STRONGER
TOGETHER

As you delve into this publication, you will better understand our unwavering commitment and courage, limitless energy and the resolve of a group of visionaries who laid the initial foundation for what has become a Triple-A rated financial institution. With 57 member countries, over US$194 billion in financing, and a reach that impacts the lives of over two billion people, IsDB has become more than a development institution. It is a catalyst for prosperity, a bridge to opportunity, and a symbol of what collective ambition can achieve.

To truly appreciate IsDB is to understand not just what we do – but what we stand for. The development of new capital – physical, financial, or human – is a tangible endeavour. It leads to new schools appearing in villages, and the provision of healthcare in a world-class hospital. People experience the benefit of transformative infrastructure in the form of clean water, or modern transport. They can hold the promise of prestigious and life-changing scholarships in their hands.

At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to development that changes lives – not through abstract policies, but through real, measurable progress that empowers individuals and communities. The visionaries who founded IsDB would be proud and delighted to witness the breadth of impact their foresight has made possible – achievements that continue to uplift nations, foster resilience, and shape a better future for millions.

However, in celebrating what is tangible, we should not lose sight of what we stand for: the value of solidarity and cooperation in achieving collective success far greater than individual efforts. IsDB with its member countries have proven time and again how solidarity and cooperation empower all of us to succeed in ways none of us could on our own. Together, we have shown that every member country, regardless of size and level of development, has experiences and skills of great value to contribute. With each initiative, partnership, and breakthrough, we reaffirm a fundamental truth: our collective success far exceeds the sum of individual efforts.

IsDB’s equally valuable intangible legacy, cultivated over time, is trust. This trust was not built overnight but earned through consistent actions. In times of crisis or major developmental challenges, member countries know they can rely on IsDB to mobilise quick and credible resources. IsDB has stood as a pillar of stability during the most difficult times, proving that trust is not just an ideal but a responsibility – one that we uphold even at the most critical moments.

For half a century, we have championed and embodied The Power of Together. It is indeed a bold assertion, but its unassailable truth is evident in the stories shared throughout this book. We remain steadfast in our commitment to sustaining The Power of Together as a fundamental part of our identity for many years to come, Insha’Allah.

H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser

President, Islamic Development Bank
Chairman, Board of Executive Directors

This book commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Islamic Development Bank – an institution unlike any other. For five decades, IsDB has stood as a beacon of solidarity, innovation, and progress for its member countries and beyond. The story of IsDB is one of transformation; not just of the communities it serves, but of the concept of development itself, rooted in Islamic principles and a shared commitment to human dignity.

This is a celebration of an extraordinary journey. It is a journey of transforming aspirations into achievements – one project, one community, and one partnership at a time. It’s about communities that thrive when they gain access to clean water. It’s about roads connecting remote villages to places of opportunity, and young people gaining access to education so that they can reach their potential. From large-scale infrastructure to grassroots initiatives, IsDB’s legacy is measured not only in dollars or physical metrics alone but in the millions of lives uplifted, empowered, and forever changed.

IsDB is unlike any other multilateral development bank. It is the only one whose entire membership consists of emerging and developing countries. An MDB by the south, for the south, in the south. This is both its foundation and its strength. The creation of IsDB is a testament to a shared vision: that cooperation among emerging and developing countries could unlock unparalleled opportunities for progress. The founders believed that development should be inclusive, equitable, and deeply rooted in the values of Islamic principles. This philosophy continues to guide IsDB’s work, ensuring that no country is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable growth.

Since its inception in the 1970s, IsDB has always aimed to do more than provide financing. Its essence lies in its role as a partner, facilitator, and enabler of development. Beyond financial support and addressing the immediate needs of our member countries, IsDB plays a pivotal role in empowering them to take ownership of their development journey, providing the tools, resources, and strategic guidance necessary for long-term resilience. This commitment has fostered innovation, built capacity, and created a legacy of South-South cooperation that few institutions can rival.

At its heart, IsDB is grounded in solidarity. Its establishment was anchored in the collective determination of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to create a bank that embodies the shared values and aspirations of its member countries. Today, that vision has evolved into a dynamic global development institution. Whether it is financing essential infrastructure, advancing Islamic finance, supporting education and health, or championing just transition, IsDB’s work is defined by its spirit of unity and cooperation.

IsDB is also a pioneer. Fifty years ago, the concept of Islamic finance was still an emerging concept; today, it is a thriving global industry, and the Bank has played a pivotal role in shaping its evolution. By demonstrating the power of Islamic financial principles in fostering long-term, ethical relationships, we have led the way in providing development solutions that align with the values of our member countries. Our pioneering approach has inspired confidence and collaboration, resulting in impactful initiatives that span trade, private sector development, and human capital growth.

This commitment to human capital development is at the core of IsDB’s philosophy. Education, capacity building, and knowledge transfer are the cornerstones of sustainable development. IsDB has channelled significant resources into these areas, recognising that people are the greatest asset of a nation. From scholarships that transform individual lives to Reverse Linkage programmes that empower countries to share expertise and know-how, IsDB has consistently focused on fostering the skills and knowledge needed for a brighter future.

The Bank’s reach extends beyond its member countries. Through its special assistance and community outreach programmes, it has supported Muslim communities in non-member countries, helping them access education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. These efforts reflect IsDB’s dedication to serving humanity. These programs are more than just financial interventions – they reflect IsDB’s unwavering commitment to equity and shared prosperity, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Over the decades, IsDB has continued to adapt, innovate, and evolve. It has built a family of specialised entities – the IsDB Group – to address the diverse needs of our member countries and the communities we serve, from private sector development and trade financing to Islamic research and poverty alleviation. Together, these entities form an ecosystem of solutions designed to tackle the complex challenges of development in the 21st century.

This book is more than just a retrospective – it is a celebration of what has been achieved and a glimpse into what lies ahead. Our story is one of resilience, adaptability, and enduring impact. It is a reminder that development is not just about economic growth. It encompasses dignity, opportunity, and shared prosperity – values that have guided IsDB’s mission for half a century.

As you read, we hope you are inspired by the stories of transformation and progress – stories of communities empowered, barriers removed, and futures reimagined. Whether you are a long-standing partner or a curious newcomer, this is an invitation to be part of something greater in building a future defined by unity, innovation, and hope. IsDB’s journey is far from over. Together, we can achieve even greater milestones in the decades to come.