Enabel and Islamic Development Bank sign strategic Memorandum of Understanding

Baku, Azerbaijan, 19 June 2026 – Enabel, the Belgian agency for international cooperation, and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking an important step towards stronger collaboration in support of sustainable development in IsDB member countries.

Signed on the margins of the IsDB Group Annual Meeting in Baku, the MoU establishes a non-binding framework for cooperation. It enables both institutions to jointly design and implement projects, exchange knowledge, and foster partnerships aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to promoting inclusive growth, resilience, and innovation in countries facing complex development challenges.

At the signing ceremony, Mr Jean Van Wetter, CEO of Enabel, and Dr Rami Ahmad, Vice President Operations of IsDB, both highlighted the strong alignment between Enabel’s approach to international cooperation and IsDB’s Strategic Framework 2026–2035, particularly in areas such as climate resilience, digital transformation, youth empowerment, and sustainable infrastructure.

“At Enabel, we believe the future of international cooperation lies in strong partnerships that connect public and private actors, local knowledge and global expertise. This first partnership of its kind between Enabel and a multilateral development bank opens a new chapter in how we work. Our agreement with the Islamic Development Bank enables us to co-create solutions that strengthen resilience, unlock opportunities for young people, and accelerate sustainable transformation,” said Jean Van Wetter, CEO of Enabel.

Dr. Rami Ahmad, Vice President Operations of IsDB, echoed the sentiment: “Through this partnership, IsDB and Enabel are expected to support IsDB member countries by designing innovative and practical development solutions in priority areas such as building resilience, digital transformation, and youth and women empowerment. Together, we can translate shared development ambitions into tangible results, particularly in fragile and vulnerable contexts where integrated joint approaches are most needed.”

Under the MoU, Enabel and IsDB will collaborate across a range of priority sectors, including climate action, food systems, education, digital inclusion, and private sector development. The partnership will also support resilience-building in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, including through initiatives addressing the humanitarian–development–peace nexus.

Both institutions highlighted opportunities to co-create scalable solutions in their shared countries of operation, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Joint initiatives are expected to focus on climate-resilient infrastructure, water security, and digital public services, alongside efforts to expand youth skills development and employment opportunities.

Looking ahead, the two partners will further develop and operationalise a Joint Action Plan to translate this strategic framework into concrete initiatives, reinforcing their shared vision of partnership-driven international cooperation.

This agreement underscores the growing importance of multilateral cooperation and innovation in addressing global challenges and delivering tangible results.