OIC Secretary-General Taha leads ICECS meeting, discusses global challenges, economic strains

Amid a backdrop of rising global conflicts and economic downturns, H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), inaugurated the 46th Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs (ICECS).

In his opening remarks, Mr. Taha underscored the critical need for collaboration and cultural exchange among OIC Member States to navigate these turbulent times.

Highlighting the OIC’s commitment to fostering mutual cooperation, Mr. Taha announced ongoing efforts to organize joint cultural events and multidisciplinary festivals. These initiatives aim to celebrate and promote the rich cultural diversity within the Muslim world, serving as a beacon of unity and resilience.

The Secretary-General also set the stage for the upcoming 50th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), scheduled to be held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on 29-30 August 2024. This pivotal gathering will further address the pressing issues faced by OIC Member States.

On the economic front, Mr. Taha emphasized the significance of the newly inaugurated OIC Labour Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan. This center is poised to provide OIC-wide solutions to development challenges through workforce empowerment. He also highlighted the inaugural session of the General Assembly of the Islamic Forum for Halal Accreditation Bodies (IFHAB), held in Makkah Al-Mukarramah in November 2023, marking a milestone in the standardization of halal practices.

Addressing broader challenges, Mr. Taha stressed the importance of tackling issues in science, technology, innovation, higher education, health, and the environment. He noted that climate change, energy scarcity, and ongoing threats from diseases and pandemics demand a unified approach.

In this context, he welcomed Azerbaijan’s offer to host the 3rd OIC Summit on Science and Technology, which would serve as a platform for reviewing collective progress in these critical fields.

In the realm of social development, women’s empowerment, and gender justice, Mr. Taha commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the International Conference on Women in Islam: Status and Empowerment. This conference underscored the rights and responsibilities of women in Islam, aligning with the OIC’s broader goals of social justice and equality.

Concluding his address, Mr. Taha praised the continued collaboration between OIC institutions and the General Secretariat. He acknowledged the Annual Coordination Meeting of OIC Institutions (ACMOI) and its thematic committees for their vital role in advancing the organization’s objectives across social, economic, cultural, scientific, technological, educational, health, and environmental domains.

As the ICECS meeting progresses, the OIC’s commitment to addressing global challenges through cooperation and innovation remains unwavering, guided by the visionary leadership of Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha.