ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 (APP): The second Informal Retreat of Commissioners of the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation concluded in Lahore, bringing together representatives from all member states to hold in-depth consultations on institutional reforms, organizational priorities and preparations for the 12th D-8 Summit scheduled to be held in Indonesia in April 2026.
Hosted by the Government of Pakistan on February 5–6, the Retreat provided a platform for informal exchanges on strengthening the Secretariat’s institutional capacity, enhancing operational efficiency and mobilizing the required human and material resources to effectively implement the organization’s mandate, said a press release received on Monday.
The meeting followed the precedent of the Commissioners’ first Informal Retreat held in Baku in October 2025 and built on the work accomplished in the Reform Committee deliberations as well as during the 50th Commission Meeting in Cairo in December 2025.
The meeting also marked the first participation of Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization, in a gathering of D-8 Commissioners since assuming office on January 1, 2026.
In his opening remarks, the Secretary-General welcomed all delegations and expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of Pakistan for hosting the Retreat. He also commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan’s D-8 Commissioner for the excellent arrangements, warm reception, and gracious hospitality extended to all participants.
Special appreciation was conveyed to the Government of Punjab for its support in holding the Retreat and for organizing an elaborate programme to acquaint the visiting delegates with multiple layers of historical and cultural traditions of Lahore. The delegates marveled at the city’s cultural vibrance, including the colourful Basant festival, which coincided with the Retreat dates.
The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of collective endeavours in advancing the D-8’s organizational and substantive agenda and the special role of the Leaders, Ministers, and Commissioners in this context. He underlined the need to strengthen efforts for D-8’s enhanced visibility and effectiveness D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation in the face of evolving global geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. The Secretary General further underscored the imperatives of efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the Secretariat’s work.
Regarding the 12th D-8 Summit in Jakarta, the Indonesian delegation provided a detailed briefing on the preparatory process. The thematic focus of the forthcoming Summit is: “Navigating Global Shifts:
Strengthening Equality, Solidarity and Cooperation for Shared Prosperity.” The Summit on 15 April 2026 will be preceded by the Council of Ministers and D-8 Commission meetings. The side events will include Business Forum and a Halal Expo. The Summit is expected to provide strategic direction and support major institutional decisions for the future course of the Organization.
The Informal Retreat concluded with reaffirmation of the shared commitment to constructive engagement,
consensus-building, and coordinated efforts to ensure timely steps to build institutional capacity as well
as a successful process for the D-8 Summit in April 2026.