The Road to the SDGs

empowerment, integration, sustainability and benefit from Islamic social finance mechanisms such as Zakat, Sadaqa charity and Waqf. Back to the question about IsDB's role in helping MCs enhance the role of the non-profit sector. Since its inception, IsDB has been playing a distinctive role in developing the Waqf sector. As we are talking about achievements during the period 2017-2020, I find it necessary to shed light on what IsDB has achieved in this regard over the past five years. 1. I have already pointed out that the main objective of the P5P is to help MCs build a viable, diversified and resilient economy. Economic transformation and reform require strong public, private and third non-profit sectors. Integration between the three sectors is the P5P's contemplated added value. IsDB plays the role of a catalyst, enabler and connector for all three sectors. We have worked to implement this vision through a number of initiatives, the most important of which is to send this message clearly to the top authority in MCs. In my visits to MCs, I met with several governors (finance ministers) and heads of state, and briefed them on IsDB's various programmes, including development of the third non- profit sector. For example, during my visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan in September 2018, I had the honour of meeting the President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He shared his view of transforming the economy from a socialist to a market-based model and the programmes implemented to strengthen executive and legislative institutions and build and develop a strong private sector. He was personally following up on the implementation of these programmes. I mentioned to him the importance of building a Waqf sector that would complement the efforts of the government and the private sector. He welcomed the idea and a technical team was dispatched from IsDB to discuss the issue with officials in the relevant ministries in Uzbekistan. A financial assistance package was allocated to carry out necessary studies. In my visit to the Republic of Niger in January 2019, I had the honour of meeting its former President, H.E. Mr. Mahamadou Issoufou. During my audience with him, I [ 22 ]