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

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

Warmest felicitations to His Excellency Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (#UNGA). While this is a distinct honour for our founding member Bangladesh, this is also a matter of enormous pride for the whole #D8 family.
Given his vast experience, immense diplomatic skills, and firm commitment to multilateralism, there is no doubt that the PGA-elect FM Rahman would shoulder this responsibility with distinction.
On behalf of the D-8 Secretariat, I extend our best wishes to him in upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and advancing the goals of peace, security, and sustainable development through dialogue and effective multilateral cooperation.

@trahmanbnp @BDMOFA @UN @UN_PGA

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

Gratified to have a substantive first-ever D-8 Energy Ministers meeting, hosted by Azerbaijan, on the sidelines of #BakuEnergyWeek. The thematic focus of this inaugural meeting was on “Expanding Cooperation in the Sectors of Hydrocarbon, Energy Transition and Energy Connectivity.” It brought together ministers and senior representatives to chart a common vision for strengthening energy cooperation and advancing sustainable development across the #D8 region.

The Ministerial meeting concluded with the adoption of the “Baku Declaration on Energy Cooperation,” reaffirming our collective commitment to enhancing collaboration in energy security, hydrocarbons, energy transition, connectivity, innovation, investment, and capacity-building for the benefit of over 1.3 billion people represented by the D-8.

The Ministerial session also welcomed and supported Azerbaijan's initiative to establish the D-8 Energy and Climate Center (D-8 ECC) in Baku, envisioned as a key platform for policy dialogue, technical cooperation, knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and investment facilitation among Member States.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the Government of Azerbaijan, @minenergyaze, H.E. @ParvizShahbazov, and @AzerbaijanMFA for their initiative, leadership and gracious hospitality in convening this historic gathering.

Together, we are working to promote energy sector as one of the central pillars of D-8 cooperation, strengthening South-South partnerships, and contributing to a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future.

#D8 #BakuEnergyWeek

[Alparslan Bayraktar @aBayraktar1]

Bakü Enerji Haftası kapsamında gerçekleştirilen D-8 Enerji Bakanları Birinci Toplantısı'na katıldık.

Toplantıda; hidrokarbon, enerji dönüşümü ve enerji bağlantısallığı alanlarında üye ülkelerle iş birliğimizi derinleştirme kararlılığımızı değerli mevkidaşlarımızla paylaştık. Yenilenebilir enerjideki güçlü hedeflerimizi ve arz güvenliğini sağlamaya yönelik stratejilerimizi aktardık.

Küresel enerji piyasalarındaki sınamalara karşı en güçlü kalkanın uluslararası dayanışma ve bölgesel iş birliği olduğunu bir kez daha vurguladık.

Oturumun sonunda, ortak vizyonumuzun ve kararlılığımızın bir nişanesi olan Bakü Deklarasyonu’nu ilan ettik. Ayrıca, kurumsal iş birliğimizi destekleyecek ve sürdürülebilir bir gelecek inşa etme yolunda kritik bir adım olan D-8 Enerji ve İklim Merkezi’nin lansmanını gerçekleştirdik.

Bu vesileyle, Kasım ayında Antalya’da ev sahipliği yapacağımız COP31 Zirvesi için değerli mevkidaşlarımıza resmi davetimizi ilettik. Küresel enerjide atılan bu adımların ülkemize, bölgemize ve tüm üye ülkelere hayırlı olmasını diliyorum.

[Alparslan Bayraktar @aBayraktar1]

We participated in the First Meeting of D-8 Energy Ministers, held as part of Baku Energy Week.

At the meeting, we shared with our esteemed counterparts our determination to deepen our cooperation with member countries in the fields of hydrocarbons, energy transition, and energy interconnectivity. We outlined our ambitious goals for renewable energy and our strategies for ensuring supply security.

We once again emphasized that the strongest shield against challenges in global energy markets is international solidarity and regional cooperation.

At the conclusion of the session, we announced the Baku Declaration, a symbol of our shared vision and determination. Additionally, we launched the D-8 Energy and Climate Center, a critical step in supporting our institutional cooperation and building a sustainable future.

On this occasion, we extended our official invitation to our esteemed counterparts for the COP31 Summit, which we will host in Antalya this November. I hope that these steps taken in the global energy sector will bring benefits to our country, our region, and all member states.

[Parviz Shahbazov @ParvizShahbazov]

Within the framework of #BakuEnergyWeek, the 1st Meeting of the Ministers of Energy of D-8 Member States (#D8) was held in Baku. The D-8 platform is of strategic importance for Azerbaijan in terms of expanding #energy cooperation across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The meeting focused on opportunities for cooperation in #energysecurity, #energytransition, and #energyconnectivity. The establishment of the D-8 Energy and Climate Center will further strengthen this cooperation.

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

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation extends its heartiest felicitations to the leadership, Government, and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the happy anniversary of their Independence Day (28 May).

This historic Day serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s firm resolve, defence of sovereignty, and commitment to development. Under its visionary leadership, Azerbaijan continues to scale new heights in socio-economic progress, regional cooperation and connectivity, and global engagement.

Since assuming membership of the Developing-8 Organisation in 2025, Azerbaijan has been making highly valuable contributions to the D-8’s institutional mechanisms and processes. There is no doubt that these contributions would become even more robust in the years to come.

We take this opportunity to wish the fraternal people of Azerbaijan continued peace and security as well as accelerated progress and prosperity. We also reaffirm the commitment to work together to advance the D-8 vision of sustainable development and mutually-beneficial cooperation across the vast D-8 geography.

@presidentaz @Bayramov_Jeyhun @AzerbaijanMFA
#Azerbaijan #IndependenceDay #28May #D8

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

On behalf of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) Secretariat, we extend warmest felicitations and best wishes and prayers to everyone celebrating Eid-ul-Adha.

#EidulAdha #D8

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

My first official visit to Baku for #WUF13 provided an excellent opportunity for bilateral meetings with the Azerbaijan leadership on the sidelines. In our brief interaction, I thanked the Honourable @presidentaz His Excellency Ilham Aliyev for Azerbaijan’s dynamic participation in #D8 processes and imparting a strong momentum to the Organisation’s activities since assuming full membership.

Also had substantive meetings with Foreign Minister @Bayramov_Jeyhun; Minister of Energy @ParvizShahbazov; Assistant to the President @HikmetHajiyev; and Executive Director MEDIA @ahmadismayilov. We exchanged views on further deepening collaboration in D-8’s priority areas of sectoral cooperation and discussed operationalisation during 2026 of three D-8 Centers of Excellence being established by Azerbaijan in Baku — focused on Energy and Climate; Transport; and the Media. Grateful to our gracious hosts for warm hospitality and excellent arrangements.

#WUF13 #Baku #D8

[Parviz Shahbazov @ParvizShahbazov]

Within the framework of #WUF13, at the D-8 High-Level Energy and Urban Dialogue, jointly organized by the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@AzerbaijanMFA), the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, and the #D8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, we exchanged views on #sustainable urban #energysupply, the alignment of the #energytransition with #urbandevelopment agendas and #greenurbanization issues. Given that cities account for approximately 70% of global #energyconsumption and a significant share of emissions, it was emphasized that green and #smartcities are becoming the main driving force of the energy transition. Azerbaijan’s implemented #greenenergy projects, #regionalenergycorridors and the #GreenEnergyZone being developed in #Garabagh and #EastZangazur make an important contribution to sustainable urban development.

[WUF13Azerbaijan @WUF13Azerbaijan]

As part of WUF13, the D-8 Energy and Urban Dialogue was held at the Azerbaijan Pavilion in the Urban Expo. The event focused on the future of sustainable cities and the region’s energy transformation.

The discussions centred on energy transition, sustainable cities, climate resilience and the development of modern urban infrastructure for more than 1.25 billion people across the D-8 region.

Azerbaijan, following its accession to the D-8, presented a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening practical cooperation within the D-8 framework, including proposals to establish the D-8 Energy and Climate Center, the D-8 Transport Excellence Center and the D-8 Media Excellence Center in Baku.

#WUF13 #WUF13Azerbaijan #Baku2026 #WorldUrbanForum

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

Deeply gratified with substantive deliberations at the “D-8 High-Level Energy and Urban Dialogue,” held on the sidelines of 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (#WUF13) — co-organised by @UNHabitat and the Government of Azerbaijan in Baku from 17-22 May 2026.

The Dialogue’s thematic focus, “Powering Sustainable Cities in the D-8 Region - Aligning Energy Transitions with Urban Development Agendas”, was extremely apt and timely. It brought together Ministers, Senior Representatives, Mayors, and experts from #D8 Member States to advance a shared vision for sustainable cities, clean energy transformation, resilient urban development, and affordable housing for all across the D-8 region.

Our discussions underscored the importance of aligning energy transitions with urban development agendas while strengthening innovation, sustainable growth, South-South cooperation, and international partnerships.

The Dialogue reflected the growing commitment of D-8 Member States to advancing practical cooperation and collective solutions for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

My profound thanks to Excellency @_anar_guliyev, Chairman of the 🇦🇿State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator of the WUF13; and Excellency @ParvizShahbazov, 🇦🇿Minister of Energy for their leadership and to all the distinguished participants from D-8 Member States for their valuable contributions.

#WUF13 #WorldUrbanForum #Baku #D8

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

Honoured to participate in the opening ceremony of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (#WUF) in Baku and to listen to the inspiring inaugural address by the Honourable @presidentaz His Excellency Ilham Aliyev.

Co-organized by the Government of Azerbaijan and @UNHABITAT from 17–22 May 2026, the Forum is being held under the theme: “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”

More than 40,000 participants — including Leaders, Ministers, senior representatives, mayors, experts, and members of civil society from 182 countries — registered for this landmark global gathering. Another milestone for Azerbaijan after the successful convening of @COP29_AZ in 2024!

#WUF13 #WorldUrbanForum #Baku #D8

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

The 29th Eurasian Economic Summit in Istanbul (11-13 May) with thematic focus on “Global Responsibility” concluded with a session featuring 11 former heads of state/government from participating countries. On the sidelines, I had the opportunity to briefly interact with former Presidents of the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Türkiye; former Foreign Minister of Egypt; and other distinguished delegates.

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

Privileged to address the opening session of the 29th Eurasian Economic Summit in Istanbul today, organised by the Marmara Group Foundation under the thematic focus of “Global Responsibility” in the wake of formidable challenges to global peace and the environment. I stressed the indispensable roles of diplomacy and sustainability in addressing the multiple crises of our times.

The Summit brings together several former Heads of State and Government, ministers, diplomats, academics, business leaders, and senior representatives of international organizations.

In my remarks, I highlighted the increasingly complex global environment characterized by wars and armed conflicts, intensifying strategic competition, erosion of international law and multilateralism, growing economic uncertainties, stiffening climate-induced challenges, supply chain disruptions, rising protectionism, and widening development gaps.

Emphasizing the urgent need for collective action and stronger international cooperation, I stressed that sustainable peace and stability, dialogue and diplomacy, inclusive economic growth, climate sustainability, innovation, connectivity, and resilient partnerships remain indispensable for addressing contemporary global challenges.

I also reaffirmed the D-8’s commitment to promoting trade, investment, digital transformation, agricultural modernization, energy cooperation, and innovation-driven growth among its Member States, while advancing the principles of dialogue, cooperation, justice, equality, and multilateralism.

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

Addressing the High-Level Virtual Consultations on Visa Facilitation among D-8 Member States, Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood underscored the importance of enhanced mobility and strengthened ‘soft connectivity’ for deeper institutional cooperation, private sector engagement, intra-D-8 trade and investment collaboration, economic integration, and people-to-people linkages.

The Meeting, chaired by Bangladesh, reviewed progress on existing visa facilitation arrangements and explored practical pathways to facilitate visa and travel procedures for officials and accredited businesspersons across the D-8 region.

Member States reaffirmed their commitment to promoting greater mobility and facilitation of travel across the D-8 geography through appropriate instruments and arrangements in line with the objectives of the D-8 Organisation and the priorities set out in the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030.

[Pakistan Embassy Türkiye @PakinTurkiye]

Amb @DrYousafJunaid held a productive meeting with Secretary General D-8 Amb Sohail Mahmood. The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation among D-8 member states for sustainable development, with emphasis on enhancing trade and economic collaboration.

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

Pleased to participate in the 9th Meeting of D-8 SME Governmental Bodies, where we advanced a shared vision for deepening and broadening SME cooperation. Wide-ranging discussions reflected collective commitment to strengthening international partnerships, advancing the work of the D-8 SME Centre in Abuja, and shaping Action Plans that support more connected, resilient, and innovative SME ecosystems across D-8 Member States”. #D8 #SMEs