BAKU, Republic of Azerbaijan, 05 May 2026 - H.E. Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy and IsDB Governor for the Republic of Azerbaijan, together with H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, today announced ‘Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity’ as the official theme of the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings.

The 51st IsDB Group Annual Meetings will take place in the historic city of Baku from 16 to 19 June 2026, providing a leading global platform for development dialogue. The event is expected to welcome more than 2,000 participants, including ministers of finance, economy, and planning; central bank governors; senior officials from global financial institutions; private sector executives; and representatives of international organizations.

The theme is timely as the global economy faces significant disruptions–from geopolitical fragmentation and climate shocks to supply chain volatility. With foreign direct investment and official development assistance under mounting pressure, “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity” aligns with the IsDB Group Ten-Year Strategic Framework (2026-2035) and highlights regional cooperation as a key driver of resilient, long-term growth. By strengthening economic, social, and infrastructure linkages, the Annual Meetings will explore pathways to more shock-resistant development and inclusive prosperity across member countries.

H.E. Mikayil Jabbarov highlighted Azerbaijan’s commitment to deeper regional economic connectivity and to leveraging its economic potential to advance trade, investment, and supply chain integration.

By implementing economic reforms and diversification policies, improving business climate, strengthening transit and logistics infrastructure, Azerbaijan aims to support private sector, create new opportunities for businesses and investors, and promote sustainable growth.

He noted that the country remains focused on enhancing its competitiveness, advancing digital economy, AI-driven solutions, accelerating green growth in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.

Minister emphasized that as a leading multilateral development institution, the IsDB has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to fostering development, resilience, and sustainable growth in challenging environments, especially supporting the IDPs. The Bank's efforts in Azerbaijan stand as a testament to this commitment, with a remarkable portfolio of projects aimed at improving the lives of citizens and rebuilding communities. Notably, the IsDB was the first international financial institution to implement a project in the liberated territories, underscoring its pioneering role in post-conflict reconstruction.

This collaboration between Azerbaijan and the Islamic Development Bank has already seen positive strides, and the upcoming second project in the liberated territories promises to further enhance infrastructure,  agriculture, and creating new opportunities for displaced families to return to their homes and livelihoods.

H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser underscored that the theme reflects the IsDB Group’s commitment to fostering collaboration and sustainable growth, reaffirming regional integration as a cornerstone of development in an increasingly interconnected world.

“Regional integration is a powerful catalyst for prosperity,” said H.E. Dr. Al Jasser. “As the IsDB Group implements its new Ten-Year Strategic Framework, we will deepen economic cooperation and accelerate intra-OIC cross-border infrastructure, ensuring integrated regions are better prepared to navigate global challenges and improve the well-being of their communities.”

The four-day program will feature the IsDB Group Governors’ Dialogue, the flagship Private Sector Forum, and a series of high-level sessions. The Meetings will also include the launch of key development reports and side events aimed at forging strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources for regional impact.

Media & Participation:

Participants and partners are invited to follow the road to Baku and join the global conversation on the official IsDB Group social media channels using the hashtag #2026IsDBGroupAMs.

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About the Republic of Azerbaijan

Macroeconomic stability, diversified economic growth, strategic location, and skilled workforce enhance Azerbaijan’s attractiveness. Non-oil and gas sector is the main driver of growth, recording an average annual GDP growth of about 6% between 2021 and 2025.

Azerbaijan has a favorable business climate, reflected in the upgrade of its sovereign credit rating to investment grade by Fitch and Moody’s. Azerbaijan is strategically located at the crossroads of major international transport routes and has become an important hub for regional connectivity. Through the Middle Corridor, cargo volumes have increased considerably, demonstrating the growing strength of Azerbaijan’s transit and logistics infrastructure. Building on this connectivity, Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ), located next to the Port of Baku, offers a competitive environment for export-oriented production, supported by key incentives and the ability to repatriate earnings.

Azerbaijan is taking measures to improve economic competitiveness, accelerate digital transformation, and promote innovation-based development.

Azerbaijan is a reliable partner in ensuring regional and international energy security, linking the Caspian region with global markets through a diversified energy infrastructure and by actively promoting green energy development.

The engagement of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group with Azerbaijan is guided by the 2024–2026 Country Engagement Framework (CEF), which aligns with “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” to support sustainable, inclusive, and private sector–led growth.

About the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group

Rated AAA by the world’s major rating agencies, the Islamic Development Bank is the pioneering multilateral development bank (MDB) of the Global South, working for over 50 years to improve the lives of the people and communities it serves by delivering impact at scale. The Bank brings together 57 Member Countries across four continents, touching the lives of nearly 1 in 4 of the world’s population. It is committed to addressing development challenges and promoting collaboration to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by equipping people to drive their own green economic and sustainable social progress, putting planet-friendly infrastructure in place, and enabling them to fulfill their potential. Headquartered in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, IsDB has 10 regional hubs and a center of excellence. Over the years, the Bank has evolved from a single entity into a group comprising: the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI); the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC); the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD); and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

Media Contact: media@isdb.org