IsDB Delegation Participates in UN General Assembly Meetings

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is participating in the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings in New York, led by a high-level delegation headed by Dr. Issa Faye, Director General of Global Practice and Partnership, as a permanent observer to the UN. The meetings, held from September 19 to 27, 2024, focus on the theme ‘Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.’

Context and Background

The IsDB holds permanent observer status at the United Nations, reflecting its role as a key multilateral development institution. This year’s UNGA coincides with the Summit of the Future, a high-level event aimed at forging a new global consensus on development and governance. The IsDB’s participation underscores its commitment to international cooperation and its alignment with global efforts to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Key Details

Dr. Zamir Iqbal, Vice President of the IsDB, will represent IsDB President Dr. Mohammed Al-Jasser at the UN Secretary-General’s meeting with heads of multilateral development banks (MDBs). This meeting seeks to align UN and MDB efforts to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The IsDB delegation will also engage in high-level global meetings during the Summit of the Future, enhancing its global standing and engaging with strategic development partners to support SDG achievement in member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries.

Additionally, the IsDB will co-organize the second edition of the Global Advocacy Dialogue Series, jointly launched with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation. This dialogue will explore the latest development trends and economic partnerships, focusing on the innovative and evolving nature of South-South cooperation and tripartite cooperation.

Implications and Impact

The IsDB’s active participation in UNGA and the Summit of the Future highlights its growing influence in shaping global development policies. By aligning with the UN and other MDBs, the IsDB aims to leverage collective resources and expertise to address pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. This collaboration is expected to yield more effective and sustainable development outcomes, particularly in IsDB member countries.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia, as a founding member and key shareholder of the IsDB, supports the bank’s mission to promote comprehensive development. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 emphasizes international cooperation and sustainable development, aligning with the IsDB’s objectives. Through such participation, Saudi Arabia reinforces its commitment to global partnerships and its role as a responsible international actor.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the IsDB’s status at the United Nations?

A1. The IsDB holds permanent observer status at the United Nations, allowing it to participate in UNGA meetings and contribute to global development discussions. This status reflects its role as a key multilateral development institution.

Q2. Who is leading the IsDB delegation to the UNGA meetings?

A2. The delegation is led by Dr. Issa Faye, Director General of Global Practice and Partnership at the IsDB. He is accompanied by other senior officials, including Vice President Dr. Zamir Iqbal.

Q3. What is the theme of the 79th UNGA?

A3. The theme is ‘Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.’ It emphasizes inclusive and collaborative global action.

Q4. When are the UNGA meetings taking place?

A4. The meetings are being held from September 19 to 27, 2024, at the UN headquarters in New York City. They coincide with the Summit of the Future.

Q5. Who will represent the IsDB at the UN Secretary-General’s meeting with MDB heads?

A5. Dr. Zamir Iqbal, Vice President of the IsDB, will represent IsDB President Dr. Mohammed Al-Jasser. This meeting aims to align UN and MDB efforts on the SDGs.

Q6. What is the Summit of the Future?

A6. The Summit of the Future is a high-level UN event held on the sidelines of UNGA. It seeks to forge a new global consensus on development and governance for present and future generations.

Q7. What are the main objectives of the IsDB’s participation?

A7. The IsDB aims to enhance its global standing, engage with strategic development partners, and support efforts to achieve the SDGs in member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries.

Q8. What is the Global Advocacy Dialogue Series?

A8. It is a joint initiative by the IsDB and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation. The second edition will explore development trends and economic partnerships, focusing on South-South and tripartite cooperation.

Q9. How does the IsDB contribute to the SDGs?

A9. The IsDB finances development projects, provides technical assistance, and fosters partnerships to promote sustainable economic growth and social progress in its member countries and beyond.

Q10. What is the significance of South-South cooperation?

A10. South-South cooperation refers to collaboration among developing countries to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. It is vital for addressing common challenges and achieving sustainable development.

Q11. How does the IsDB engage with non-member countries?

A11. The IsDB supports Muslim communities in non-member countries through development projects and partnerships, fostering inclusivity and aligning with its mission of comprehensive development.

Q12. What role does Saudi Arabia play in the IsDB?

A12. Saudi Arabia is a founding member and a major shareholder of the IsDB. The Kingdom actively supports the bank’s initiatives and aligns them with its Vision 2030 goals.

Q13. What are the expected outcomes of the UNGA meetings for the IsDB?

A13. The IsDB expects to strengthen partnerships, enhance its global influence, and secure commitments for development projects. It also aims to align its strategies with global development priorities.

Q14. How does the IsDB’s participation align with Vision 2030?

A14. Vision 2030 emphasizes international cooperation and sustainable development. The IsDB’s efforts to promote global partnerships and SDGs are in line with these objectives.

Q15. What are multilateral development banks (MDBs)?

A15. MDBs are international financial institutions that provide financing and technical assistance for development projects. They include the World Bank, IsDB, and others.

Q16. How does the IsDB collaborate with the UN?

A16. The IsDB works with various UN agencies on development initiatives, sharing expertise and resources to achieve common goals like poverty reduction and sustainable growth.

Q17. What is the importance of the UNGA for global development?

A17. The UNGA provides a platform for countries to discuss and coordinate on global issues, set development agendas, and foster international cooperation for peace and prosperity.

Q18. What are tripartite cooperation efforts mentioned by the IsDB?

A18. Tripartite cooperation involves partnerships between three parties, typically involving developed countries, developing countries, and international organizations, to promote development.

Q19. How does the IsDB support Muslim communities in non-member countries?

A19. The IsDB provides funding for education, health, and infrastructure projects in these communities, aiming to improve living standards and foster sustainable development.

Q20. What is the IsDB’s vision for future global engagement?

A20. The IsDB aims to expand its role as a leading development institution, fostering partnerships and innovative solutions to address global challenges and promote prosperity in its member countries.

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