ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, in partnership with the International Institute for Regional and International Studies (IIRIS), hosted a high-level academic discussion on March 11, 2026, to analyze the evolving role of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation. Held at the Indonesian Corner of the National Library of Pakistan, the session brought together diplomats and students from top-tier universities to explore Indonesia’s upcoming 2026–2027 Chairmanship and its strategy for navigating global economic shifts.

Empowering Youth in Multilateral Diplomacy

The event served as a bridge between Indonesian students from IIUI and Pakistani students from prestigious institutions, including Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), NDU, and NUML.

Mr. Shafqat Rasool, President of IIRIS, opened the session by emphasizing that academic dialogue is essential for strengthening the mutual understanding required to bolster the D-8’s influence in a fractured global economy.

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Strategic Collaboration: Pakistan and Indonesia

Keynote speaker Dr. M. Saeed Uzzaman (NUML) delivered a roadmap for "Reinvigorating the D-8," focusing specifically on the synergy between Pakistan and Indonesia. His projections for the bloc were ambitious:

Trade Growth: Potential to increase intra-D-8 trade to over $500 billion.
Economic Impact: A projected combined GDP of $8–10 trillion.
Job Creation: The potential to generate over 50 million new jobs across member states through improved maritime and digital connectivity.

The Power of Strategic Trade Routes

First Secretary Donny Ardiwidha highlighted the "geographical goldmine" held by D-8 nations. He noted that the bloc controls three of the world’s most vital maritime arteries:

The Strait of Malacca
The Suez Canal
The Bosphorus Strait

"D-8 is a small group with a big impact," Ardiwidha remarked, framing the organization as a potential stabilizing force in global trade competition.

Indonesia’s 2026-2027 Chairmanship Priorities

Coordinator Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma detailed Indonesia’s upcoming leadership theme: "Navigating Global Shifts: Strengthening Equality, Solidarity, and Cooperation for Shared Prosperity." Under Indonesia’s guidance, the D-8 will prioritize five pillars: Economic integration, the Halal economy, the Blue/Green transition, digital transformation, and institutional reform. Notably, Kusuma announced that the upcoming Summit will include a Special Session on Palestine, underscoring Indonesia’s commitment to humanitarian solidarity.

This forum marks the second in a three-part series regarding Indonesia’s D-8 Chairmanship. The final session is scheduled to take place following the Eid al-Fitr holidays, continuing the mission to engage academia and youth in international policy-making.