The objective of the Forum was a review of the recent Progress in Development Finance in the world, examination of issues of interest to regional DFIs in development finance, future projected progress in development and its finance, poverty alleviation as well as recognition and appreciation of contribution made by the nationals of IDB member countries in development finance.

The Forum started with a registration session at 08.30 on 05.10.2010 and followed by an inauguration session at 09.30. The following persons made welcoming remarks:

• Mr. Nuri Birtek, Secretary General, ADFIMI
• Mr. Mehmet Emin Özcan, ADFIMI Chairman; Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Halkbank, Turkey
• Mr. Murat Yalçıntaş, President; Istanbul Chamber of Commerce; Mediterranean Chambers of Trade & Industry

Inaugurating the Forum, Mr. Yalçıntaş said that he represented 350.000 members of Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and that is why he would particularly commend the inclusion of a session on SME Finance. He thought that global financial crisis would cause not only economic systems to change but also the political systems. He valued his working days at the IDB in good memory and that he was indebted to Dr. Ali and IDB at large for the invaluable experience he gained at the IDB.

There were eight sessions in the Forum which ran in accordance with the enclosed Schedule.

Following seven issues were addressed in the Forum:

• The effect of global financial crisis on development finance
• Poverty alleviation: SME finance
• The role of finance centers in development finance
• Energy for sustainable development of IDB member countries
• Public-private partnership
• New frontiers and prospects for future development
• Islamic development finance; present status and future prospects

In addition, there was a talk delivered by H. E. Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, on his lifelong experience and achievements in financing development as the President of IDB. This session was chaired by Br. Burhan Göklemez, Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Turkey, on behalf of the Governor of the Central Bank of Turkey, H.E. Durmuş Yılmaz.

The participants had an opportunity to listen to the latest developments as well as an opportunity to meet the President.

At the end of the Forum, Dr. Cevdet Yılmaz, The Minister of State, Turkey presented the Certificate of Honourary Membership of ADFIMI to Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali. Before presenting the Certificate He congratulated the President on his outstanding achievement in forming and nurturing IDB to the world class development bank as it stood today.

The Forum ended with a cocktail dinner on 06.10.2010.

The Forum was co-sponsored by the following institutions:

Islamic Development Bank, Halkbank, Central Bank of Turkey, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Development Bank of Turkey, Industrial Development Bank of Turkey, İş Leasing.

Details of the sessions along with The speakers and moderators can be accessed from here.