The 11th Developing Countries (D-8) Summit: A Crucial Meeting Amid Crises

Will the D-8 nations unite to find common solutions for the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Syria while fostering economic growth through youth investment and SME support?

As the 11th Developing Countries (D-8) Summit approaches, set to commence on December 19, 2024, in Cairo, the focus is sharply directed towards addressing the ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and Syria. This summit gathers leaders from eight Muslim-majority developing nations—Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey—who are poised to discuss not only economic cooperation but also urgent regional issues that demand immediate attention.

Notably, all these countries have established affiliations with the BRICS bloc. Egypt and Iran became BRICS members in 2024, while Bangladesh joined the BRICS-established New Development Bank (NDB) in 2021 and the rest are part of the “Partners Belt” since October 2024 after the Kazan Summit.

Although Pakistan is not currently a BRICS member, it has expressed interest in joining the group.

These affiliations underscore the interconnectedness of the D-8 nations with broader economic alliances, potentially influencing the summit's discussions on both economic and regional issues.

A Brief History of the D-8

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, known as Developing-8, was officially established on June 15, 1997, through the Istanbul Declaration. This initiative was led by the Turkish Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan.

Established on June 15, 1997, through the Istanbul Declaration, the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation aims to enhance its member states' positions in the global economy, diversify trade relations, and improve living standards. Collectively, these nations represent about 13% of the world's population, with a combined nominal GDP of approximately $4.92 trillion as of 2023.

Since its inception, the D-8 has focused on sectors such as agriculture, trade, transportation, and energy to foster economic cooperation among member countries. Trade among D-8 member states has shown significant growth, with intra-D-8 trade increasing from $15 billion in 1997 to nearly $122 billion by 2014.

The organization operates without affecting members' commitments to other international or regional bodies, reflecting its global rather than regional character. The D-8 Secretariat is based in Istanbul, Turkey, with Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam from Nigeria serving as the current Secretary-General.

A Gathering Under Shadow

The summit occurs against a backdrop of escalating violence and humanitarian distress in Gaza. The Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has highlighted the necessity for immediate international support for Gaza's reconstruction and will likely call for a permanent ceasefire during his address. His remarks reflect a consensus among participants that the socio-economic stability of the region is severely threatened by prolonged conflict.

In anticipation of the summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan emphasized his country's commitment to addressing these challenges. He plans to advocate for collaborative efforts among D-8 members to facilitate humanitarian aid and reconstruction initiatives in affected areas. This year's summit theme—“Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs—Shaping Tomorrow's Economy”—will be interwoven with discussions on how to rebuild communities ravaged by conflict.

Turkey's Central Role

Turkey has emerged as a pivotal player within the D-8 framework, actively advocating for a unified response to the crises in Gaza and Syria. Fidan's participation is crucial as he seeks to galvanize support from other member states for humanitarian initiatives and reconstruction efforts. His previous calls for an end to hostilities and international pressure on Israel resonate strongly within the context of this summit.

Fidan's agenda includes emphasizing the importance of implementing the Preferential Trade Agreement (TTA) endorsed by all D-8 countries and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are vital for job creation. He is expected to propose new programs aimed at empowering youth across member states, recognizing that their potential is essential for future economic growth.

Economic Cooperation Amidst Conflict

While humanitarian concerns dominate discussions, economic cooperation remains a critical focus. The D-8 aims to enhance trade relations among member countries and improve their positions in the global economy. Leaders will discuss strategies to bolster SMEs, which are crucial for job creation and economic resilience.

Conflict-related political instability poses significant challenges to economic prospects. As Indonesia prepares to assume leadership of the D-8 in January 2025, member states urgently need to establish frameworks that can withstand geopolitical tensions while promoting economic development.

Regional Dynamics and Diplomatic Engagements

The summit also serves as a platform for high-level diplomatic engagements amidst fragile regional dynamics. Notably, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's attendance marks a significant moment as it is his first visit to Egypt in over a decade. This visit underscores the thawing relations between Egypt and Iran, driven partly by mutual concerns over regional stability following the escalation of violence in Gaza.

Egypt's role as a mediator in Middle Eastern conflicts has become increasingly important as it seeks to balance its relationships with both Iran and Turkey while addressing internal security concerns related to these conflicts. The summit provides an opportunity for Egypt to reinforce its diplomatic ties with other D-8 members while advocating for collaborative solutions to shared challenges.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As the D-8 prepares for future summits and initiatives, the pressing issues of Gaza and Syria will likely remain at the forefront of discussions. The humanitarian crises are not merely local issues; they threaten broader regional stability and economic cooperation.

Member states must navigate these complexities while fostering a dialogue that prioritizes peace over conflict. The commitment to investing in youth and SMEs is crucial; however, it must be coupled with sustained efforts toward conflict resolution and humanitarian assistance.

In conclusion, the upcoming 11th D-8 Summit highlights both the potential for collaboration among developing nations and the urgent need for concerted action in response to regional crises. With Turkey playing a central role in advocating for peace and reconstruction efforts, there is hope that this gathering can pave the way for meaningful progress amid adversity. As member states continue to grapple with these challenges, their collective resolve will be tested in the days ahead.