BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 18. Chairman of the
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al
Jasser has expressed gratitude to President of Azerbaijan Ilham
Aliyev and the Azerbaijani people.


“I’d like to reiterate my profound appreciation to Your
Excellency, Mr. President, for your kind patronage of our meetings
and to the government and people of Azerbaijan for the gracious
hospitality and warm welcome,” he said, addressing the IsDB Group
Annual Meetings in Baku.


Further speaking about the IsDB Group’s achievements, Al Jasser
pointed out that the Group has more than doubled its annual
approvals from $6.8 billion in 2020 to nearly $16 billion in 2025,
while accelerating disbursements from $7.1 billion to $11
billion.


“Yet, as you know, development is not measured solely by the
billions of dollars invested. Its truest measure lies in the lives
transformed and the hope rekindled. Over the past five years, my
colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to enhance the relevance of
the ISDB group to our member countries, reinforcing institutional
governance and safeguarding the group's long-term sustainability.
We realigned the previous strategy, revitalized our partnerships,
and strengthened the position of the Islamic Development Bank Group
among the world's leading multilateral development banks. We also
launched a 10-year strategic framework for the period 2026-2035,
anchored in originality, solidarity, and intergenerational
prosperity. That long-term vision is now being translated into
concrete action through the new five-year corporate strategies for
the bank as well as for the group affiliates. These strategies set
an ambitious course for the years 2026-2030. Their implementation
will begin as soon as we conclude these meetings,” he added.


Al Jasser also highlighted the importance of the ISDB
Concessional Fund, which is already operational and supporting a
new generation of high-impact projects and helping vulnerable
countries address pressing development challenges.


“Our approach will be guided by nationally-led solutions with
investments aligned with the priorities and development aspirations
of our member countries. Our direction is clear. Deliver at scale,
deliver with excellence, and deliver as one unified group. But no
institution, no matter how strong its vision or strategy, can
deliver meaningful impact without the dedication of the people who
carry its mission forward every day. In a world marked by
uncertainty, fragmentation, and rising vulnerabilities, solidarity
is no longer a choice. It is an imperative,” he said.