Lahore (TDI): The Government of Pakistan hosted the Second Informal Retreat of D-8 Commissioners in Lahore on February 5–6, 2026, as part of preparations for the upcoming 12th D-8 Summit.
The retreat brought together commissioners and representatives from all D-8 member states, offering an informal platform to exchange views on organizational matters, institutional priorities and ways to strengthen cooperation within the D-8 framework. The meeting followed the first informal retreat held in Baku in October 2025 and built upon discussions carried out by the Reform Committee and during the 50th D-8 Commission Meeting in Cairo in December 2025.
Deliberations focused on enhancing the institutional capacity of the D-8 Secretariat, improving its operational effectiveness and ensuring the availability of adequate human and financial resources to support the organization’s mandate. Participants also reviewed progress on preparations for the 12th D-8 Summit and its related meetings, scheduled to take place in Indonesia from April 12 to 15, 2026.
The retreat marked the first participation of Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, 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 gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for hosting the retreat. He praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan’s D-8 Commissioner for the arrangements and hospitality extended to participants.
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Special appreciation was also conveyed to the Government of Punjab for its support and for organizing activities that introduced delegates to Lahore’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Delegates noted the city’s vibrant cultural atmosphere, including the Basant festival, which coincided with the retreat.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized the importance of collective efforts in advancing the D-8’s organizational and substantive agenda, highlighting the role of leaders, ministers and commissioners in this process. He stressed the need to enhance the organization’s visibility, efficiency and effectiveness in the face of evolving global geopolitical and geo-economic challenges, while underscoring the principles of transparency and accountability in the Secretariat’s work.
On preparations for the 12th D-8 Summit, the Indonesian delegation briefed participants on the ongoing arrangements. The summit will be held under the theme “Navigating Global Shifts: Strengthening Equality, Solidarity and Cooperation for Shared Prosperity.”
The leaders’ meeting on April 15 will be preceded by sessions of the Council of Ministers and the D-8 Commission, along with side events including a Business Forum and a Halal Expo. The summit is expected to provide strategic direction and endorse key institutional decisions for the organization’s future.
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The retreat concluded with a reaffirmation of shared commitment to constructive dialogue, consensus-building and coordinated efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure a successful D-8 Summit in April 2026.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
