Overview of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation
**The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing Eight, is an international group formed on June 15, 1997, in Istanbul, comprising eight developing nations, primarily Muslim. These member countries are Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. Established under the leadership of Necmettin Erbakan, Turkey’s 54th Prime Minister, the D-8 aims to enhance economic collaboration among its members, leverage their economic potential more effectively, and amplify their influence in global decision-making. All member states are also part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).**
The D-8 countries hold significant regional importance, thanks to their abundant natural resources, large populations, and promising markets. Together, they boast a population of approximately 1.2 billion and an economic output nearing 5 trillion dollars, with their combined exports representing 10% of global trade. This organization plays a vital role by bringing together leading economies from across the Islamic world.
Purpose and Areas of Activity
The D-8’s primary objectives include promoting economic and social development among its member states, increasing trade volumes, and ensuring better representation of developing countries on international platforms. Its activities span various sectors, including agriculture and food security, trade, transportation, industry, energy, health, and tourism. Regular meetings involving ministers, commissioners, and sectoral working groups facilitate cooperation on specific topics.
Within the D-8 framework, Turkey takes the lead in coordinating efforts in industry, health, and environmental sectors. Meanwhile, Bangladesh focuses on rural development, Indonesia emphasizes poverty alleviation, Iran prioritizes science and technology, Malaysia handles finance and banking, Egypt concentrates on trade, Nigeria addresses energy issues, and Pakistan coordinates agricultural and fisheries initiatives.
D-8 in Numbers
To date, the D-8 has held eleven summit meetings, along with 15 meetings of foreign ministers, 20 commission meetings, and 70 technical commission sessions. When the organization was established, the total gross national product of the member countries was approximately 690 billion dollars. This figure has since surged to over 4.5 trillion dollars.
Per capita income has also seen significant growth, rising from 872 dollars at the D-8’s inception to around 1500 dollars today. Moreover, total exports from member countries have jumped from 239 billion dollars to nearly 600 billion dollars, while imports have escalated from 235 billion dollars to about 500 billion dollars.
Structure and Decision-Making Mechanisms
The D-8’s organizational structure includes several key components: summits attended by heads of state or government held biennially, annual council meetings involving foreign ministers for political decision-making, and biannual commissioner meetings for coordinating cooperation topics. The Secretariat, located in Istanbul, oversees the daily operations of the organization.
Currently, the role of Secretary-General is held by Ambassador Isiaka Abdulkadir Imam from Nigeria. This structured approach allows the D-8 to operate effectively and respond to the needs of its member states.
Flag and Fundamental Principles
The D-8 flag features six stars, each symbolizing the organization’s core principles: prioritizing peace over war, dialogue over conflict, justice over double standards, equality over superiority, fairness over exploitation, and human rights, freedom, and democracy over oppression and domination.
These principles guide the D-8’s mission and activities, fostering a collaborative environment where member nations can work towards shared goals.
Turkey’s Relations with the D-8
As a founding member, Turkey places great importance on the D-8 Organization and is actively involved in its initiatives. From 2017 to 2021, Turkey held the presidency of the D-8, which was subsequently passed to Bangladesh in April 2021 and will transition to Egypt in May 2024.
On June 8, 2024, an extraordinary meeting of D-8 foreign ministers titled ‘The Situation in Gaza’ took place in Istanbul. During this assembly, a Joint Statement was released, urging an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and calling for an end to Israel’s attacks on the Palestinian people.
