Global leaders convened in the city of Namangan for the 3rd International Poverty Reduction Forum, held under the patronage of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, to chart a collective course “From Poverty to Prosperity.” The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) President, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, joined ministers and development partners, using his opening address to frame poverty as a complex challenge demanding integrated solutions and stronger partnerships.
In his speech, Dr. Al Jasser underscored that meaningful progress is driven by visionary leadership and the power of collaboration. “At the Islamic Development Bank, we recognize that poverty is a deeply multidimensional challenge,” he stated. “It goes beyond insufficient income to encompass barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to financial services, and vulnerability to shocks.”
He outlined the IsDB’s new Strategic Framework (2026-35) as a critical tool for member countries, designed to leverage Islamic finance for prosperity. The framework prioritizes key areas including infrastructure, human capital development, and building resilience to food insecurity and climate change. Dr. Al Jasser emphasized that empowering country-driven strategies is essential for sustainable progress.
The IsDB President pointed to Uzbekistan’s own reform agenda as a powerful example of this principle in action. He commended the country’s Development Strategy 2030, which places poverty reduction and inclusive growth at the core of national policy. “Uzbekistan has shown how determined leadership and country-led reforms can transform aspirations into results,” he said.
Reaffirming the Bank’s commitment, Dr. Al Jasser highlighted the IsDB Group’s deepening partnership with Uzbekistan, which has seen $2.4 billion in new financing committed since 2022 under the Member Country Partnership Strategy.
The Forum serves as a platform for senior government officials, multilateral development banks, UN agencies, and the private sector to exchange solutions and forge stronger alliances. The IsDB’s participation reinforces its role as a ‘Development Maximiser,’ dedicated to mobilizing partnerships and providing solutions that build resilience and pave the way for sustainable prosperity across its 57 member countries.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
