By 
By Godfrey Olukya
The President of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Dr Ahmed Mohamed Ali
has chaired the first meeting of a body of 13 global experts to be
known as the President’s Advisory Panel (PAP). The role of the members
of the panel is to advise the IDB on how to tackle economic and
development challenges.
According to a statement issued by Islamic development bank, Dr Ahmad
Ali stated that the advisory panel brings reputable statesmen and
women, who have amassed experience in different sectors of the economy
and international development, to advice in steering the IDB towards
making greater impact to both its member countries and Muslim
communities in non-member countries.
“As we have our first meeting today in Jeddah, I have full confidence
in your ability to discharge this important responsibility. You have
managed nations and institutions, you have excelled with distinction
in the private and public sector, and you have won the highest honors
in the world. The IDB is optimistic that with this kind of experience
and expertise, you would come up with ideas that will help us confront
the challenges of the 21st century”, Dr Ahmad Ali told the 10 members
of the Advisory Panel who attended the inaugural session.
“We have to be proud that IDB has AAA rating. I congratulate the
President and his staff. Since we have been successful in the last 40
years, the expectation will also be high. But I believe that IDB is
well positioned to deliver what is expected from it”, said Dr Abdullah
Gul, former President of Turkey during his address at the inaugural
session.
In his remarks, the former President of Indonesia, Dr Bacharuddin
Jusuf Habibie, emphasized the need to focus on science & technology,
and the development of human resources in order to achieve meaningful
development.
Members of the Advisory Panel are: Excellency Prof. Dr. -Ing. Dr. Sc.
H. Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie (Former President of Indonesia),.
Abdullah Gul (Former President of Turkey), Dr. Jobarah Al-Suraisry,
(Former Transport Minister, KSA), Madam Aïcha Bah Diallo ( former
Minister of Education Guinea-Conakry), Madam Bintou Sanogoh (Former
Minister of Finance Burkina Faso), Dr. Jacques Diouf (Former Director
General, Food & Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Saleh Abdullah Kamel
(Chairman, General Council of Islamic Banks),. Mr. Abdul Aziz Al-Zaabi
(Member, Federal National Council, UAE), Dr. Surin Abdul Halim
Pitsuwan (Former Foreign Minister, Thailand),Dr. Ishrat Husain (Former
Governor, State Bank of Pakistan),proffesor . Abbas Mirakhor (First
holder of INCIEF Chair of Islamic Finance) and professor Muhammad
Yunus (Nobel Laureate and founder Grameen Bank)
Dr Ahmad Ali finally stated that IDB is working on developing a 10
year strategic framework aimed at maximizing the impact of the bank in
addressing key global challenges, he explained that the input of the
members of the President’s Advisory Panel will be crucial for the IDB
Group.
END