The MDF is an inclusive forum that brings together bilateral, multilateral organizations, civil society, academe, media and the private sector, Congress, among others, etc, for discussing and addressing priority development issues in Mindanao; a dialogue mechanism between the Government of the Philippines and international development cooperation agencies (ODA) on development policies, assistance strategies, aid effectiveness and programs coordination in Mindanao. 

The MDF2023 was co-organized by the Mindanao Development Authority, the European Union, USAID, Australian Government, UNDP Philippines, and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)​​​​​​​.