A SESRIC delegation, led by H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK participated in the 2024 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings under the theme “Cherishing our Past and Charting our Future” and the Golden Jubilee celebration of the IsDB Group’s 50^th Anniversary in Riyadh.

SESRIC’s participation underscored the enduring partnership among the two institutions, characterized by collaboration and a shared vision for sustainable development in the Islamic world. As long-term strong partners, SESRIC and IsDB collaborate in numerous initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing statistical capacities, promoting economic growth, and fostering social development across the OIC Member Countries. The organisation of annual sessions of OIC-StatCom, the implementation of Reverse Linkage Programme projects, and the publication of joint research reports on regional integration are among other topics jointly conducted by SESRIC and IsDB for the benefit of OIC Member Countries.

The 2024 Annual Meetings featured more than 27 significant side events, ranging from seminars to knowledge sessions covering among others poverty alleviation, Islamic finance, South-South Cooperation, with participation from a diverse group of thought leaders, experts, and researchers. The meetings also saw the signing of 85 financing agreements between IsDB institutions, 38 OIC Member Countries, and 22 international financial institutions, totalling over $8 billion. These agreements spanned a wide range of operations and projects across various sectors.

The IsDB was established pursuant to the Declaration of Intent signed by the finance ministers of 22 IsDB founding member countries at the Islamic Conference of Finance Ministers held in Jeddah in December 1973. The IsDB Group Annual Meetings serves as a platform for the Board of Governors and General Assemblies, the apex decision-making bodies of the IsDB Group. It convenes delegations from member countries alongside observers from international and regional organisations. It also acts a a forum for discussions on pivotal development issues and institutional matters, fostering collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of shared goals.