The B57+ Business Leaders' Summit 2026 concluded in Istanbul, Turkiye, bringing together senior institutional leaders, policymakers, investors, and business representatives to advance economic cooperation and explore new opportunities for investment across OIC economies and the wider Global South. Held under the theme "The Great Convergence: Catalysing OIC Capital for Global South Resilience", the Summit was organised by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), in collaboration with the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkiye (TOBB).
With the strategic partnership of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Arbitration Centre (OIC-AC), Saleh Kamel Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development Organisation (SKSEED), Maida Nazir Organisation for Women's Economic Empowerment, the Islamic Chamber Holding Company (ICCD Holding), and the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), this landmark event focused on translating shared economic priorities into strategic partnerships, robust investment linkages, and tangible initiatives.
Over two productive days, the Summit hosted a dynamic program of strategic roundtables, high-level panel discussions, networking engagements, and partnership-building opportunities, culminating in the Business Leaders Gala Dinner, which was attended by İbrahim Şenel, President of Strategy and Budget at the Presidency of the Republic of Turkiye.
Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkiye, also attended the event, highlighting the government's strong support for expanding cross-border trade and fostering an enabling environment for private sector growth.
During his keynote speech, he underscored the transformative power of unifying our collective economic and intellectual resources to drive progress. He stated: "If we can bring together our capital, production capacity, technology, and human resources in pursuit of common objectives, we will not only enhance the resilience of our own economies but also make a stronger contribution to the sustainable development of the Global South."
Setting out the strategic vision behind the B57+ Business Leaders' Summit, Abdullah Saleh Kamel, President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), highlighted the role of ICCD in connecting business communities and the importance of mobilising capital for sustainable economic cooperation.
The summit served as a platform for delegates to discuss the challenges of global economic volatility and the necessity of creating a unified financial framework. By leveraging the collective strength of the OIC member states, the participants aimed to create a roadmap for future growth that prioritizes innovation and inclusivity.
Furthermore, the event emphasized the role of women in the economy, with specific sessions dedicated to the Maida Nazir Organisation for Women's Economic Empowerment. These discussions focused on removing systemic barriers and providing the necessary tools for female entrepreneurs to thrive in the modern market.
As the summit concluded, a joint declaration was issued, reaffirming the commitment of the participating nations to enhance intra-OIC trade and investment. The delegates agreed to establish a follow-up mechanism to monitor the progress of the initiatives launched during the event.
The B57+ Business Leaders' Summit 2026 is expected to have a lasting impact on the economic landscape of the Global South, setting a precedent for future collaborations and ensuring that the OIC remains a pivotal player in the global economy.