Bangkok, Thailand, 16 October 2026 - H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, met with Mr. Alexander De Croo, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on the sidelines of the 2026 World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, to strengthen existing collaboration and explore new opportunities for cooperation.

The meeting focused on advancing the longstanding partnership between the two institutions, with particular emphasis on strengthening resilience and supporting recovery efforts in fragile and crisis-affected IsDB member countries. Both sides highlighted the importance of coordinated development interventions to address pressing challenges and promote sustainable development.

Discussions explored opportunities to deepen cooperation through the IsDB Response, Recovery and Resilience (3R) Facility, including expanding joint initiatives to support recovery efforts and mobilise additional development financing. The two institutions emphasised the importance of leveraging their complementary capabilities to enhance the effectiveness and impact of development interventions.

Digital transformation and innovation were also key areas of discussion. The two leaders explored opportunities to harness artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions to promote greater inclusion, strengthen development outcomes, and expand access to opportunities across IsDB member countries.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the IsDB Group and UNDP to strengthening their partnership, scaling up joint initiatives, and mobilising development resources to deliver sustainable development impact in an agreed set of priority IsDB member countries.