The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization

The 6th Secretary-General of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation | Ambassador Sohail Mahmood

[The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization @D8SecGen]

Deeply honoured by the gracious words of welcome by His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Honourable President of the Republic of Türkiye, at the Iftar event, at the Presidential Complex, Ankara.

@MFATurkiye @TC_Disisleri

[Developing-8 (D-8) @D8org]

🌱 Join us for the High-Level D-8 Ministerial Session on Climate Action during COP31 in Antalya

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation invites you to join us during COP31 in Antalya for a High-Level Ministerial Session on Climate Action, together with a Special Event on Zero Waste and Circular Economy.

📅 17 November 2026
🕥 10:30–12:00
📍 SPE-1 Uzungöl Hall | Antalya, Türkiye

Let’s strengthen cooperation and advance collective action for a more sustainable future!

@csbgovtr @sifiratikvakfi0 @ETSN_ecogovaz @bdmoefcc @MoLDEgypt @KLH_BPLH @IRIMFA_EN @nresmalaysia @FMEnvng @ClimateChangePK

#D8 #ClimateAction #COP31 #Antalya #ZeroWaste

[T.C. Cumhurbaşkanlığı @tcbestepe]

“Ekonomimizin bütün sektörlerinde yeşil dönüşümü esas alıyoruz” https://t.co/XCL9JYXR7T

[The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization @D8SecGen]

Arrived in Antalya to attend the Leaders’ Summit being hosted by Türkiye on 11–12 November as COP31 Presidency.

Visited the national pavilions of D-8 Member States, highlighting their climate initiatives and commitment to sustainable development.

Within the framework of the 🇹🇷 Presidency’s guiding principles of “Dialogue.Consensus. Action”, we reaffirm our commitment to stronger climate cooperation and tangible outcomes.

@csbgovtr @murat_kurum @turkiyecop31

#COP31 #COP31Türkiye #ClimateAction #D8

[Murat KURUM @murat_kurum]

Bugün Antalya’da yalnızca bir zirveye değil, küresel iklim eyleminde yeni bir döneme kapı araladık. ✨

@turkiyecop31

[The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization @D8SecGen]

Pleased to participate, at the invitation of @trtworldforum, in the 10th #TRTWorldForum2026 in Istanbul, inaugurated by the Honourable President @RTErdogan, under the theme “A World Without a Center: Who Leads When the Rules Run Out?” An important platform for exchanging perspectives on global geopolitical, security and economic challenges; evolving international order; regional dynamics impinging on peace and security; and the indispensable role of multilateralism and international cooperation. Appreciated the efforts of @trtworld @zahidsobaci & @burhanduran in fostering wide-ranging, substantive and insightful international dialogue.

On the sidelines, had a productive bilateral meeting with Malaysia's DPM H.E. @DrZahidHamidi. Appreciated Malaysia's valuable contributions to the D-8 and exchanged views on advancing intra-D-8 trade and investment, PTA implementation, financial connectivity, removal of non-tariff barriers, and stronger D8-ASEAN linkages. Welcomed the DPM's proposals on halal economic and trade cooperation and the International Zakat Organisation. Also noted the significance of the forthcoming 12th D-8 Summit in Indonesia and the Organisation's 30th anniversary in 2027 [@MalaysiaMFA].

The Forum also provided the opportunity to briefly interact with 🇹🇷FM @HakanFidan and Industry Minister @mfatihkacir; Nigerian Information Minister @HMMohammedIdris; HRH Prince Turki Al-Faisal (@kfcris_en) & former South African FM Dr. Naledi Pandor, helping to further advance the D-8's international engagement and outreach.

#D8 #TRTWorldForum2026 #InternationalCooperation

[The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization @D8SecGen]

Strengthening economic connectivity and translating shared priorities into tangible trade and investment opportunities were central to my participation in the 42nd #COMCEC Ministerial Session and #B57Plus Business Leaders’ Summit in Istanbul.

The two events underscored the importance of trade financing, mobilizing OIC capital, and stronger private-sector partnerships for economic resilience.

During an interaction with H.E. Vice President @_cevdetyilmaz, I conveyed appreciation for Türkiye's firm support for regional economic cooperation within the D-8 framework.

On the sidelines, I had productive bilateral meetings with several participating dignitaries:

🇧🇩 Bangladesh's Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir: Discussed effective implementation and expansion of the D-8 PTA, reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers, trade facilitation, prospects for comprehensive trade arrangements, and easier business mobility.

🇮🇷 Iran's Economy Minister @SMadanizadeh: Explored stronger trade and investment flows, financial connectivity, and institutional mechanisms to facilitate economic cooperation.

🇮🇩 Indonesia's Vice Minister of Trade @dyahroroestiwp: Discussed PTA implementation, halal economy, private-sector engagement, and priorities for Indonesia's upcoming D-8 Presidency and the 2027 Summit.

ICCD Secretary-General Yousef Hassan Khalawi (@iccia_iccd): Explored closer institutional collaboration in investment facilitation, trade promotion, halal industries, SMEs, and business connectivity.

Across these exchanges, I underscored the commitment to advancing the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030, particularly the realisation of US$500 billion target in intra-D-8 trade by 2030, through effective agreements, reduced trade barriers, and stronger business partnerships.

@COMCEC_EN @TOBBiletisim @OIC_OCI

#D8 #COMCEC #B57Plus #Trade #Investment #SouthSouthCooperation

[Developing-8 (D-8) @D8org]

The Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, was interviewed by Daily Sabah on the D-8's growing economic significance, expanding cooperation agenda, and vision for the future.

In the interview, he highlighted the Organization's target to increase intra-D-8 trade to USD 500 billion by 2030, while strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, education, youth engagement and climate action.

Read the full interview:
https://t.co/bZl6OWWzHS

@D8SecGen @DailySabah

#D8 #EconomicCooperation #SustainableDevelopment

[The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization @D8SecGen]

Invited by Türkiye's Minister of Health, H.E. Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu (@drmemisoglu), I was privileged to participate in the 12th Turkish Medical World Congress in Istanbul and deliver keynote remarks. The Congress brought together over 2,000 participants, including Health Ministers, leading scientists and medical professionals, as well as Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, I underscored the imperative of international solidarity and collective action to build resilient health systems in the face of growing global health threats and challenges. Highlighting the D-8's complementary strengths in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology, medical devices, digital health, and use of Artificial Intelligence, I called for collaborative partnerships to advance innovation, technological self-reliance, and equitable access to affordable and sustainable healthcare. The D-8's commitment to deepening health cooperation was reaffirmed.

In the bilateral meeting with Minister Memişoğlu, we discussed advancing the D-8 health agenda, including preparations for Türkiye's hosting of the Second D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Health in 2027, and expanding cooperation in health technologies, research and innovation. Also expressed appreciation for Türkiye's commitment to foster deeper D-8 health cooperation.

In meeting with Somalia's Minister of Health and Social Care, H.E. Dr. Ali Haji Adam Abubakar (@DrAliHajiadam), I apprised him of the D-8's core mission and ongoing initiatives on various tracks. Opportunities for closer institutional engagement and mutually beneficial cooperation in the health sector were explored.

I was also honoured to attend the TÜSEB Aziz Sancar Science, Service and Incentive Awards Ceremony in which the Honourable President of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğon, delivered an inspiring address and gave awards and certificates to scientists and institutions recognized for their outstanding contributions to medical research, scientific excellence and healthcare innovation.

I extend warm felicitations to Minister
Memişoğlu, @saglikbakanligi & @tusebgovtr on convening yet another highly successful edition of the Congress and thank the Government of Türkiye for providing an important platform for scientific exchange, innovation and stronger international health partnerships.

#D8 #TürkTıpDünyasıKurultayı #ÜretenSağlık #GlobalHealth #HealthCooperation

[Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu @drmemisoglu]

12. Türk Tıp Dünyası Kurultayı vesilesiyle sağlığın başkenti İstanbul’da bir araya geldiğimiz kıymetli heyetler ile son derece verimli görüşmeler gerçekleştirdik.

Gerçekleştirdiğimiz görüşmelerin hayırlı olmasını diliyorum.

Kurultayımıza değer katan tüm misafirlerimize ve heyetlere şükranlarımı sunuyorum.

Sağlıklı Türkiye Yüzyılı 🇹🇷

[Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu @drmemisoglu]

“Türk Dünyasında Üreten Sağlık: Küresel Sağlık Tehditleri Karşısında Dirençli Sağlık Sistemleri” temasıyla düzenlediğimiz 12. Türk Tıp Dünyası Kurultayı’nın açılışında, Türk dünyasından ve dost ülkelerden gelen kıymetli misafirlerimizle bir araya geldik.

Kurultayımızda yerli ve millî tıbbi cihazlarımızdan aşı ve ilaç çalışmalarımıza, hücre ve gen tedavilerinden bilimsel araştırmalarımıza kadar Üreten Sağlık vizyonumuz kapsamında yürüttüğümüz çalışmaları paylaştık.

Türk dünyasının ortak birikimini sağlık alanında güçlü iş birliklerine dönüştürebileceğimize, birlikte üreterek ülkelerimiz ve insanlık için daha sağlıklı bir geleceğe katkı sunabileceğimize yürekten inanıyorum.

Nobel ödüllü bilim insanımız, kıymetli hocamız Aziz Sancar başta olmak üzere kurultayımıza katılan değerli bakanlarımıza, bilim insanlarına, dost ve kardeş ülkelerimizin temsilcilerine ve tüm misafirlerimize gönülden teşekkür ediyorum.

Sağlıklı Türkiye Yüzyılı 🇹🇷

[Developing-8 (D-8) @D8org]

🇹🇷 Happy Republic Day, Türkiye!

On the happy occasion of the 103rd anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye, the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) extends warmest felicitations to Türkiye’s leadership, Government, and brotherly people.

The Republic Day marks a defining moment in Türkiye’s history and reflects abiding commitment of the nation to sovereignty, national unity, and progress. Over the past century, Türkiye has achieved major milestones in economic and social development, while fortifying its position as a consequential regional and international actor. Türkiye’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and diplomacy, strengthening peace and security, and supporting solidarity and international cooperation, continues to contribute meaningfully to addressing shared challenges and finding sustainable solutions.

As a founding Member of the D-8, Türkiye’s contributions to the realisation of the Organisation’s vision and deepening of economic cooperation among Member States have been invaluable.

As the host country of the D-8 Secretariat, Türkiye plays a pivotal role in supporting the Organisation’s institutional work and activities. We remain sincerely grateful to Türkiye for its unwavering commitment, gracious hospitality, and steadfast support, which are crucial to carrying forward the D-8’s mission and overall objectives.

While looking forward to further strengthening this long-standing partnership, we wish Türkiye and its fraternal people ever-lasting peace and stability as well as accelerated progress and prosperity.

Cumhuriyet Bayramı Kutlu Olsun! 🇹🇷

@RTErdogan @MFATurkiye @HakanFidan
#RepublicDay #Türkiye #D8

[The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization @D8SecGen]

On the sidelines of the 9th World Investment Forum 2026 convened by @UNCTAD in Doha, I had the opportunity to have substantive bilateral meetings with H.E. @jam_kamal, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan; H.E. Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt @investmin_EG; Ms. Latifa El Bouabdellaoui, Director-General of ICDT @ICDT_OIC ; and Mr. @tlamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of @ITU.

Discussions with the Honourable Ministers from 🇵🇰&🇪🇬focused on accelerating implementation of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), reducing non-tariff barriers, strengthening trade facilitation, enhancing private-sector awareness of preferential market access, and expanding business and investment linkages. We also exchanged views on strengthening connectivity of financial institutions as part of the efforts to promote closer economic collaboration across the bloc and to raise intra-D-8 trade to the target level of $ 500 billion by 2030. Ongoing D-8 deliberations to move towards a comprehensive economic partnership were also discussed.

Engagement with ICDT explored enhanced institutional cooperation through joint trade promotion initiatives, business forums, private-sector engagement and capacity-building programmes. Discussions with ITU focused on opportunities for joint programmes and technical assistance in digital connectivity, ICT infrastructure, AI, digital inclusion, technological capacity-building and youth entrepreneurship.

These exchanges reinforced D-8’s commitment to translating shared priorities into concrete initiatives, deepening institutional partnerships, and advancing mutually-beneficial South-South cooperation for inclusive and sustainable development.

#D8 #UNCTAD #WIF2026 #WorldInvestmentForum #SouthSouthCooperation

[The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization @D8SecGen]

Glad to participate in the 9th World Investment Forum 2026, hosted by the State of Qatar in Doha in collaboration with @UNCTAD, under the theme “Investing in the Future” — bringing together over 5,000 participants from 160 countries including leaders, ministers, senior officials, heads of regional and international organisations, investors, and representatives of corporate sector, academia, and the media.

Besides attending the Opening Ceremony, I shared perspectives as a panellist in three separate Sessions on: “International Investment Facilitation Policies”; “International Investment Agreement (IIA) Reform”; and “Investing Beyond GDP for Sustainable and Inclusive Progress.”

In my interventions, I stressed the importance of mobilising sustainable investment, strengthening international partnerships, advancing the green transition and digital transformation, and ensuring that investment delivers tangible benefits for the people and the planet.

I also commended UNCTAD on launching the ‘Guiding Principles for International Investment Agreement Reform’, underscoring the importance of balanced, modern investment frameworks that safeguard policy space for States while enhancing investor confidence and promoting responsible investment.

The D-8's initiatives in trade facilitation, SME development, technological cooperation, youth engagement and empowerment, green transition and digital transformation, were highlighted — while emphasising the importance of translating investment into inclusive growth, decent jobs, greater well-being, and sustainable development.

I extend sincere felicitations to the Government and leadership of Qatar and @UNCTAD on holding a highly successful global forum, indeed a platform with substantive, result-oriented focus on all dimensions of international investment.

#WIF2026 #UNCTAD #D8 #InvestingInTheFuture #SustainableDevelopment

[Developing-8 (D-8) @D8org]

🌐 United Nations Day | 24 October 2026

On the occasion of United Nations Day, marking the 81st anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, and collective action in addressing shared global challenges. In the midst of global turbulence and profound transformations, this is the Day to recommit to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and to underscore the indispensable role of the United Nations in the promotion of global peace, security, human dignity, and sustainable development.

As an organization dedicated to strengthening economic cooperation and promoting sustainable and inclusive development, the D-8 shares the United Nations’ aspirations for a more peaceful, stable, equitable, and prosperous world. Through cooperation among its Member States, the D-8 works to advance shared development priorities, strengthen solidarity, and translate collective potential into tangible benefits for its peoples.

As an Observer at the United Nations, the D-8 values its engagement with the UN and the wider multilateral community. The Organization looks forward to further strengthening cooperation in support of sustainable development, international solidarity, and the shared aspiration of building a better future for all.

@UN @antonioguterres @UN_PGA

#UnitedNationsDay #UNDay #24October #D8 #Multilateralism #SustainableDevelopment #InternationalCooperation

[UNAOC - United Nations Alliance of Civilizations @UNAOC]

USG @MiguelMoratinos also met with Amb. Sohail Mahmood, Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation. They discussed strengthening cooperation between UNAOC & D-8, particularly in youth empowerment, cultural exchanges & intercultural dialogue.

[The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization @D8SecGen]

Participated, today, in the 9th Istanbul Mediation Conference, hosted by H.E. FM @HakanFidan under the theme “Partnerships and New Perspectives for Peace: Mediation in a Changing World.” In his opening address, he underscored the urgent need to create space for diplomacy and strengthen mediation for lasting peace, while emphasising three guiding principles: sincere dialogue, sustained mediation, regional ownership.

On the sidelines, I had fruitful exchanges with OIC Secretary-General H.E. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed (@OIC_OCI); Palestine’s Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin (@pmofa); and other participating dignitaries. In a productive bilateral meeting, H.E. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations (@UNAOC), and I discussed building an institutional relationship and forging cooperation in areas of common interest.

I also shared perspective on the importance of the Mediation Conference and highlighted D-8’s core priorities of economic cooperation and integration in an interview with @AnadoluAgency, reaffirming the importance of dialogue, multilateral partnerships, and collective action for peace and shared prosperity.

#D8 #IstanbulMediation #MediationForPeace
#RegionalCooperation #AllianceofCivilizations

[The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization @D8SecGen]

My engagements on the sidelines of the 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad included a fruitful exchange with H.E. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Secretary-General of the @OIC_OCI. I extended warm felicitations on his recent election, lauded his leadership and vision for OIC, wished him a fulfilling and impactful term, highlighted the breadth of D-8’s collaboration with the OIC and its affiliate bodies, and conveyed the resolve to build a deeper, multifaceted D8-OIC partnership.

In my meeting with Iraq’s Deputy Foreign Minister H.E. Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Uloom, I congratulated him on successful convening of the 52nd Session of OIC CFM, hailed the Baghdad CFM as a significant diplomatic achievement for Iraq, and apprised him of the progress being made in regional economic cooperation within the D-8 framework. We agreed to remain in touch.

In the meeting with Vice Foreign Minister of Thailand, H.E. Dr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, I highlighted the D-8’s founding vision, its trans-continental character and formidable capacities of its members, its core mission of economic cooperation, its progress on various sectoral tracks, and its expanding international outreach. In particular, I underscored the D-8’s importance as a platform for South-South cooperation.

The CFM also provided the opportunity for brief interactions with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed; and UN Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the Alliance of Civilisations [@UNAOC] and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. I stressed D-8’s keen interest in strengthening collaboration with the United Nations, with which it has an Observer status.

Overall, alongside media interactions, these engagements served to strengthen and diversify the D-8’s external relations, raise its international profile and visibility, reinforce collaboration with regional and global institutions, and explore new partnerships in pursuit of shared priorities.

@D8org @OIC_OCI @Iraqimofa @MFAThai @UN @AminaJMohammed @MiguelMoratinos

#D8 #OrganisationofIslamicCooperation #52ndCFM #EconomicCooperation

[The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization @D8SecGen]

Privileged to participate in the 52nd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Baghdad, at the invitation of the OIC Secretary-General. Held under the theme “Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Fundamental Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development,” the Session underscores the importance of international cooperation and collective action.

On the sidelines, I had the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates of Egypt; H.E. Mr. Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh; and H.E. Mr. Muhammad Anis Matta, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.

Our exchanges centred on progress being made in the D-8 sectoral cooperation processes; the schedule of Ministerial meetings and other significant activities in the lead-up to the 12th D-8 Summit in Indonesia in early 2027; and the Organisation’s steadily growing external relations. Specifically, we reviewed matters related to expanding D-8 trade and investment, strengthening economic integration, and advancing practical cooperation for shared prosperity.

Indeed, the CFM offering great opportunity to proactively pursue diplomatic outreach, deepen ties with regional and international partners, and enhance efforts to translate shared priorities into tangible results for Member States.

@OIC_OCI @MOFAEGYPT @BDMOFA @Kemlu_RI

#D8 #OIC #52ndCFM #EconomicCooperation

[Badr Abdelatty @EgyptForeignMin]

بحثت مع السكرتير العام لمنظمة D8 التعاون الاقتصادي والتجاري والاستثماري بين الدول الاعضاء، والبناء على إنجازات الرئاسة المصرية لدعم التكامل بينها.

Discussed with D-8 SG boosting intra-member economic, trade & investment ties, building on Egypt’s presidency to advance integration

[The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization @D8SecGen]

Delighted to receive H.E. Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, former D-8 Secretary-General and Chairman of Al-Hidayah Group, along with his delegation at the D-8 Secretariat in Istanbul.

Together, we reviewed progress under the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in July 2023, particularly the proposed economic model and integrated digital platform aimed at facilitating cross-border trade and investment, enhancing SME market access, promoting financial inclusion and mobilizing resources for productive economic activities.

The delegation highlighted the model’s potential to stimulate economic activity, contribute to higher GDP growth, and support sustainable development across D-8 Member States.

I appreciated the Group’s initiative and their update on its further development – emphasizing the desirability of practical, commercially-viable and inclusive platforms aligned with D-8 priorities. Also emphasized the importance of close consultations with relevant stakeholders in Member States for next steps and path forward.

#D8 #EconomicCooperation #DigitalEconomy