D8 calls for peace, democracy
23 November, 2012
ISLAMABAD: Heads of state and governments of Developing Eight countries (D8) here on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to peace, democracy, progress, dialogue, solidarity, tolerance, and moderation as the core values and foundation for achieving economic prosperity and well-being of our peoples.
The 35-point Islamabad Declaration issued on the occasion states: Heads of state and government of People's Republic of Bangladesh, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Republic of Turkey met in Islamabad on 22nd day of November 2012, for the Eighth Summit of the Developing Eight Countries (D8). We reaffirm our commitment to the goals and objectives of the D8, including previous Summit Declarations.
Further reaffirm our commitment to peace, democracy, progress, dialogue, solidarity, tolerance, and moderation as the core values and foundation for achieving economic prosperity and well-being of our peoples. We reiterate the importance of consultation, coordination and joint efforts in economic and trade relations among our members and commit ourselves to the realisation of a just and equitable international economic system based on the principle of sustainable and inclusive development that take into account the profound impact of climate change.
We underscore the adoption of D8 Charter in Islamabad as a turning point for the organisation. On the occasion of the 15th Anniversary, the adoption of the Global Vision, collectively takes us on a new path of cooperation after we have concluded our mutually beneficial cooperation from Istanbul to Islamabad. We are confident that the principles and objectives enunciated in the D8 Charter will improve interaction and foster closer cooperation in economic relations among member states. We therefore pledge to work in solidarity to confront common challenges faced by the D8 community, especially achieving food security, mitigating the impact of natural disasters and countering all forms of extremism, which undermine economic progress and negatively affect the livelihood of our peoples.
We note the continuing difficulties faced by the global economy, particularly in Eurozone area, and the impact of the economic and financial crisis which still overshadows the ability of the developing countries to achieve their growth potentials. We underscore the need for better coordination and close engagement between G20 and D8. We take note with concern of the consequences of the coercive economic measures on the livelihood of the people.
Recognising the uncertain prospects for rapid and sustainable global economic recovery and growth, we resolve to further strengthen intra-D8 cooperation to counter the adverse fall-out of the economic crisis. Likewise, we renew our strong faith in multilateralism, in particular under the United Nations system. Accordingly, we commit our nations to active participation, effective coordination and cooperation with all regional and international multilateral institutions to maximise the realisation of our common interests, as well as those of the Global South.
We are mindful of the impact of globalisation and its effects on our societies. To address these challenges, we pledge to pursue national development through inclusiveness, dialogue, and democratic values, particularly by promoting social justice, good governance and empowerment of women. We commit ourselves to creating a level playing field for all segments of the society, in particular for the youth to learn modern skills to become active participants in the emerging knowledge-based economy and the information society. We emphasise the need for scientific and technological cooperation and the development of joint industrial projects and sharing of engineering and management knowledge, with D8 Centers of Excellence at the forefront of this collaborative effort.
We recognise the facilitating role of the government as catalyst of economic and trade cooperation and underline the importance of achieving intra-D8 investment and trade targets through greater cooperation in these areas. Accordingly, we direct the Commission and the Council to explore, in consultation with national investment and trade promotion agencies, D8 Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Business Forums, strategies and plans for increasing D8 trade and investment levels at the next summit.
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