OIC Bodies Discuss Issues Facing The Muslim Ummah

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held its 4th Annual Coordination Meeting at its headquarters in Jeddah on Monday and Tuesday, focusing on the critical challenges confronting the Muslim world. This high-level assembly brought together officials from key OIC-affiliated bodies, including the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), and the Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) based in Ankara, Turkey. The Islamic Committee of the International Crescent in Benghazi, Libya, also participated, underscoring the OIC’s commitment to addressing a wide range of issues affecting its member states.

The meeting commenced with an in-depth review of a comprehensive report from the OIC’s Humanitarian Affairs Committee. This report evaluated the progress of action plans from the previous year, covering critical areas such as political, economic, social, and human rights issues across the OIC member states. It highlighted significant achievements from 2017, including successful humanitarian missions, economic development initiatives, and diplomatic efforts that have bolstered the OIC’s role on the global stage. The report also outlined strategic plans for 2019, setting ambitious goals for the organization, particularly in areas that require urgent attention such as poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare.

One of the key topics of discussion was the launch of SESRIC’s new e-portal, a cutting-edge platform designed to improve access to information across OIC institutions. This e-portal will be fully integrated with the OIC’s digital department, significantly enhancing data accessibility and coordination among member organizations. The platform is expected to streamline the sharing of vital information, enabling more efficient decision-making and fostering greater transparency within the OIC’s operations.

The meeting also placed a strong emphasis on advancing Islamic social finance, including zakat (alms) and charitable donations, as powerful tools for social and economic development. Recommendations were put forward for the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) to develop innovative strategies that could enhance these financial instruments, ensuring they are effectively utilized to address poverty, inequality, and other pressing social issues within the Muslim world. Additionally, participants agreed to hold a joint session focused on the implementation of humanitarian goals under the OIC’s 2025 program. This session will address critical issues such as the refugee crisis and provide targeted support for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, women, and children, who are often the most affected by conflicts and natural disasters.

In her remarks, Mahla Talibna, General Director of Social, Cultural, and Family Affairs at the OIC, stressed the importance of establishing a dedicated department for social affairs. This department will be tasked with addressing social challenges comprehensively, ensuring a more structured and coordinated approach to tackling issues such as unemployment, education, healthcare, and social justice across the OIC member states. Talibna emphasized that this initiative is crucial for ensuring that the OIC remains responsive to the evolving needs of its diverse member states, particularly in addressing the root causes of social instability.

All OIC institutions are expected to submit detailed progress reports by January 2019, providing an update on the implementation of the recommendations from the meeting. OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousuf bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen will oversee a follow-up meeting in March 2019 to review the progress and ensure that the OIC remains on track to achieve its strategic objectives. In addition, emergency meetings are planned to be held at SESRIC in Ankara, bringing together high-profile officials from influential global centers. These meetings aim to address urgent matters, such as escalating conflicts or natural disasters, and foster collaborative solutions that can be quickly implemented to mitigate the impact on affected populations.

Through these initiatives, the OIC continues to strengthen its role as a pivotal organization in promoting peace, stability, and development in the Muslim world, addressing the most pressing challenges faced by its member states with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning.