Astana, 24 July 2024 - The 16th UN - OIC Biennial General Coordination Meeting concluded today with productive discussions and outcomes held across three key working groups from 22 – 24 July, including Cooperation on Political Issues, Cooperation on Economic/Scientific Issues, and Cooperation on Cultural, Social, and Humanitarian Issues.
Throughout the meeting, delegates engaged in comprehensive deliberations aimed at enhancing collaboration between the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on critical global challenges. Reports from the three working groups underscored progress and identified areas for future cooperation.
The closing remarks were delivered by Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), Mr. Khalid Khiari, Assistant Secretary General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations, and Dr. Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, Assistant Secretary General for Cultural, Social, and Humanitarian Affairs at the OIC. They emphasized the significance of the meeting in strengthening ties and fostering joint initiatives.
During the closing session, the sides approved the Matrix and Final Report, outlining the agreed-upon actions and strategies to advance cooperation across the outlined sectors. Both documents, however, would still be reviewed by all relevant UN and OIC Agencies for ensuring commitment and effective implementation by all concerned.
It is important to note that both UN and OIC representatives were unanimous in expressing gratitude to the IOFS for hosting the meeting, underscoring its pivotal role in facilitating dialogue and collaboration between the two Organizations.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the IOFS Director General, held bilateral exchanges with Her Excellency Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby, Executive Director of the OIC Women Development Organization (WDO), and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), with whom discussions revolved around avenues for enhanced cooperation and partnership in respective areas of mutual interest, particularly in the context of the agreed activities with the framework of the Annual Coordination Meeting of OIC Institutions (ACMOI).
The successful conclusion of the 16th UN - OIC Biennial General Coordination Meeting marks a milestone in international cooperation, setting the stage for continued partnership and collective action on global challenges, as well as catapulting the IOFS as an engaged and collaborative partner for all relevant UN and OIC Agencies.
