The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) marked its 50th anniversary on October 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C., celebrating five decades of South-South collaborative efforts in sustainable development.
Established in 1975, the ACG comprises ten Arab and international development institutions, including the OPEC Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Qatar Fund for Development. Together, they have provided over 13,000 development loans to more than 160 countries, promoting shared prosperity and resilience.
On behalf of ACG members, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group, said: “This 50th anniversary is more than a milestone; it is a turning point. As the global development architecture evolves, the world is calling on development institutions to be bigger, better, and bolder. The Arab Coordination Group is answering that call. We are forging a shared vision to guide our collective action for decades ahead.”
In a special video message, UNOSSC Director Dima Al-Khatib commended the ACG for its Southern-led approach to development: “The Arab Coordination Group has been a cornerstone of Southern-led approaches. Since 1975, ACG members have improved millions of lives across more than 160 countries – supporting countries in responding to crises, building long-term resilience, and advancing development priorities rooted in local contexts.” The director highlighted the Group’s concrete contributions: “From the US$10 billion mobilized for COVID-19 response and recovery, to the US$50 billion pledged for Africa, and the US$24 billion climate finance commitment through 2030 announced at COP27, the Arab Coordination Group’s work stands as a living example of South-South solidarity in action.” She also emphasized the partnership between UNOSSC and ACG: “Together, we are elevating the voices of countries in need, facilitating knowledge exchange, building institutional capacities, and mobilizing resources – all to ensure that development solutions from the Global South reach those who need them most.”
Looking ahead, the ACG aims to address emerging global challenges by focusing on climate resilience, digital transformation, and inclusive growth, ensuring its continued impact in the coming decades (africa24tv.com).
For more information on the ACG’s initiatives and future plans, visit www.theacg.org
Read The ACG at 50: Celebrating Half a Century of Transformative Impact and Global Collaboration
