D-8, also known as Developing-8, is an organization for development cooperation among the following countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
The establishment of D-8 was announced officially through the Istanbul Declaration of Summit of Heads of State/Government on June 15, 1997.
The objectives of D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation are to improve member states’ position in the global economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and improve standards of living.
D-8 is a global arrangement rather than a regional one, as the composition of its members reflects. Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) is a forum with no adverse impact on bilateral and multi-lateral commitments of the member countries, emanating from their membership to other international or regional organizations.
Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari from Malaysia is currently the Secretary General of the D-8 Organization with its Secretariat based in Istanbul-Turkey.
Idea Behind D-8 Establishment
The idea of cooperation among major Muslim developing countries was mooted by Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan, the then Prime Minister of Turkey, during a Seminar on “Cooperation in Development” which was held in Istanbul in October 1996. The group envisioned cooperation among countries stretching from South East Asia to Africa. Representatives from Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria and Pakistan attended the Seminar. This conference was the first step towards the establishment of D-8 and it was only after a series of preparatory meetings that D-8 was set up officially and began its activities with the Istanbul Declaration issued at the end of the summit of Heads of State and Government held in Istanbul on June 15, 1997.
According to the first Summit Declaration (Istanbul, 1997), the main objective of D-8 is declared to be socio-economic development in accordance with following principles:
- Peace instead of conflict.
- Dialogue instead of confrontation.
- Cooperation instead of exploitation.
- Justice instead of double-standard.
- Equality instead of discrimination.
- Democracy instead of oppression.
Thus D-8 objectives are to improve developing countries’ positions in the world economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at the international level, and provide better standard of living.
By the same token, D-8 is a forum with no adverse impact on bilateral and multi-lateral commitments of the member countries, emanating from their membership to other regional or international organizations.
The following three phrases are quotations from the D-8 fifth Summit Declaration (Bali, 2006) which illustrates some application of the principle objectives:
- We commit ourselves to work together to solve the problem of economic disparities within our countries.
- We reaffirm our commitment to enhance cooperation in the field of energy to develop alternative and renewable energy resources.
- We emphasize the importance of D-8 in contributing to the economic development of its member countries and ensure that it promotes global trade.
Principle Organs
The principal organs of D-8 are:
- The Summit
- The Council
- The Commission
The Summit, which is the supreme organ of D-8, is composed of the Heads of State/Government of member states. It is convened once every two years.
The Council is composed of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of member states. It is the political decision-making organ of D-8, and acts as a forum for thorough and comprehensive consideration of the issues at hand.
The Commission is the executive body of D-8. It is composed of senior officials appointed by their respective governments. Each Commissioner is responsible for the national coordination in his/her respective country.
D-8 Secretariat
The composition of the Directing Staffs of the Secretariat is as follows:
- Secretary General (Malaysia)
- Director I (Administrative, Legal and Internal Issues)(Nigeria)
- Director II (Economy,Implementation and External Relations)(Egypt)
H.E. Mr. Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir
Director General (International Organizations)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Bangladesh
Mr. Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir, Director-General of International Organizations, has served in different capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. Among the key positions, he served as Director General, Europe; Director, IO & Europe. He also served in Bangladesh Missions in Muscat, Permanent Mission in New York in different capacities.
Mr. Khastagir holds a Masters in Marine Management (Marine Law and Policy) from Dalhousie University, Canada and Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.
Ambassador Omar Aboueich
Assistant Foreign Minister for International and Regional Multilateral Economic Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Egypt
Mr. Omar Aboueich is currently Assistant Foreign Minister for International and Regional Multilateral Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Arab Republic of Egypt. He has served in different capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt. Among the key positions, he was the Ambassador of Arab Republic of Egypt to Algeria; Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for International Cooperation for Development, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Arab Republic of Egypt in Moscow; Director of Environment and Sustainable Development Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt. He also served as the Consular Mission of Arab Republic of Egypt in Paris.
Mr. Omar holds a Masters in European Affairs from Paris VIII University, Paris and Bachelor in Political Sciences from Cairo University.
H.E. Mr. Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard
Director General for Multilateral Cooperation Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Indonesia
Mr. Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard was born in Semarang, Indonesia in 1964. Joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1990, he is currently the Director General for Multilateral Cooperation. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic Indonesia in Vienna. He also served in Indonesian Missions in New York, Canberra, and Riyadh. In the capital, he held various notable positions such as Director for Middle East Affairs and Director for International Security and Disarmament Affairs. Mr. Febrian holds a Master of International Relations from the University of Birmingham, UK and Bachelor in International Relations from the University of Padjadjaran, Bandung.
Ambassador Majid Bizmark
Director General of the Multilateral Economic Cooperation
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Iran
Born in 1955 in Tehran, Iran, received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Mr. Bizmark had served in a number of Intergovernmental positions in Iran and enjoys experience in multilateral cooperation. He served as Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Bangkok, Thailand; Director of the Foreign Missions Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Ghana; Deputy Cheif of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sierra Leone; Director for Specialized Agencies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Director of ECO Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Deputy head of Mission, Turkey; Director fo the Economic Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Norman Muhamad
Undersecretary for OIC and Regional Cooperation Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Malaysia
Mr. Norman Muhamad, Undersecretary for OIC and Regional Cooperation Division, has served in different capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia. Among the key positions, He served as Undersecretary for International Cooperation and Development Division (ICADD); Director for Center for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy (PSED), Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR); Ambassador of Malaysia to Turkmenistan; Deputy Director General, ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Division at ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat. He also served as Consul General, Consulate General of Malaysia in Los Angeles, USA.
Mr. Norman Muhamad holds a B.A (Hons) from Bishops University, Canada.
Ambassador Mustapha Lawal Sulaiman
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nigeria
Mr. Mustapha Lawal Sulaiman was born in Kano, Nigeria in 1962. He is currently the Parmanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He previously served as the Parmanent Secretary, Career Management Office and was Director Administration in State House, Abuja, amongst others. He is a fellow of the Institute of Public Administration and an Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (ACIPM). Mr.Sulaiman holds a Masters in Industrial and Labour Relations from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, M.Sc Sociology from University of Jos, Nigeria and B.Sc in Sociology from Bayero University Kano, Nigeria.
H.E. Mr. Tariq Karim
Director General for Economic Coordination and Organization for Islamic Cooperation(EC & OIC)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Pakistan
Mr. Tariq Karim, Director-General for Economic Coordination and Organization for Islamic Cooperation, has served in different capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. He served as Political Counselor, Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, India. He was the Deputy Head of Mission/Counselor at the Embassy of Pakistan, The Hague, and Deputy Permanent Representative to the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapon. He also served in Embassy of Pakistan in Dushanbe and Moscow in different capacities. Mr. Tariq Karim holds a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Environmental Sciences and M.Sc. in Bio Sciences from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. He also holds an M.A in History from University of Punjab and a One-year Postgraduate Foreign Service Programme in Diplomatic Studies from University of Oxford, UK, with distinctions.
Ambassador Faruk Kaymakci
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Turkey
Mr. Faruk Kaymakci is currently Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs has served in different capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. Among the key positions, he served as the Ambassador of Turkey to Iraq, the Permanent Representative of Turkey to the European Union, the Chief Foreign Policy Advisor to Turkey’s EU Ministers and Chief Negotiator and Director for EU Communication at the EU Ministry. He also served at the Turkish Embassy in Tripoli, NATO Senior Civilian Representative’s Office in Kabul and Turkish Permanent Delegation to the EU in Brussels.
He graduated from the Economics Department of the Faculty of Political Science of Ankara University, hold two Master’s Degrees from the London School of Economics and College of Europe (Brugge) in the field of economics and politics of the European Union respectively.
Executive Director (1997-2006)
Ambassador Ayhan Kamel
Turkey
Born in 1933, he graduated from the Faculty of Political Sciences, Ankara University, in 1954 and also subsequently another degree from the Faculty of Law from the sameUniversity. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1960 and held a number of positions at the Ministry, and served as the Turkish Ambassador to Islamabad, The Hague, Vienna, and Moscow between 1980 and 1994. Soon after the establishment of the D-8, he was appointed as the Executive Director, a position which he held until the establishment of the Secretariat in 2006. Ambassador Kamel has written a number of scholarly papers on Russia and Turkish- Russian relations and made presentations in seminars on the same subjects. He has also written the following four books in morerecent years: Moscow Memoires, the Genuine Friend: Pakistan, Turkey under the Pincer of Foreign Policy and the Fiasco of Latest Overtures in Foreign Policy.
Secretary-General (2007-2010)
Dr. Dipo Alam
Indonesia
Born in 1949, he received a Bachelor’s degree in School of Engineering and Applied Sciences from the University of Indonesia in 1977, a Master’s degree in Engineering Administration from the George Washington University in 1984 and a PhD in Management in 1989. Before being appointed as D-8 Secretary-General in February 2007, Mr. Alam had served for more than 15 years in a number of official positions in the Government of Indonesia – including Deputy Minister, Coordinating Ministry for the National Economy. He has also participated as a member of the Indonesian delegation to the United Nations General Assembly and accompanied the UN Secretay-General Kofi Annan during his Aceh visit in January 2005 after the Tsunami tragedy. Mr. Alam has served as the Cabinet Secretary Minister of the Government of Indonesia since January 2010.
Secretary-General (2010-2012)
Prof. Widi Agoes Pratikto
Indonesia
Born in 1953, received his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Surabaya Institute of Technology (Indonesia), Master’s degree in Ocean Engineering from The George Washington University, and PhD in Coastal and Ocean Engineering from the North Carolina State University. Prof. Pratikto had served in a number of academic and governmental positions in Indonesia and enjoys experience in multilateral cooperation within ASEAN and Asian Development Bank, including serving as the Chairperson of APFIC (Asia – Pacific Fishery Commission). He served as Secretary-General of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries before joining the D-8. He has published a number of books and research papers in the field of marine and fisheries.
Secretary-General (2013-2017)
Dr. Seyed AliMohammad Mousavi
Iran
Dr. Mousavi is a senior Diplomat of Iran having extensive diplomatic career in different capacities at home and abroad. He worked as Director-General for International Economic Cooperation in Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran. He possesses substantial experience in multilateral cooperation and has pursued intergovernmental responsibilities in international fora. He was the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) from 2010 to 2012 and the D-8 Commissioner of Islamic Republic of Iran in 2012. A PhD in Strategic Management from the National Supreme Defense University, Tehran, Dr. Mousavi has several publications and a number of essays (in Persian) in the fields of Energy, Political Economy, Strategic Management, Global Economy, Human Rights and Socio-economic affairs. His interests include, among others, multilateral economic development, strategic management, global political economy etc.
Director I
Administrative, Legal and Internal Issues
Mr. Nasir Aminu, joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in 1997. He served in different capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria. Among key positions, he was the Minister/Head of Chancery at the Embassy of Nigeria in Seoul, Republic of Korea; Assistant Director International Affairs/Protocol in the office of the Vice President, State House, Abuja; and Minister Counsellor/Head of Chancery and Charge D’affaires ad Interim at the Embassy of Nigeria in Amman, Jordan. He was also Head of Foreign Desk in the News and Current Affairs Department of the Africa Independent Television in Lagos before joining the Foreign Service.
Mr. Aminu holds a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from Bayero University, Kano, a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Jos and a B. Sc. Degree in Political Science from Bayero University, Kano.
Mr. Aminu has several publications to his credit and has written a number of articles in the fields of foreign policy, regional economic integration and development as well as trade and investment.
Director II
Economy, Implementation and External Relations
A career diplomat, Ms. Rasha Hamdy Ahmed Hussein joined the Foreign Service of Egypt in 2001. She has served in different capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt particularly in the international Affairs. She served at the Embassy of Egypt in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt Mission in Rome, Italy and more recently as t
he Director of the West/Central Asia Desk in the Asian Department in the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prior to her work as a diplomat, Ms. Rasha served as a reporter for Japanese Newspaper (Asahi Shimbun) and media coordinator and public relations in Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Ms. Rasha holds Master in International and European Security from University of Geneva and LLM in International Law and International Organizations from University of Westminster and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Linguistics from Ain Shames University.
UN
At the 68th Meeting of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly, all the Member States of the United Nations adopted the text of the resolution on Observer status for the Developing Eight Countries Organization for Economic Cooperation in the General Assembly.
Observer status in the General Assembly will enable the Developing Eight Countries Organization for Economic Cooperation strengthen its public visibility, benefit from worldwide experience, including the opportunity to enhance its capacity-building process, and share a platform with international community. As a young and promising intergovernmental organization, it looks forward to the opportunity to work closely with the United Nations. Such closer relations will enable it to make great strides in its march forward and to play its due role at the regional and international levels, particularly with regard to the peoples of its member States.
Website Link: “http://www.un.org/”
UNIDO
The Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) signed a Joint Declaration on 02 April 2015 in Vienna. Dr. Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, Secretary-General of D-8 and Mr. LI Yong, Director-General of UNIDO signed the joint Declaration on behalf of their respective institutions.
The Joint Declaration aims at mutual collaborative partnership in areas such as, trade capacity-building, capacity-building for development of small and medium-sized enterprises and the promotion of entrepreneurship, ceramic and glass, cement, machinery, automotive, food industry, iron and steel, textile and garment and petrochemical, rural renewable energy and industrial energy efficiency, climate change and cleaner production, investments and technology promotion etc. The UNIDO having institutional capacity for inclusive and sustainable industrial development linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) will assist in capacity building within the D-8 Organization.
OIC
In order to facilitate joint cooperation and bilateral exchanges between the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 7 October 2010.
The MoU seeks to encourage the development of joint programmes and projects in all sectors through utilization of the human and material resources of both organizations. They are also poised to exchange experiences and expertise to ensure the speedy implementation of their various economic development programmes.
It should be mentioned that all the eight member-states of the D8 belong to the 57 member states of the OIC and represent about two-thirds of OIC population. The two organizations share common economic objectives and are desirous of collaborating in such areas as agriculture and food security, trade, energy and micro-finance. It is envisaged that collaboration between the two organizations would promote synergies and optimization of resources, while avoiding duplication and over-lapping.
Website Link: “http://www.oic-oci.org”
IDB
D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Islamic Development Bank (IDB) have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the occasion of the 9th D-8 Summit in Istanbul, Turkey on 20 October 2017. Dr. Seyed AliMohammad Mousavi, D-8 Secretary-General and Dr. Mansur Muhtar, Vice President of Sector Operations of the IDB signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.
The purpose of this Memorandum is to provide a general framework for and to facilitate cooperation between the D-8 and the IDB in promoting the economic and social development of the States of Common Membership.
The MoU envisages, inter alia, cooperation in areas of implementation of Joint Projects, provision of technical assistance for projects identified by both Parties, with particular focus on transportation, trade, investment and Islamic finance, energy, industry & SME, agriculture & food security, tourism, science and education, and establishment of data banks, allocation of scholarships from IDB Scholarship Program, exchange of knowledge and information and visits by the personnel of both Parties to discuss matters of common interest and exchange of documents and publications on economic and commercial issues.
AARDO
D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation and the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 6 December 2013, at Abuja-Nigeria. The agreement was signed by Secretary-General of D-8 Dr. Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi and Secretary-General of AARDO Eng. Wassfi Hassan EL-Sreihin.
Considering the mutual interest in the field of agriculture and rural development, both Organizations have agreed to cooperate and collaborate with each other with a view to achieving their common objectives, in particular with regard to the promotion of agricultural and rural development. Since both have several common Member Countries, it will be an added advantage strengthening cooperation and initiating collaboration between two Organizations for the benefit of their Member Countries. Moreover, two Organizations have common interest in promoting food security and sustained economic growth through cooperation and collaboration. Both figures agreed to implement joint studies and cooperate in the implementation of specific programs or projects in the field agriculture and rural development.
ECO
D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 6 October 2011, in Istanbul. The agreement was signed by Secretary-General of D-8 Dr. Widi A. Pratikto and Secretary-General of ECO M. Yahya Maroofi.
According to the MoU, the two organizations wish to strengthen their cooperation in the Trade, Transport, Energy, Agriculture, Food Security, Industrial Cooperation and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development. These are crucial sectors to further promote cooperation and contribute to economic development and social progress in the two organization’s respective member countries, many of which constitute an important crossroad for corridors connecting Europe, Africa and Asia.
The two Secretary-Generals also have highlighted the need to exchange of information, knowledge, best practices and experiences. The MOU represents a desire by all parties for a cooperative relationship to strengthen each other’s cooperations. The MoU shall enter into force upon its signature. To ensure efficient and timely carrying out of planned activities, the two organizations will conduct joint mid-term reviews of the implementation of the MoU and consider further cooperation activities.
BSEC
D-8 and Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 18 June 2015 in Chisinau, Moldova to set institutional framework for development cooperation. Dr. Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, Secretary-General of D-8 and Dr. Victor Tvircun, BSEC Secretary-General, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.
The MoU aims to promote joint efforts in the area of trade development, provides general framework for development cooperation through carrying out cooperation for the transfer of knowledge and experience gained by the Development Institutions in the area of trade, agriculture, industry, tourism, energy, transportation etc.
ISC
D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation and the Islamic World Science Citation Center (ISC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 4 July 2013, at ISC center in Shiraz-Iran. The agreement was renewed by Secretary-General of D-8 Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari and President of Islamic World Science Citation Center Dr. Mohammad Javad Dehghani on 01 August, 2018 at the Secretariat in Istanbul, Turkey.
According to the MoU, the two parties agree to work closely to promote cooperation among D-8 countries in the field of Scientometric, technology, and innovation.
Moreover, both parties agree to cooperate in providing favorable grounds to develop the growth of science in the D-8 countries, among others through ensuring fruitful cooperation among scientists in the member countries and producing effective policies in the field of science and technology in D-8 countries, including through cooperation with the D-8 International University.
IYF
The D-8 and the International Youth Foundation (IYF) have signed a MoU in Baltimore, USA, on 3th December, 2008. According to the MoU both organizations will work to develop a framework for sustained collaboration between D-8 and IYF to include set of programs, such as a variety of IYF youth education and employability programs, currently being implemented, designed, or proposed, could potentially benefit from D-8′ s participation. As opportunities for possible collaboration arise through these various avenues, the organizations will confer with one another about possible partnership possibilities.
WMU
A Letter of Intent (LoI) on establishing cooperation between D-8 and the World Maritime University (WMU) was signed in the Headquarters of the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden, in July, 2012. The LoI intends to establish cooperative and friendly relations between the two institutions. Given the areas of technical expertise and experience of WMU, D-8 hopes that active persual of the Letter of Intent and implementation of the measures envisioned in it could assist the D-8 Member Countries in the maritime field, especially through the activities of the D-8 Working Group on Shipping. Exchange of experiences and expertise, provision of technical advice, capacity-building, and utilization of the human and material resources of both organizations have been particularly highlighted in the Letter of Intent.
TIKA
D-8 and Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 July 2014 at the TIKA Headquarters in Ankara to set the institutional framework for development cooperation. Dr. Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, Secretary-General of D-8 and Dr. Serdar Çam, President of TIKA signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions.
The MoU provides general framework for development cooperation through financing of projects and programs. Secretary-General Mousavi and President Çam expressed satisfaction that the MoU would consolidate the partnership between the D-8 and the TIKA.The MoU envisages, among others, cooperation in capacity building, technical assistance and project implementation. Both the Organizations will identify areas of mutual cooperation and explore possibilities of partnership in those identified areas.
ARDSI
D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Turkey’s Agriculture and Rural Development Support Institution (ARDSI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 18 March 2015 at the ARDSI Headquarters in Ankara to set the institutional framework for rural development cooperation. Dr. Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, Secretary-General of D-8 and Mr. Ali Recep Nazlı, President of ARDSI signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions.
The MoU that aims to improve regional knowledge base and promote joint efforts in the area of rural development, provides general framework for rural development cooperation through carrying out cooperation for the transfer of knowledge and experience gained by the Agriculture and Rural Development Support Institution in the area of agriculture and rural development during the process of Turkey’s candidacy for the European Union to the D-8 Member States through the D-8 Secretariat.
UCLG-MEWA
D-8 and United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia (UCLG-MEWA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 13 November 2015 in Malatya, Turkey. Dr. Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, Secretary-General of D-8 and Mr. Mehmet Duman, Secretary-General of UCLG-MEWA signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations on the occasion UCLG-MEWA Executive Bureau and Council meeting.
The purpose of this MoU is to provide a general framework for cooperation between the D-8 and the UCLG-MEWA in promoting economic and social development through local governance. The MoU also envisages, among others, cooperation in capacity building, technical assistance and project implementation. Both the Organizations will identify areas of mutual cooperation and explore possibilities of partnership in those identified areas.
Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan Foundation
D-8 and Erbakan Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 26 June 2016 in Istanbul. Dr. Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, Secretary-General of D-8 and Dr. Fatih Erbakan, President of Erbakan Foundation signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.
The MoU provides to develop a framework for collaboration between D-8 and Erbakan Foundation which including set of programs such as social, cultural, sport, academic cooperation and scientific publications.
ISG
The Secretary-General of D-8, Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jafaar Ku Shaari and the Executive Director of Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (ISG), Dato’ Azmi Murad signed a Letter of Intent on 2nd August, 2018. The signing ceremony was held at the ISG office and it was covered by prominent media outfits of Turkey. ISG is the first D-8 Designated Airport and will be helpful in promoting people to people and business to business contacts as well as tourism and travel facilitation among D-8 Member States with a view to later on establish a D-8 Airports Association that would provide special airport facilities and services for D-8 citizens. Dato Azmi spoke of his intention to invite member states ‘airlines to fly and use Sabiha cokgen airport and to have airlinks between all member states. On his part, the Secretary-General undertakes to promote this idea further and at least get one D-8 Designated Airport in each Member States as a first step towards his vision to form a D-8 Airport association.
INNO BIO
D-8 and INNO BIO VENTURES SDN. BHD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 29 October 2018 in Nilai, Malaysia. Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, Secretary-General of D-8 and Mr. Mohd Zaid Abdul Jalil, CEO of INNO BIO VENTURES SDN. BHD. signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.
The purpose of this MoU is to strengthen, promote, develop and research co-operation in the field of biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals between the parties on the basis of equality and mutual benefits.
Al-Hidayah Group
D-8 and the Al-Hidayah Group (AHG) signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) on 14 December 2018 at the D-8 Secretariat in Istanbul, Turkey. Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, Secretary-General of D-8 and Muhammad Kamil Bin Baharin, the Chief Executive Officer signed the SoI on behalf of their respective organizations.
The main objective of this SoI is to design and formulate the economic mechanism and integrated approach for improving the standard of living, eradication of poverty and development of sustainable programme in the D-8 Member States.
NAN
D-8 and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) signed an institutional cooperation protocol on 14 January 2019. Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, Secretary-General of D-8 and Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Managing Director of NAN signed the protocol on behalf of their respective organizations.
The main objective of this protocol is to establish strategic cooperation between D-8 and NAN in the joint working areas. NAN and D-8 will carry out joint efforts to create capacity and to increase capacity in the fields of media and journalism via their joint programmes for enhancing cooperation and communication among media professionals.
AA
D-8 and Anadolu Agency (AA) signed an institutional cooperation protocol on 14 January 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey. Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, Secretary-General of D-8 and Mr. Mustafa Özkaya, Deputy Director-General of Anadolu Agency signed the protocol on behalf of their respective organizations.
The main objective of this protocol is to establish strategic cooperation between D-8 and AA in the joint working areas. AA and D-8 will carry out joint efforts to create capacity and to increase capacity in the fields of media and journalism via their joint programmes for enhancing cooperation and communication among media professionals. Anadolu Agency becomes global media partner of D-8 and will promote organization’s visibility and image in the world.
D-8 TTEN Services
- Offers and Requests platform
TTEN is targeted at assisting technologists in member countries to show their capabilities to the ones in need of technology. As it was stated, an online web portal has been designed to show offers and requests and collect a comprehensive database. In addition, BizTech events (Business-Technology Meetings) have been also designed in which fulfilment of technology needs in the host country have been aimed.
- Training Workshops
One of the developing tools for technology owners and companies’ directors is to know how to step in the technology world as a receiver or provider, behave as a professional and manage the opportunities and risks. This is not achievable unless once well is trained and clarified and subsequently experienced during the life of company. Considering such a sensitive element, TTEN is trying to bring solutions and provide members with the latest approaches by creating training chances for technologists. The Secretariat would support the participation of member countries in international workshops that are assessed and approved.
- Exhibitions
Technology oriented exhibitions held annually in member countries are marketing instruments for capable companies to demonstrate their technologies and products. That’s why it has been ratified by D-8 member countries to provide special facilities for TTEN partners to take part in confirmed exhibitions such as International Innovation and Technology Exhibition (INOTEX 2017) held annually in Iran.
Also, during the D-8 Senior Officials Meeting for the 5th Ministerial Meeting on Industry in 9-11 May 2016, Cairo, Egypt, within the Technology Task Force, D-8 TTEN Secretariat suggested that a booth exchange can take place in all technology oriented exhibitions and events organized by D-8 countries.
- Financing
Annually, several technology transfer and exchanges of hi-tech products are taking place among member countries. These transactions require commercialization and financing services. One of the main goals of TTEN is to plan to reach at a state that could fulfill needs of technologists within member countries. In this way, providing the countries with financing credit line to eligible related contracts is planned by the secretariat.
