“According to the 2026 data of the IsDB Resilience Index, unfortunately, 32 of our 57 member countries are either in a vulnerable or risky situation.”
elchi reports that this was stated by Rami Mahmoud Ahmad, Vice President for Operations of the Islamic Development Bank Group, at the “Islamic Development Bank Resilience Dialogue 2026: High-Level Panel Session” held within the framework of the Islamic Development Bank Annual Meetings in Baku.
According to him, it is projected that approximately 400 million people in these countries will live in extreme poverty over the next decade: “These figures are quite alarming, but our faith also teaches us the importance of patience and resilience. The impact of fragility on people and development processes is clearly visible in various regions. In the Sahel region, particularly in Chad, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, conflicts, climate shocks, and food shortages are increasing migration and deepening vulnerability. The crisis in Syria, which has lasted for more than a decade, has set back development achievements, displaced more than half of the population, and left millions dependent on poverty and humanitarian aid.”
He noted that recurring droughts and food security problems in some parts of Africa pose serious risks to life and livelihoods: “At the same time, recent events in the Middle East show how quickly external shocks can cross borders and affect vulnerable economies. 27 of our member countries are the least developed countries, and these uncertainties further strain their limited resources. For this reason, investing in resilience is even more critical.”
He added that these crises are not isolated events, but interconnected problems: “They know no borders, increase vulnerability, and weaken development achievements. Therefore, a coordinated, sustainable, and large-scale response that encompasses humanitarian, development, and peace aspects is required. Taking this reality into account, the Islamic Development Bank has made resilience a core pillar of its operations. Over the last 5 years, together with partners, more than 10 million people affected by fragility, conflict, and natural disasters have been supported.”