of IsDB’s 50th anniversary this year was a landmark moment to
celebrate the Group’s considerable achievements and chart its
future, reaffirming its commitment to driving sustainable
development in line with the development national priorities of
member countries and the Sustainable Development Goals, Chairman of
the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al
Jasser said in an exclusive interview with Trend.
“Since inception in 1975, the IsDB has approved over $193.6
billion across 12,078 operations . This remarkable contribution has
been about improving lives and creating broad-based impact in our
member countries and bringing about lasting and positive change for
communities. Our vision focuses on resilience, innovation, and
inclusivity. We are intensifying efforts to strengthen food
security, drive green growth and foster socio-economic
development.
For instance, our Food Security Response Program , with a total
allocation of $10.54 billion, continues to address urgent
challenges while building long-term resilience. We are also
committed to advancing human capital development. Last year alone,
we approved $420.59 million for education and $1.4 billion for
healthcare initiatives, including transformational programs in
countries like Indonesia and Tajikistan. In addition to US$213.6
million for poverty reduction projects and regional integration. We
furthermore achieved 37% climate finance share of total
commitments, exceeding the 35% target for 2025 Technology and
innovation are also central to our strategy,” said the IsDB Group
chairman.
He noted that through initiatives like the Technology Deployment
Cooperation Program and partnerships with global tech leaders, IsDB
is bridging digital divides and fostering inclusion.
“In May 2024, the IsDB Board of Governors marked this year’s
50th anniversary of the Islamic Development Bank by adopting the
Riyadh Declaration. This historic declaration celebrates the IsDB’s
legacy, reaffirms its ethos, and clarifies its vision for the
future. It lays out IsDB’s vision towards promoting economic
cooperation, investment, and intertrade, and to mobilizing and
channeling funds and other resources flowing from within and beyond
the member countries in order to drive economic and social
development, build capacities, and respond to challenges and
emergency crises locally and globally, while embracing innovative
tools, approaches and technologies.
It is aiming at strategically positioning the IsDB Group within
the South-South cooperation arena by consolidating its role in
promoting regional integration, intra-regional investments,
intertrade, and exchange of developmental expertise and experience;
developing regulatory and institutional environments; building
capacities; and mobilizing the necessary partnerships.
We remain steadfast in our mission to serve our members
countries and humankind. By prioritizing sustainable
infrastructure, inclusive human development, and climate action, we
aim to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of
communities around the world and maximizing the impact,” Al Jasser
concluded.
Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn