Istanbul : A major consultative workshop was held recently here for two days in Turkey on IsDB’s policy of engagement with the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in different member countries.

A joint effort by IsDB and SESRIC and partners in collaboration with IsDB Group Regional Hub Turkey, the event was held on the sidelines of the workshop on “enhancing humanitarian response and resilience through civil society organizations in OIC member states.” A host of experts and professionals attended the consultative seminar including those from Jordan, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Somalia, the OIC, SESRIC, IsDB, UNDP, UNHCR, IITA, Turkish Red Crescent, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, Save the Children, IFRC in Africa, IHH, Doctors Worldwide Turkey, and Islamic Relief Worldwide.

The consultative workshop came in line with the Global Agenda 2030 as the IsDB remains at the forefront of addressing diverse challenges faced by its member countries in various economic and social sectors.

Since the 10-Year Strategy of the Bank calls for inclusive social development and more participation of NGOs / CSOs in IsDB development interventions, IsDB has embarked on the preparation of a CSOs engagement policy to provide guidance on its interventions with CSOs among other things NGOs, community groups, foundations, and think tanks. The policy aims first, to create a framework of dialogue, consultation and partnership with CSOs in order to foster the sharing of knowledge and experiences; and improve the direct assistance to local communities in member countries and or Muslim communities in non-member countries through CSOs.

A policy study has also been commissioned to take stock of the internal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in relation to the Bank’s capability to engage with civil society across all its operations. Moreover, a review and assessment exercise of other Multilateral Development Banks’ engagement with CSOs has been carried out to benchmark the policy with the involvement of similar organizations.

—SM/UNA-OIC