Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, assumed responsibilities as the new Secretary General of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, today. The change was effected in a formal handing over ceremony held at the #D8 Secretariat in Istanbul. During the ceremony, the Outgoing Secretary-General, Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, and the Incoming Secretary-General, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, exchanged remarks - stressing the D-8’s vast potential, ensuring realisation of the opportunities for enhanced cooperation and economic integration, and underscoring commitment to the principles and objectives of the Organisation as enshrined in the #D8 Charter as well as the Decennial Roadmap. The ceremony concluded with the signing of the handover minutes and a family photo.

A very special day for football fans around the world as the 23rd FIFA World Cup kicks off today. This global event is a celebration of sport’s unique ability to bring people together across borders, cultures, and nationalities. I extend my best wishes to the host nations USA, Canada, and Mexico, as well as all participating nations, for a successful and memorable tournament. Pakistan is proud to be part of this global celebration through its renowned sporting goods industry. The official match balls, “Trionda”, being used at this World Cup have been manufactured in Pakistan, reflecting the skill and craftsmanship of our people. May this tournament inspire friendship, unity, and sporting excellence across the world.

As we commemorate the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations today, the imperatives of dialogue and diplomacy cannot be stressed enough. Turbulence, transformation, and breath-taking technological change mark our world. Humanity continues to suffer from a multitude of crises – from military conflicts to political disputes, from development gaps to climate emergency, and from weakening of multilateralism to serious deficits in global governance. These crises are further compounded by the erosion of trust, depleting mutual understanding, accentuation of cultural and civilizational faultlines, deluge of misinformation and disinformation, and an unprecedented increase in hate speech. Collective endeavors are essential to reverse these adverse trends and to build a better world founded on the three fundamental pillars of peace, development, and human dignity. This International Day reminds us particularly to recognize the value of the diversity of civilizations and to promote dialogue, mutual respect, tolerance, and global solidarity. The path forward in addressing the shared challenges is indeed dialogue among nations and cultures. We, at the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), support all noble endeavors for the cause of peace with justice and for fostering a culture of dialogue and cooperation. @UN #D8 #DialogueAmongCivilizations #10June

Honoured to speak in the Opening Segment of the High-Level Ministerial Session on “Energy Efficiency and Resource Management for a Sustainable Future” — convened as part of the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul. Jointly organised by the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the Zero Waste Foundation, the Session was chaired by 🇹🇷Energy Minister H.E. Alparslan Bayraktar. The Session successfully brought together Ministers, senior policymakers, representatives of regional and international organizations, international financial institutions, academia, and the private sector to advance dialogue and cooperation on sustainability, resource efficiency, and energy transition. In my remarks, I paid tribute to the Honourable First Lady H.E. Emine Erdoğan for her visionary leadership of the Zero Waste Initiative, which has evolved from a national programme into a globally recognized movement endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly. I also lauded Minister Bayraktar for his leadership in promoting energy security, energy transition, energy efficiency, and international energy cooperation. Besides emphasising the growing importance of energy efficiency, resource management, and circular economy approaches in achieving sustainable development, I highlighted the D-8’s recent efforts to further integrate the sustainability agenda in the Organisation’s cooperation frameworks. I also proposed specific initiatives to strengthen knowledge-sharing, innovative financing, technology cooperation, and Global South partnerships for a more resilient, resource-efficient, and sustainable future. @aBayraktar1 @samedagirbas @zerowasteforum #ZeroWasteForum #D8

On the last day of the Zero Waste Forum, under the leadership of Mr. Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye, the High-Level Ministerial Session on Energy, “Energy Efficiency and Resource Management for a Sustainable Future,” was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye and the Zero Waste Foundation. The session brought together ministers and high level participants to advance dialogue on energy systems, resource efficiency, intergovernmental cooperation, technology transfer, and financing mechanisms, in line with COP31 objectives. 🌍 The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye underlined the importance of advancing efficient and sustainable energy systems to strengthen resource optimization across sectors, emphasizing innovation in energy transition pathways and enhanced system integration, with the aim of strengthening ministerial level policy dialogue and identifying areas for enhanced international cooperation among countries. 🌱♻️ #zerowasteforum

Sıfır Atık Forumu kapsamında düzenlenen Yüksek Düzeyli Enerji Diyaloğu Toplantısı’nda farklı ülkelerden üst düzey temsilcilerle bir araya geldik. Toplantıda, enerji güvenliğimizi sağlarken çevreyi koruyan ve ekonomik dayanıklılığımızı artıran enerji verimliliği vizyonumuzu paylaştık. Küresel ölçekteki bu büyük dönüşümün ancak güçlü bir uluslararası iş birliği, derinlemesine bilgi paylaşımı ve yenilikçi teknoloji ortaklıklarıyla başarılabileceğini vurguladık. Gezegenimizin kaynakları sınırlı olabilir ancak iş birliği geliştirme ve verimliliği artırma kapasitemiz sınırsızdır. Bu şuurla önlenen her ton atığın ve tasarruf edilen her kilovatsaat enerjinin, bizi daha sürdürülebilir bir geleceğe taşıdığına inanıyoruz. 2030 Enerji Verimliliği Stratejimiz doğrultusunda tüm sektörlerde 20 milyar doların üzerinde yatırımı hayata geçirerek sahip olduğumuz en temiz, en hızlı ve en uygun maliyetli kaynak olan enerji verimliliğini merkeze almayı sürdüreceğiz. #SıfırAtıkForumu

Our member Rebeca Grynspan (@RGrynspan ), Secretary-General, UN Trade and Development (@UNCTAD ), met with the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (@D8org ), within the framework of the Zero Waste Forum 2026.

Delighted to meet with UNCTAD Secretary General H.E. Rebecca Grynspan on the sidelines of the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul. I highlighted the institutional evolution of the Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and the ever-increasing weight and salience of our Member States in geo-strategic and geo-economic terms. We had an extensive exchange of views on D-8-UNCTAD ongoing collaboration and possibilities for the future. I thanked SG Grynspan for the jointly developed “Guiding Principles for Investment Policy-making for the Countries of D-8 Organisation” and suggested expanding the scope of mutual cooperation to include implementation of the Guiding Principles and concrete collaborative steps on matters relating to trade, investment facilitation, digital transformation, and so on. It was agreed to develop and conclude a Plan of Action accordingly. We also had an insightful conversation about the state of the world today; global challenges and the indispensable role of international law and norms, multilateralism, and multilateral institutions; key perspectives and priorities of the developing countries and the ‘Global South’; and her thoughts on future leadership of the #UnitedNations. @UNCTAD @RGrynspan @UN @NizamiGanjaviIC #D8 #UNCTAD #ZeroWaste

From Waste to Wealth. From Challenges to Opportunities. Pleased to inaugurate the first-ever D-8 Virtual Showcase, “D-8 Voices for a Zero-Waste Future,” organized by the D-8 Secretariat to mark #WorldEnvironmentDay. Bringing together experts from our Member States and @UN, the Showcase highlights pioneering zero-waste solutions, circular economy initiatives, and green innovations that are transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth. The launch of the D-8 Circularity Compendium marks an important step towards strengthening knowledge-sharing, green investment, and practical cooperation among D-8 countries. Together, we are building a greener, more resilient, resource-efficient, and prosperous future through partnership, innovation, and shared commitment. #D8 #ZeroWaste #WorldEnvironmentDay #CircularEconomy

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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