that have been made since its establishment. We commend the support that the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has provided to the programme through initial financial contribution and reaffirm the importance of the strong commitment from Member States in providing material and human resources for effective program implementation.

12. Reaffirm our commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and recognize that the D-8 HSP programme will accelerate the attainment of SDG goals 1, 2 and 3. We also recognize that eradicating poverty, attainment of zero hunger and ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all are the greatest global challenges and requirements for attaining sustainable development.

13. Welcome the proposal of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for the formation of the D-8 Working Group in order to tackle the economic adversities of the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying ongoing challenges in areas of trade and investment and coming up with proposals on addressing these challenges and charting out recommendations to address these challenges during and post pandemic scenario and decide to establish the Working Group, the first meeting of which will take place in Bangladesh.

14. Call upon the Member States to cooperate in negotiations with the international pharmaceutical companies manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines, which will give advantage in quantities and prices for all the D-8 Member States. As well as calling upon the Member States to consider the conduct of a feasibility study for establishing a Pandemic Diseases Fund in order to fight chronic diseases like COVID-19 and direct all the Health Ministries and public/private institutions to join hands together to make the best use of the existing well-equipped laboratories and research centers for pandemic diseases in line with the Declaration of the on-line Summit Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group in Response to COVID-19, under the Theme of “United Against COVID-19 Pandemic”, and with the United Nations General Assembly Resolutions regarding COVID-19, as applicable.

15. Applaud the prominent role of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia as Co-Chair of the COVAX AMC EG to ensure safe and equitable access to vaccine for all. As no single economy can fully recover until we have global equitable access, ensuring equal global COVID-19 vaccination will contribute significantly to accelerate the global economic recovery.

16. Applaud the prominent role of the Government of Pakistan in strongly advocating priority redressal of the peculiar challenges faced by developing countries due to COVID-19 pandemic and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call for a “Global Initiative on Debt Relief” for developing countries.

17. Welcome the adoption of the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030 and stress the importance of effective implementation of the document. We also urge all the stakeholders to play their role in the full implementation of the adopted Roadmap.

18. Applaud the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for successfully organizing the D-8 Business Forum.

19. Commend and support the idea of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to engage the youth and ensure their participation in the new reality of 4IR through hosting the first ever D-8 Youth Summit. If nurtured properly, the demographic asset of more than 50 per cent of the D-8 populace under 24 years of age could become the fulcrum that boosts up economic growth of the Member States.

20. Encourage Member States to explore the potentialities of a D-8 Clearing House. Once agreed, Member States might further take up the matter with their respective Central Banks and/or other relevant authorities/agencies of the Member States to formulate the modus operandi and make necessary arrangement for the implementation of the system in conformity with national and international financial arrangements/commitments.

21. Encourage the Members States to assess the feasibility of the proposed D-8 Payment Card System project, including on the requirements for the implementation of the system in conformity with national and international financial arrangements/commitments”.

22. Invite Member States to evaluate the possibility of establishing D-8 Special Economic Zones in consultation with their respective Ministries/Agencies. We also call for D-8 Secretariat to convene a meeting to discuss the policy framework and regulations in establishing the D-8 Special Economic Zones.

23. Encourage Member States to explore the possibilities of developing and enhancing transport connectivity among D-8 Member States with the objective to facilitate the intra-D-8 trade.

24. Encourage Member States to ratify and operationalize the Preferential Trade, the Visa and the Customs Agreements as soon as possible in order to promote and ensure substantial cooperation among the Member States in this vital sectoral track of cooperation.

25. Acknowledge the need for continuous and effective collaboration and discussions among Member States as a prerequisite for productive outcome and underscore the need for timely holding of technical and policy making level meetings and direct the concerned officials to honor the commitment and timelines and follow the calendar of events so that important meetings and events take place regularly.

26. Agree to reinvigorate the D-8 Working Groups by enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness and encourage active participation of our relevant Ministries/Agencies in the sectorial meetings and to this end, direct the Council of Ministers to adopt the appropriate modalities.

27. Applaud the efforts of individual Member States in organizing and successfully hosting D-8 meetings at different levels and encourage Member States to hold more productive and result oriented meetings and events in order to further our development agenda.

28. Commend Malaysia for its ratification of the D-8 Charter on 26 September 2019.

29. Applaud and praise the generosity and humanitarian leadership role played by different D-8 Member States in accommodating displaced citizens of their neighboring countries, providing them with all means of support despite pre-existing and emergent economic challenges they are facing amidst this global pandemic of COVID-19. They also support the moral cause of their safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified return to their own countries.

30. Call upon countries to refrain from extra-territorial jurisdiction and reject unilateral economic sanctions and economic or political pressure as tools that are applied in violation of the United Nations Charter and the international law and express support to the D-8 Member States affected by such measures.

31. Stress the need for a strong and efficient Secretariat as a pre-requisite for achieving the goals and objectives of the Organization and direct the Council of Ministers to consider and adopt mechanism for the strengthening of the Secretariat.

32. Support, in principle, the idea of expanding the membership of the D-8 Organization based on Articles 3 .and 4 of the D-8 Charter. We task the Commission to continue to work on the criteria and modalities for implementation of relevant provisions of the Charter on granting observer status and accession of new members.

33. Take note of the progress made in the image building and visibility drive of the Organization. We support and encourage the efforts of the Secretariat to utilize all medium of communications, including social and print media as well as participation of its officials in important international meetings, conferences, and events in order to enhance the visibility and image of the Organization.

34. Acknowledge the commendable work done by the D-8 Secretariat and appreciate the efforts made by H.E. Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, the D-8 Secretary-General in the last three years.

35. Welcome the nomination by the Federal Republic of Nigeria of Ambassador Isiaka Abdulkadir Imam as the next Secretary-General of the D-8 organization.

36. Express deep appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Honourable President of the Republic of Turkey for his leadership, commitment and devoted efforts in promoting the D-8 objectives during his Chairmanship of the Organization.

37. Express profound appreciation to Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, Hon’ble Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Government and People of Bangladesh for successfully hosting the 10th Summit and for their warm reception and wish Her Excellency the Prime Minister every success during her Chairmanship of the Organization.

38. Welcome with appreciation the gracious offer of the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt to host the 11th D-8 Summit. The date of the 11th Summit is to be discussed later.

Dhaka, 8th April 2021