Secretary General of the Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8), Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, stated that the organisation is entering a phase of strengthened institutional evolution and expanding geopolitical and geo-economic relevance of its member states. The remarks were made following his meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Rebeca Grynspan, on the sidelines of the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul.
Extensive Discussions on Collaboration
According to a statement issued by the D-8 Secretariat, the two sides held an extensive exchange of views on the ongoing collaboration between D-8 and UNCTAD, as well as prospects for future engagement. Ambassador Mahmood underscored the growing economic weight and strategic significance of D-8 member countries in an increasingly complex global environment. He particularly highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation between D-8 and UNCTAD, including the implementation of the jointly developed Guiding Principles for Investment Policy-making for the Countries of the D-8 Organisation.
Proposed Initiatives
He also proposed expanding the scope of collaboration to include concrete initiatives in trade facilitation, investment promotion, digital transformation, and related development priorities. Both sides agreed to work towards the development and conclusion of a comprehensive Plan of Action to operationalise these objectives and further deepen institutional engagement.
Global Challenges and Multilateralism
The meeting featured an in-depth discussion on pressing global challenges, the evolving state of the international system, and the continuing relevance of international law, norms, and multilateral institutions. Ambassador Mahmood reaffirmed the perspectives and priorities of developing countries and the Global South, stressing the need for more inclusive and effective global governance frameworks. Views were also exchanged on the future of multilateralism and leadership within the United Nations system, reflecting shared concerns over global fragmentation and the need for strengthened cooperation in addressing transnational challenges.
Commitment to Cooperation
The D-8 Secretary General expressed appreciation to UNCTAD for its collaboration, particularly the joint development of investment policy guiding principles, and reiterated the organisation's commitment to advancing practical, results-oriented cooperation in the years ahead.
