OIC Journal - Issue 43

May - Aug 2019

Numéro Issue No. 43 37

50 Years of Islamic Cooperation

Muslim World’s leaders agree at Makkah Summit under Saudi Leadership:

On Reform and Development

About OIC

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The Organization is the collective voice of the Muslim world. It endeavors to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.

The Organization was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on 12th Rajab 1389 Hijra (25 September 1969) following the criminal arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.

In 1970 the first ever meeting of Islamic Conference of Foreign Minister (ICFM) was held in Jeddah which decided to establish a permanent secretariat in Jeddah headed by the organization’s secretary general. Dr. Yousef Ahmed Al-Othaimeen is the 11th Secretary General who assumed the office in November 2016.

The first OIC Charter was adopted by the 3rd ICFM Session held in 1972. The Charter laid down the objectives and principles of the organization and fundamental purposes to strengthen the solidarity and cooperation among the Member States. Over the last 40 years, the membership has grown from its founding members of 30 to 57 states. The Charter was amended to keep pace with the developments that have unraveled across the world. The present Charter of the OIC was adopted by the Eleventh Islamic Summit held in Dakar on 13-14 March 2008 to become the pillar of the OIC future Islamic action in line with the requirements of the 21st century.

The Organization has the singular honor to galvanize the Ummah into a unified body and have actively represented the Muslims by espousing all causes close to the hearts of over 1.5 billion Muslims of the world. The Organization has consultative and cooperative relations with the UN and other inter-governmental organizations to protect the vital interests of the Muslims and to work for the settlement of conflicts and disputes involving Member States. In safeguarding the true values of Islam and the Muslims, the organization has taken various steps to remove misperceptions and have strongly advocated elimination of discrimination against the Muslims in all forms and manifestations.

The Member States of the OIC face many challenges in the 21st century and to address those challenges, the third extraordinary session of the Islamic Summit held in Makkah in December 2005, laid down the blue print called the Ten-Year Program of Action. It has successfully concluded with the close of 2015. A successor programme for the next decade (2016-2025) has been adopted.

The new programme OIC-2025 is anchored in the provisions of the OIC Charter and focuses on 18 priority areas with 107 goals. The priority areas include issues of Peace and Security, Palestine and Al-Quds, Poverty Alleviation, Counter-terrorism, Investment and Finance, Food Security, Science and Technology, Climate Change and Sustainability, Moderation, Culture and Interfaith Harmony, Empowerment of Women, Joint Islamic Humanitarian Action, Human Rights and Good Governance, among others.

Among the OIC’s key bodies: the Islamic Summit, the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), the General Secretariat, in addition to the Al-Quds Committee and three permanent committees concerned with science and technology, economy and trade, and information and culture. There are also specialized organs under the banner of the OIC including the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, as well as subsidiary and affiliate organs that play a vital role in boosting cooperation in various fields among the OIC member states.

For more details, visit the OIC website at www.oic-oci.org

OIC - OCI

OUR MESSAGE Saudi Arabia’s Exceptional Role in the OIC

M Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

The OIC is, certainly, in for a new era where we are inspired and driven by the objectives of the theme of the 14th Islamic Summit, “Hand in Hand towards the Future”. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the OIC, we shall stand together in ever stronger unity, just as we shall keep striving for a better future for the people of our 57 member states.

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ay 31, 2019 was a landmark day in the history of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) – more so as it coincided with the 27th night of Ramadan; a blessed night when the gates of paradise are wide open and Allah gazes at us with His bounteous graces and mercy.

Equally significant, it was the day on which the Islamic Summit took place in tandem with the approaching 50th anniversary of the OIC. The conjunction of all of these events was no mere coincidence; it was rather the outcome of keenness, perseverance and determination.

On a monumental day the 14th Session of the Islamic Summit was held under the theme “Hand in Hand towards the Future” on the most sacred and holiest city in Islam, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, where the most venerated mosque, Al-Masjid Al-Haram, is located.

This Summit Session marked a turning point in the history of the OIC. As Chair of the Summit, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud -may Allah preserve himgave a keynote address, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s commitment and steadfast support to the OIC in its efforts to drive joint Islamic action to best fulfil the Muslim peoples’ aspirations. As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, we wish to congratulate the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on chairing the Makkah Islamic Summit, which proved to be highly successful in spotlighting the aspirations and hopes of the Muslim community.

The statement of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques serves as a beacon for the future of the Organization, setting out some broad lines for its work, of which the Palestinian cause is the cornerstone. The King affirmed that the Palestinian cause would remain the focus of OIC Member States until the Palestinian people acquire all their legitimate rights as guaranteed by international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, rejecting any measures likely to affect the historical and legal status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

King Salman’s address touched on the collective concerns of the wider Muslim community, stressing the need to combat terrorism and violent extremism while promoting peace and moderation. His statement put a clear spotlight on humanitarian challenges plaguing the Muslim world, stressing the need to unite in solidarity and unison of all stakeholders to serve the interests of all Muslim states and peoples. The King’s address explicitly recognized the importance of restructuring, developing and reforming the Organization after 50 years of accumulated experience, dealing with a range of complex and interlinked issues. Reform, King Salman emphasized, would help the Organization rise up to the challenges besetting the Muslim Ummah.

Figuring high on the agenda of this historic summit were the Organization and the critical issues for all Muslims. The heads of state indeed discussed the topics at hand with a sense of responsibility, projecting a positive spirit of joint Islamic action and solidarity beyond divergences.

To be sure, we have deep confidence in our leaders. We feel more assured and confident that Saudi Arabia, as Chair of the 14th session of the Islamic Summit, will significantly contribute to strengthening and furthering our joint Islamic action, by helping in resolving large and complex issues. Given Saudi Arabia’s high standing in the Muslim world, its chairmanship will give stronger impetus to our joint efforts for the benefit of our member states and peoples.

In the OIC activity report submitted to the Islamic Summit in its 14th session, the General Secretariat sheds light on actions taken to address a wide range of issues, notably the recent developments unfolding in our member states on the political, security, economic, and humanitarian fronts. Efforts to address the situation of Muslim communities across the world are similarly highlighted.

We have now an internal reform agenda that is under consideration. Reform is part of continuous efforts, past and present, to help the OIC perform to the highest standards possible by leveraging its full potential and enlisting its subsidiary, affiliated and specialized organs to ensure optimal synergy and avoid duplication of effort.

The OIC is, certainly, in for a new era where we are inspired and driven by the objectives of the theme of the 14th Islamic Summit, “Hand in Hand towards the Future”. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the OIC, we shall stand together in ever stronger unity, just as we shall keep striving for a better future for the people of our 57 member states.

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OIC Journal Issued by The Organization of Islamic Cooperation Chief Editor & General Supervisor Wajdi Ali Sindi Managing Editor Bashir Sa’ad Abdullahi Layout & Design Mohammed Abdelqader Qalaba Advisory Board Amb. Tareg Bakheet Hasan Basri Arsalan Translation Amgad Hassan Yahya El-Khatib Mohamed Esseth Address: Madinah Road, P.O. Box 178, Jeddah-21411, Saudi Arabia Tel: 012 6515222 Fax: 012 6512288 Telx.: 601366 Islami SJ. Website: www.oic-oci.org For comments, enquiries

E-mail: journal@oic-oci.org OIC Permanent Observer to the UN New York Office 320 East - 51st Street New York 10022 New York, USA www.oicun.org oic@un.int OIC Permanent Observer to the UN Geneva Office ICC-20, Route Pre-Bois - Case Postal 1818 CH 1215, Geneve, Suisse www.oic-un.org oic@oic-un.org

OIC Related Links Subsidiary Organs The International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) www.fiqhacademy.org The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) www.sesrtcic.org The Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) www.ircica.org The Islamic Center for the Development of Trade (ICDT) www.icdt-oic.org The Islamic University of Technology (UIT) www.iutoic-dhaka.edu

Specialized Institutions and Organs The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) www.isdb.org International Islamic News Agency (IINA) www.islamicnews.org.sa The Islamic States Broadcasting Organization (ISBO) www.isboo.org The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Rabat (ISESCO)www.isesco.org.ma Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS) www.ias-worldwide.org

Affiliated Institutions Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) www.icci-oic.org Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities (OICC) www.oicc.org Organization of the Islamic Shipowners Association (OISA) www.oisaonline.com World Federation of Arab Islamic International Schools (WFAIS) www.wfais.org Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC) www.icyf.com Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS) www.ias-worldwide.org

OIC Calendar: October – December 2019 02-03 Oct. 2019: 8th Islamic Conference of Environment Ministers, Rabat – Morocco 20 - 21 Oct. 2019: Water Council Meeting, 23-24 Oct. 2019: Eighth Session of OIC Statistical Commission (OIC-StatCOM), Ankara, Turkey 5 Nov. 2019: 14th General Assembly of SMIIC, Makkah, Saudi Arabia 17 - 21 Nov 2019: 16th regular session of the IPHRC, Jeddah, KSA 24 Nov. 2019: Meeting of the COMCEC Sessional Committee, Istanbul, Turkey 25-28 Nov. 2019: 35th Ministerial Session of the COMCEC, Istanbul, Turkey 2 - 3 Dec 2019: Annual Coordination meeting of OIC institutions, Jeddah - OIC HQs 3 - 5 Dec 2019: 7th session of the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers, Abu Dhabi, UAE 9-10 Dec. 2019: OIC High Level Public & Private Investment Conference, Istanbul, Turkey 15 - 17 Dec. 2019: 7th Session of the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers (ICHM), Abu Dhabi, UAE

The views expressed by the writers/authors of the articles published in the OIC Journal do not necessarily represent the views of the OIC, but are the personal views of the authors themselves. However, the OIC reserves the right/discretion to amend, revise, edit, delete or scrutinize any part or portion of the text as and wherever deemed necessary.

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CONTENTS In Focus: 20: A wave of violence in some OIC Member and non-Member States

Palestine File: 22:

Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting on the Israeli Violation in the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif

24: 50th Anniversary of Al-Aqsa Arson: OIC Emphasizes Status of Al-Quds and Its Holy Sites

14th Islamic Summit Held under Chairmanship of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques

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OIC Summits in History: 50 Years of Islamic Cooperation

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OIC FESTIVAL

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Football Stars…Muslim World’s Ambassadors

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A new beginning at various Departments of the OIC

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World Affairs: 26: A new push for Enhanced relations between Russia and the Muslim World

OIC News: 34: Formation of Special Envoys Network for Conflict resolution 37: OIC Signs Agreement for its Mission’s Seat in Mogadishu

Tourism: 41: Celebration of Dhaka as Muslim World’s Capital of Tourism

Cultural Affairs: 42:

Dialogue of cultures and Civilizations

43: Restorations and Reconstruction of Monuments in Mosul

Family Affairs: 46: OIC Member States affirm support for Women Empowerment in Cairo 47: Message of the Secretary General on International Youth Day

Human Rights 49: Protecting the Rights of the People of Jammu and Kashmir 50: OIC Raises the Plight of the Rohingya at UNHRC in Geneva

Economy: 54: Islamic Summit Increases the Share Capital of Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) 57: OIC is implementing a Comprehensive Food Security Policy in the Member States

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IN FOCUS

14th Islamic Summit Held under Chairmanship of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques

Reforming the OIC to address the regional and International Challenges The 14th Islamic summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held under the theme “Hand in Hand Towards Future” at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah, Saudi Arabia on 31 May 2019, under the chairmanship of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

In his speech to Their Majesties, Excellences, Highnesses the leaders and heads of delegations of Islamic countries, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques thanked His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey for his efforts during his presidency of the previous session of the Islamic Summit. He also thanked His Excellen-

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cy the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for the works carried out by the Secretariat to serve the Islamic cooperation.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz as the current Chair of the OIC Summit proclaimed that, restructuring, developing and reforming the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has become an urgent need to address the regional and international challenges facing the Islamic world.

“Through its presidency of the Summit, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will endeavor to work with OIC Member States and OIC General Secretariat to accelerate the ac-

tivation of the joint Islamic action tools to achieve the aspiration of peoples of our Islamic nation,” he stressed.

A number of speeches were delivered at the Islamic Summit by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, late Tunisian President Mohamed Beji Caid Essebsi, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait, King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, President Macky Sall of Senegal, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, and Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan.

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Special Report King Salman: Palestinian Cause is the Cornerstone of the OIC Operations The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud delivered the following speech at the Makkah Summit 14: “In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, Praise be to Allah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, Your Majesties, Your Highnesses, Your Excellencies, Your Excellency the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dear Audience, May Allah’s peace, mercy and blessings be upon you.

I welcome you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Cradle of Revelation, and from the vicinity of the Sacred House of Allah, the Muslim’s Qiblah (Direction), and in this blessed month, where we gather at this summit, which we hope will achieve our aspirations of pride, progress, security, peace, prosperity for our Islamic nation.

I am pleased to thank His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey for his efforts during his presidency of the previous session of the Islamic Summit.

I also thank His Excellency the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for the works carried out by the Secretariat to serve the Islamic cooperation.

Dear Brothers, We recall the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, taking place after the burning of Al-Aqsa Mosque which is still under occupation and subjected to systematic attacks.

The Palestinian cause is the cornerstone of the works of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and is the focus of our attention until the brotherly Palestinian people get all their legitimate rights guaranteed by the international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab peace initiative.

We reaffirm our unequivocal rejection of any measures that would prejudice the historical and legal status of Al-Quds AlSharif.

Dear Brothers, Extremism and terrorism are the most seri-

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ous scourge facing our Muslim nation and the world at large.

Efforts must be made to combat them, expose their supporters and dry up their financial resources in all available ways and means.

Unfortunately, terrorism in our region is hitting again.

During this holy month, commercial vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, were subjected near the UAE’s territorial waters to terrorist sabotage. This poses a serious threat to the security and safety of maritime traffic and regional and international security.

Also, two oil pump stations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were attacked by drones launched by Iranian-backed terrorist militias.

We emphasize that these subversive terrorist acts not only target the Kingdom and the Gulf region, but also the security of navigation and world energy supplies.

Dear Brothers, It is painful that Muslims make up the highest proportion of displaced people and refugees worldwide due to unrest, wars and decline of safe living opportunities in their countries.

Emanating from this, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been seeking to reconcile the dif-

ferent viewpoints to serve the Islamic countries and their peoples, while continuing to provide assistance and help through the humanitarian and relief effort in order to maintain the sovereignty, security and stability of the Islamic countries under a national unity and territorial integrity.

Dear Brothers, Restructuring, developing and reforming the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has become an urgent need to address the regional and international challenges facing our nation. Through its presidency of the Summit, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will endeavor to work with OIC Member States and OIC General Secretariat to accelerate the activation of the joint Islamic action tools to achieve the aspiration of peoples of our Islamic nation.

In conclusion, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you in your second country, praying to Allah Almighty to grant our Summit all success and bless our work and lead us to achieve dignity, security, stability, prosperity and development for our Muslim nation.

May Allah’s peace, mercy and blessings be upon you.”

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Centrality of Palestinian Cause In his address to the opening session of the Makkah Summit 14, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the OIC Secretary-General, congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on his assumption of the presidency of the 14th Islamic Summit, pointing out that it reflects the status and spiritual leadership of the Kingdom in the Islamic world. He also thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy

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Mosques for his kind directions to host the event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the city of the sacred house, the Ka’bah, Muslims’ Qiblah (direction of prayers), and the cornerstone of the creed for one and a half billion Muslims. He stressed that it underscored the Kingdom’s endeavor to deepen and enhance the bonds of solidarity among our Islamic countries and foster joint Islamic action.

The Secretary-General lauded Saudi Arabia, the host of OIC, for its

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keenness to support the organization and promote its role at the regional and international levels by providing all facilities and capacities that back the General Secretariat’s activities. He indicated his confidence that Saudi Arabia, known for its pioneering and central role in upholding the status of Islam and Muslims, standing by the right, giving precedence to dialogue, and underscoring the principle of Islamic solidarity, will continue playing its role during its presidency of this session with all determination and competence. This would help meet the current challenges, in view of its spiritual leadership of the Islamic world, and its prominent political and economic standing in the world.

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Al-Othaimeen also expressed his confidence that the 14th Islamic Summit, which coincides with OIC 50th Anniversary, will be a milestone in the OIC history and thanked the Republic of Turkey for its presidency of the previous Summit, and its exerted efforts.

The Secretary-General said that terrorism and extremism, the scourges of our time, are at the forefront of challenges that still undermine security and stability in the region and around the world. He asserted that the terrorist attacks that took place in the region are a clear manifestation of this threat, and they have proven that terrorism is not affiliated to a particular religion, nationality, or race. He cited the terrorist attacks in New

Zealand, drone attacks on oil pumping stations in Saudi Arabia, and sabotage of commercial ships in the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates, in a blunt threat to the safety and security of global maritime navigation.

The Secretary-General added that the criminal Houthi militias are targeting this holy land, directing their terrorist missiles towards the holiest place on earth—the most sacred and dearest to the hearts of millions of Muslims. He indicated that any prejudice to the security of Saudi Arabia, an OIC Member State and the host country of the OIC headquarters, is a prejudice to the security and integrity of the entire Muslim world.

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Special Report

On the other hand, Al-Othaimeen reiterated the OIC unequivocal rejection of the deliberate attempts to associate our noble Islamic faith with acts of terrorism committed by rogue bandit groups that do not represent Islam and its enlightening teachings and lofty values.

The OIC Secretary-General stressed that the Palestinian cause remains the OIC top priority, given its centrality to all Member States. He added that just and comprehensive peace remains the ideal solution only achievable through negotiations taking into account the Arab Peace Initiative and the two-state solution centered on the estab-

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lishment of a Palestinian state according to the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the resolutions of international legitimacy.

Preparatory CFM for the Islamic Summit Foreign Ministers of Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on 29 May 2019 held their preparatory meeting for the 14th Ordinary Islamic Summit under the chairmanship of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf in his speech noted

that “our Islamic world is undergoing extremely dangerous challenges and changes, including the interference in the internal affairs of Islamic countries, the increasing numbers of refugees and displaced people, and the spreading of terrorism, extremism and sectarianism, which require a serious stand to study their dimensions and implications from all sides and adopt the best possible ways to face and deal with them through a unified position and efforts.�

On the sidelines of the preparatory meeting, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, met with Foreign

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Minister of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern. The OIC Secretary General thanked the Pakistani Foreign Minister for his country’s support for the OIC’s projects and programs.

Violations against the Rohingyas and Kashmiris The Ministerial Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for Ac-

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countability for Human Rights Violations against the Rohingya Minority in Myanmar held its second meeting this year on the sidelines of the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the OIC Member States preparatory for the Fourteenth Islamic Summit Conference.

This was a follow-up to the Banjul meeting in The Gambia in February 2019. The Gambia and Bangladesh delivered statements as co-chairpersons of the Committee providing a detailed explanation of the current situation and developments of the Rohingya

minority and refugees in the BangladeshMyanmar border area and the overall implications of the issue.

The Committee Members also reviewed the suffering of the Rohingya minority and the developments affecting their future in Myanmar and in diaspora countries in order to formulate a unified position of the OIC Member States towards the crisis.

Similarly, the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir convened its meeting on the margin of the OIC Foreign Ministers Confer-

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ence, preparatory to the Islamic Summit’s fourteenth ordinary session.

In his statement to the meeting, the OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef Bin Ahmed Al Othaimeen, expressed his hope for a real dialogue to be resumed between Pakistan and India to constitute a significant instrument towards a result-driven management of all the outstanding issues, foremost of which is the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The Secretary General reaffirmed the OIC’s principled stand fully in support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir’s achievement of their legitimate rights. He also expressed the hope that the OIC Member States’ support in this regard would be concretized through practical and effective measures in favor of the Kashmiri people.

The meeting called on India to honor the resolutions issued by the UN on the Kashmiri issue, to the effect that the final administration of Jammu and Kashmir shall be defined in accordance with the will of the Kashmiri people to be expressed through a democrat-

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ic process in the form of a free and integral referendum under the UN patronage.

The Contact Group’s meeting welcomed the recommendations listed in the UN report on Kashmir which was issued in June 2018, and which called for the prompt establishment of a fact-finding committee on Kashmir. It also called on India to allow the UN factfinding mission and other international human rights bodies to visit Kashmir.

Xi Jinping Sends a Congratulatory Message on the 14th OIC Summit Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), received a cable of congratulations from H.E. Xi Jinping, the President of the Peoples’ Republic of China, on the 14th Islamic Summit hosted by Saudi Arabia in Makkah on 31 May 2019.

“It is my pleasure on the occasion of the opening of the OIC Summit to extend my warm congratulations on behalf of the Chinese Government and people on the con-

vening of this summit. The OIC is a symbol of unity for the Islamic countries. I appreciate the important contributions the OIC has made to promoting cooperation among the Islamic countries since its establishment 50 years ago,” stated the Chinese President.

Xi Jinping stressed that China and the Islamic countries have enjoyed traditionally friendly relations, as well as consistent mutual support and sincere cooperation. “The Chinese side attaches great importance to the friendly relations with the Islamic countries and regards the OIC as an important bridge for cooperation between China and the Islamic world. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Islamic countries to enhance political mutual trust and promote practical cooperation and dialogue among civilizations, to jointly create a better future for the friendly relations between China and the Islamic world and contribute to advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind,” concluded Xi Jinping.

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Special Report MAKKAH Al-MUKARRAMAH DECLARATION Adopted by the 14th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference Allah says in the Holy Quran: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers.�

We, the Kings, Presidents and Emirs of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, gathered at the Fourteenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference held in Makkah Al-Mukarramah on 26 Ramadan 1440 A.H., corresponding to 31 May 2019; We praise and thank Allah for our gathered us in this blessed month and having allowed us to meet in this holy land, Makkah al-Mukarramah, by the holy Ka’bah, from where the message of Islam was launched, laying the foundations of peace and justice.

While stressing the noble principles of the eternal message that started from this holy place, which promoted Islamic values and principles calling for building ties and establishing cooperation among Muslim peoples with a view to achieving justice, truth, equality, benevolence, unity and solidarity, and ending despotism, dissent and conflict; Recalling the key objectives and principles underpinning the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), including the strengthening of unity and solidarity among Islamic States and peoples; Cognizant of the political, economic and cultural challenges facing OIC Member States due to armed conflicts, the mounting trend of extremism and terrorism, and aware of the need for us to work earnestly in order to counter those challenges ahead of Member States, towards preserving security and stability and opening venues of investment and sustainable development, with the aim of realizing dignified life and prosperity for Muslim societies; Such endeavor will only be accomplished through a number of principles and steps to which we all need to adhere and to preserve, namely: Committing support for the OIC to attain the goals set out by its charter, through the

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joint Islamic action it represents, and thus embark on a new vision for a promising future for the Islamic world, helping it to address internal and international challenges ahead such as to preserve its security and stability.

Endeavoring to develop the capacities and laws of Islamic countries in all fields to ensure their progress and achieve their development goals by devising and implementing the necessary plans and programmes. This will positively impact positively the performance of joint Islamic action and promote it and contribute to the development of the work of the OIC and its institutions and subsidiary organs, in line with the principles that uphold the interests of Islamic peoples and countries.

Underlining the importance of the cause of Palestine as the central cause of the Islamic Ummah; endeavoring to end the Israeli occupation of Arab and Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, in accordance with relevant international resolutions; and affirming full solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle against occupation and their right to descent life in their independent and sovereign state, with Al-Quds as its capital.

Denouncing terrorism, extremism and fanaticism in all their forms and manifestations, whatever their causes and motives; closing ranks to stand against terrorist organizations, and enacting deterrent laws and controls to counter these scourges.

Denouncing the terrorist attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, namely attacks on oil pumping stations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and on commercial vessels in the territorial waters of the State of the United Arab Emirates and call on the international community to assume its responsibilities in preserving peace and security in the region.

Rejecting any attempt to link terrorism to any nationality, civilization or religion and rejecting the provision of any direct or indirect support for groups and organizations that incite violence, extremism and terrorism under any pretext.

Continuing to fully condemn all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion, color or faith, and underscoring the need to embrace tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among peoples as a means to combat discrimination and hatred.

Rejecting sectarianism and confessional fanaticism in all their forms and manifestations, encouraging national efforts aimed at countering sectarian policies and practices and promoting reconciliation among all Muslims.

Affirming that those in charge of social media have huge responsibilities in achieving the goals and objectives of Islamic fraternity and keeping away from stirring chaos and dissent among the members of the Islamic Ummah.

Underscoring the importance of standing by those Muslims in nonIslamic countries who suffer persecution, injustice, coercion and aggression; extending full support to them and adopting their causes in international forums to ensure the realization of their political and social rights in their countries and develop programmes and mechanisms that would guarantee their integration in their societies without any discrimination.

Underscoring the need for the OIC to be cognizant of changes and developments at the international level, which require it to develop its programmes and tools to be able to play its role at the regional and international levels such as to achieve consensual joint Islamic action We convey our thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah protect him, for kindly convening the 14th session of the Islamic Summit Conference and for his sincere efforts to strengthen the bonds of fraternity and solidarity among Islamic countries for the service of Muslims the world over.

We beseech Almighty Allah to crown our endeavors with success, to guide us towards our goal, and to enable us to advance this Ummah now and in the future.

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Special Report OIC Summits in History:

50 Years of Islamic Cooperation The 14th Islamic Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Mecca under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, witnessed a remarkable historical presence among the summits witnessed by the Organization over its history. It was established in 1969, and is currently headed by its Secretary General, His Excellency Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed AlOthaimeen.

The summits of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have addressed successive and historical episodes, events and crises, most notably the question of Palestine for which the Organization was founded.

The summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, held in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, on September 25, 1969, in the presence of representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organization in their capacity as observers, is a clear indication of Muslims’ adherence to their historical cause. The Conference issued a final communiqué stating that the heads of state and government and representatives, after discussing the criminal act of burning Al-Aqsa mosque and the situation in the Middle East, declare the following: “The grievous event of 21st August 1969, which caused extensive damage by arson to the Sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque, has plunged over six hundred million followers of Islam throughout the world into the deepest anguish.

The Second Islamic Summit Conference was held in the city of Lahore, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, from 22 to 24 February 1974. The Lahore Declaration recorded the appreciation and pride of the heroic sacrifices made by the Palestinian people and the Arab states confronting the Zionist aggressor.

The summit considered the recent developments in the Middle East and the serious situation resulting from the continued Israeli occupation of the territories of three sister Arab States members of the Islamic Conference Organisation, the continued usurpation of the land of Palestine and expulsion of its people, and declared that the situation constitutes a violation of the Charter and resolutions of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights seriously jeopardizing international peace and security.

Makkah Summit Makkah Al – Mukarramah hosted the Third Islamic Summit Conference from 25 to 28 January 1981, where the Makkah Declaration issued at the end of the Summit reads: “We congregate in this Sacred City, in the vicinity of the Holy Ka’bah, venue of Divine Revelation and the Qibla of all Muslims, at the dawn of the new Hijra Century in an assembly which we consider to be a momentous event in the history of the Islamic Ummah and the beginning of an all-embracing Islamic resurgence, demanding of all Muslims to pause and take stock of their past, evaluate their present, and look forward with confidence to a better future in a spirit of Islamic solidarity in order to restore the unity of their ranks, work for their prosperity and advancement, and achieve, once again, an exalted position in the world community and human civilization.”

The Makkah Declaration stressed that strict adherence to Islam and Islamic principles and values, as a way of life, constitutes the highest protection for Muslims against the dangers, which confront them. Islam is the only path, which can lead them to strength, dignity and prosperity and a better future.

The fourth Islamic Summit Conference was held in Casablanca, Kingdom of Morocco, from January 16 to 19, 1984. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, may God have mercy on him, inaugurated the third summit with a speech addressing the achievements of the past three years, which focused on consolidating the joint Islamic action based on Makkah’s historic declaration.

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Special Report

Kuwait hosted the Fifth Islamic Summit Conference on 26-29 January 1987. The Summit adopted a resolution on the question of Palestine and the Middle East, which reaffirmed that the Palestine Question is the core of the Arab-Israeli Conflict and that a just and comprehensive peace in the region can only be established on the basis of complete and unconditional. withdrawal of the Zionist enemy from all occupied Palestinian and Arab territories the restoration of the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights including its tight to return, to self-determination and to establish an independent Palestinian State on its’ national soil, with AI-Quds AlSharif as its capital.

Al-Quds Session The 6th Islamic Summit Conference was held in Senegalese Capital Dakar, under the title “Al-Quds Al-Sharif, Concord and Unity” on December 9, 1991, where the conference affirmed that the the cause of Al-Quds AlSharif is the foremost cause of Muslims and the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

On December 15, 1994, Casablanca hosted the 7th Islamic Summit Conference, which coincides with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of the Islamic Conference after the first Islamic Summit Conference on the land of the Kingdom of Morocco in 1969. In its final dec-

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laration, the Summit stressed its adherence to the letter and spirit of the Islamic faith and firm conviction of the good that ensues to humanity from the call and teachings of Islam, and stressed the sincere determination of the leaders to abide by the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and to strengthen solidarity between the Member States, and the importance of the current world developments and of the need for our Ummah to adjust to them, while preserving its civilizational and cultural specifications.

At the eighth session of the Islamic Summit Conference hosted by the Iranian capital Tehran, the Conference stressed that the question of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif is the foremost Islamic cause. It expressed its full solidarity with the Palestine Liberation Organization in its just struggle to achieve the legitimate inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to selfdetermination to return to its homeland and to establish its independent state in its national territories, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Qatar hosted the Ninth Summit under the theme of Peace and Development Session in November 2000. While the tenth session of the Islamic Summit Conference was held in Putra Jaya, Malaysia, the Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of

Ummah, held during the period of 16-17 October 2003, and reaffirmed the need to establish an independent Palestinian State with Al-Quds Sharif as its capital, and the need to implement all the international resolutions pertaining to Palestine and the Middle East.

The 11th session of the Summit was held in Dakar, Republic of Senegal in 2008, followed by the 12th Cairo Summit in the Arab Republic of Egypt, which reviewed the international situation in the political, economic and social fields with the aim of analyzing the impact on the Muslim Ummah under the overall theme “The Muslim World: New Challenges & Expanding Opportunities”.

At the 13th summit hosted by the Turkish city of Istanbul in 2016, the participants stressed the commitment to enhance unity and solidarity among the Member States of the OIC and the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs.

At its fourteenth session, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Summit enjoyed strong support, due to the fact that the Kingdom is the headquarters country of the Organization and in view of the events and problems facing the Islamic Ummah that require the formulation of measures to deal with issues with strong convictions.

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OIC Festival Abu Dhabi

‘Perfect Stage to Keep Cultural Traditions Alive’ His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen on 24 April 2019 opened the 2nd OIC Festival, a four-day celebration of tradition and cultures of OIC Member States as a symbol of unity among nations across the Islamic world.

The festival held from April 24-27 under the theme ‘One Nation Unified by Benevolent Cooperation, Justice & Tolerance’, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), served as a vehicle to celebrate the underlying positivity of Islam and demonstrate the work of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in cultivating cultural diversity through essential elements such as arts and music. It also highlighted how Muslims worldwide can preserve their religious principles while adapting to different cultures.

Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, said the festival is an important educational platform that provides Muslims with an opportunity to explore the diversity of their faith while providing non-Muslims “with an opportunity to get a closer look at our true religion.”

Al-Othaimeen expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz for the continuous support accorded to the OIC by the headquarters country. He stated that thanks to God, this support has helped the OIC continue its pursuit towards the realization of its noble goals to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and solidarity among the peoples of its Member States.

The Secretary-General stressed that the march of the OIC Festival would continue and that its next destination would be Saudi Arabia, and then other Member States, such as Azerbaijan and Sierra Leone. He hoped that this popular icon would continue to contribute to building bridges of communication between the Muslim world and the rest of the world as a platform for intellectual, artistic and cultural creativity in accordance with our common human values.

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“Opening Ceremony”

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Al-Othaimeen explained that the philosophy of the Festival “relies on the principle of bringing the OIC closer to the aspirations and interests of the simple Muslim, and pushing the prospects for cooperation between the peoples of Member States as well as with all friendly peoples. The Festival also shows the true image of moderate and tolerant Islam that promotes the values of tolerance and equality, and rejects extremism and terrorism.”

He stressed that the celebration of Islamic culture in all its literary, artistic and heritage aspects, which is the lighthouse of the Islamic civilization, “does not contradict the teachings of our pure Islam.”

He thanked the United Arab Emirates for the outstanding efforts to host the Festival, which preserves Islamic heritage, supports culture and arts, and opens new vistas for dialogue and understanding among the Muslim peoples.

“This festival contributes to strengthening the values of solidarity and cohesion in line with the UAE’s commitment to spreading the message of tolerance around the world,” said H.E Sheikh Nahyan UAE Minister of Tolerance in his address to the opening ceremony of the festival.

His Excellency praised the role of the OIC in protecting the vital interests of Muslims around the world, in addition to working to consolidate world peace.

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Awards During its four-day run, the festival spotlighted the diverse cultures and traditions across the Islamic world. The main stage featured a packed schedule of live performances from folklore groups stretching from the UAE to Indonesia, Saudi Arabia to Burkina Faso and across the Muslim world.

The Festival honored some figures and entities that have served Islamic and humanitarian fields, including Dr. Lalla Malika Issoufou, First Lady of Niger, Sheikh Taher Ashrafi, President of the All Pakistan Ulema Council, and Zakat House of Kuwait.

Throughout the four days, the stage offered a tailored platform for a series of lectures, presented by prominent figures representing leading institutions that have had a profound impact on the entire Muslim community, aimed at promoting Islamic culture.

Other highlights include a series of exhibitions and art workshops that highlighted the work of Islamic calligraphy, artists highlighting evolution of the art to appeal to new generations while remaining true to its origins.

The festival presented a collection of rare manuscripts in the various sciences, arts and types of fonts, ranging from the third century AH, until the fourteenth century AH, including verses from the Holy Quran.

Throughout the festival, Islamic scholars and thought leaders presented a number of lectures and workshops that highlighted dif-

ferent aspects of Islamic culture and offered a non-traditional image of Islam that transcends doctrinal misconceptions and shape a more comprehensive understanding of Islam as a way of life.

Seminars were hosted on topics which included, Tolerance between the Concepts of Truth & Justice: Islamic Philosophy, Preserving the Cultural Heritage in the Islamic World: Policies and Mechanisms, on Peace and Human Coexistence and Scholars’ Role in Clarifying Concepts and Raising Awareness on Topics of Women’s Empowerment in the Islamic World among others.

Meanwhile, the children’s entertainment area featured Hakawati story sessions with renowned storyteller Ahmed Yousef and painting and drawing activities, while the Tilt Brush sector allowed visitors to create their own calligraphy.

Passing on knowledge of generations Sami Yusuf Award-winning singer and songwriter and global humanitarian around the world, performed a special concert at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi on April 25, as part of the OIC festival, in line with the event’s objectives to spread the message of tolerance, unity and celebration of diversity.

Amongst the exhibitors who kept their traditions alive during the festival was Wafa Ghnaim, who demonstrated the beauty and socioeconomic benefits of Palestinian

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OIC

FESTIVAL

embroidery at the Palestine Pavilion at the heart of the OIC festival.

“Palestinian embroidery is a form of art that has traditionally been passed on through generations, from mother to daughter, my mother has been teaching Palestinian embroidery for more than 50 years,” said Ghnaim.

“Each country has their own textile traditions, and our embroidery traditions help women document their life stories. We celebrate life and our tradition has empowered women for generations - by selling their works and teaching embroidery, they are able to provide for their families. This is especially true in refugee camps where it is common to pass on knowledge woman to woman, almost like mentoring.”

A modern twist on old tales Other exhibitors who used their participation at the OIC Festival to keep their traditions alive included the renowned Hakawati storytellers Ahmed Yousef and Nairuz El

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Tambouli, who entertained visitors with their energetic and encapsulating narration of meaningful stories.

“I presented my storytelling through a series of traditional characters that were published in several Muslim, and Arab, countries across the globe. The rise of social media and new technologies has impacted our art form, so this festival allows us to revive these traditional stories in a modern way.

“Our stories are attractive to all ages, not just children. At the festival we focused on stories that have moral, ethical and historical, as well as religious, meaning. The art form has evolved in my 25 years and we are working to strengthen the Islamic values through new ways of telling the story, using lights and sounds to engage.”

“Events like the OIC festival are so important in this day and age; not only in promoting Islamic and Arabic art on all levels but enabling us to spread the message about Islam and Muslims to the whole world,” added fellow storyteller Nairuz El Tambouli.

Insights into the past and charting the way forward Providing the right platform to revive and reignite Islamic traditions and cultures was a key component when planning the event, according to festival organisers.

“As an organisation that works to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony across the globe, it is imperative that we actively preserve cultural activities and art forms that foster tolerance, unity and peace,” said Mr. Youssef Aldobeay, OIC Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Head of the Festival’s Higher Committee.

The festival was concluded on its final day with performances on the main stage from the Indonesian Folklore Group, the Al Tannoura Egyptian Troup, soloist Khadeeja and sand art with Shayma Almughairy. Elsewhere, calligraphy workshops were hosted

by Kuwaiti calligrapher Farid Al Ali and Indonesian artist Isep Misbah.

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Bilaterals Al-Othaimeen Receives Representatives of Governments and International Organizations Al-Othaimeen, on 21 May 2019, received in his office at the General Secretariat, Mr. Julian Reilly, United Kingdom Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. The Secretary General and the Special Envoy exchanged views on the major issues related to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, notably cooperation between the OIC and the United Kingdom in Somalia and the ways the two parties could foster the development of African countries, particularly in the Horn of Africa region.

Secretary-General Receives the President of the National Assembly of Burkina Faso The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, on 6 May 2019 received the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Burkina Faso, Hassan Pala, and his accompanying delegation.

The two sides discussed ways of promoting relations between the OIC and the National Assembly in Burkina Faso and the possibility of organizing series of activities in economic, cultural and social fields and women empowerment.

The talks touched upon firm OIC positions in combating terrorism, extremism all over the world. The two sides agreed in this context on the importance of reducing harmful uses of the Internet and social media.

Abizeid Visits Al-Othaimeen to further Strengthen OIC-US bilateral Relations The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), H. E. Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, received on 23 May 2019 in his office, H.E. Mr. John Abizeid, the newly appointed Ambassador of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and members of his delegation During the meeting, the two sides had a useful and extensive exchange of views on various regional and international issues of mutual interest. Ambassador Abizeid expressed his desire to deepen relations with the OIC General Secretariat.

Welcoming the Ambassador, the Secretary General emphasized on maintaining regular contacts to further strengthen OIC-US bilat-

Deepening Relations between OIC and Argentina The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), H.E. Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen received at his office on 25 June 2019, H.E. Mr. Marcelo Gilardoni, Ambassador of Argentina to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, the Secretary General and his guest exchanged views on various regional and international issues of mutual interest. Amb. Gilardoni expressed the interest of his country to deepen relations with the OIC and work for shared benefit.

Welcoming the interest of Argentina, the Secretary General emphasized on maintaining frequent contacts and working together to strengthen bilateral relations.

eral relations and reiterated OIC’s interest to remain engaged with the United States for shared benefit.

Al-Othaimeen Receives UK Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A.

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China is Looking Forward to Strengthening Relations with the OIC The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousuf

A. Al-Othaimeen, received in his office at the OIC headquarters on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, the Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Chen Weiqing and his delegation.

The two sides discussed issues relevant to enhancement of mutual cooperation, intensification of bilateral consultations and combating terrorism and extremism. Al-Othaimeen stressed that the OIC rejects terrorism, whatever its forms and source, and believes in the necessity of spreading the culture of coexistence among peoples to bring about justice and peace.

For his part, the Chinese Ambassador stated that his country is looking forward to strengthening relations with the OIC in the coming period through the exchange of visits and increased consultations between the two parties.

UAE Fatwa Council Chair hailed the OIC’s role in advancing the interests of the Muslim world The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on 20 May

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BILATERALS 2019, in his office in Jeddah, received the Chair of the Fatwa Council of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, along with his accompanying delegation, and together they explored ways to boost bilateral cooperation.

Sheikh bin Bayyah hailed the OIC’s role and efforts in advancing the interests of the peoples and countries of the Muslim world, stressing the need to lift cooperation between both sides to higher levels.

For his part, Dr Al-Othaimeen briefed the visiting delegation on the OIC’s efforts against terrorism and extremism and the promotion of moderation and tolerance. He also intimated the delegation about the major achievements of the Organization in 50 years of its existence.

OIC Supports Somalia in Building a Better Future The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Yousef AlOthaimeen, on 18 July 2019 in his office received Somali State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr Abdulkadir Ahmed-Kheir Abdi.

The two parties explored ways to foster bonds between the OIC and the Federal Republic of Somalia. Dr Al-Othaimeen affirmed the OIC’s support for efforts by the Somali government and Somalians to help build a better future for their country.

The Organization’s commitment will continue to be visible in its support for the efforts by the Somali government to restore security and stability in the country, he reaffirmed.

OIC Secretary General Receives Finnish Foreign Minister The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), H. E. Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, received on 17 July 2019, H. E. Mr. Pekka Haavisto, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, which currently holds the rotational presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Secretary General and the Finnish official had constructive exchange of views on common issues with particular focus on the situation in Sudan and the ways and means to support Khartoum in its transitional phase.

Al-Othaimeen commended the role of Finland and the European Union in promoting peace, security, stability and development in different parts of the world and expressed

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OIC’s readiness to remain engaged on issues of mutual interest.

Mr. Haavisto praised the role of the OIC in promoting the culture of peace, dialogue and understanding.

Reinvigorating Partnerships and Cooperation with the United Nation’s Alliance of Civilizations The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) received on 2 July 2019, the UN Secretary General’s High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, H.E. Miguel Angel Moratinos, and the Chief of Cabinet of the UNAoC, Ms Nihal Saad, at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, the OIC delegates led by Assistant Secretary-general for Humanitarian and Social Affairs. Amb. Tarig Ali Bakheet and the UNAoC delegates exchanged views on various challenging global issues of mutual interest.

H.E. Miguel Angel Moratinos expressed the Alliance’s intention to revitalize relations and strengthening partnership with the OIC, particularly through concrete actions at multiple areas of collaboration, including in-

ter-civilizational dialogue, countering violent extremism, and combating Islamophobia.

UN Resident Coordinator in Riyadh Encourages OIC and UN’s Joint work for a Shared Benefit H. E. Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), received, on 22 May 2019 at his office in Jeddah, Her Excellency Mme. Nathalie Fustier, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Riyadh and members of her delegation.

During the meeting, the Secretary General and his guest exchanged views on various issues of mutual interest. Ambassador Fustier expressed her interest to deepen relations with the OIC General Secretariat and to work for shared benefit.

Welcoming the interest of the new UN Resident Coordinator to deploy joint efforts on shared issues, the Secretary General emphasized on maintaining frequent contacts and identifying a number of activities to be implemented jointly.

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IN FOCUS A wave of Violence in some OIC Member and non-Member States:

Principled position of the OIC against all forms of terrorism and extremism

The past few months have seen one of the most violent waves of violence and attacks across some OIC Member and non-Member States, which were all monitored and condemned by the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The OIC emphasized its consistent position in denouncing terrorist attacks and violent extremism, sympathizing with victims and rejecting terrorism, whatever its form or source.

The Secretary General of the OIC, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, strongly condemned the multiple cowardly attacks carried out in churches and hotels in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka targeting innocent worshipers and civilians, which killed hundreds and wounded many more.

Extending the solidarity of OIC with Sri Lanka at the painful moment, the Secretary General offered his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, Government and people of Sri Lanka on the tragic loss of lives and wished early recovery to the injured people.

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on Sri Lanka, the Organization monitored closely and condemned the attacks that

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were carried out on innocent Muslims in various locations in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The OIC called on the authorities in Sri Lanka to ensure the safety and security of the Muslim community in the country and combat the rising tide of violence, extremism and hate speech, which is spreading fear, and mistrust among the communities.

The OIC reiterated its firm stance against terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, noting that terrorism has no religion and no community should be held responsible for the actions of a few extremists.

Mass Casualties in various attacks The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the recent offensive and fresh round of violence across Afghanistan including the capital that experienced a senseless violence when a suicidal gang of terrorists stormed government buildings in central parts of the city, leaving behind scores of dead and wounded and the suicide attack on a wedding celebration in Kabul that killed 63 people and injured many others in August 2019.

Secretary General Dr. Al-Othaimeen deeply deplored the escalation in violence in Afghanistan and appealed to all Afghans to end hostilities and engage in constructive Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace dialogue for an inclusive and honorable political settlement. Dr Al-Othaimeen conveyed his sincere condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the Government and people of Afghanistan and wished for speedy recovery of the wounded.

Secretary General Al-Othaimeen referred to Makkah Ulama Declaration and Resolutions of the 14th OIC Makkah Summit urging all Afghan leaders and forces to redouble efforts to engage in inter-Afghan dialogue in order to achieve durable peace and stability in the country.

The Organization also condemned vehemently the barbaric terrorist attack against innocent Christians praying on Sunday 12 May 2019, in a Catholic church in Dablo, a commune in Sanmatenga province in northern Burkina Faso, killing six people, including a priest.

It also condemned in the strongest terms the ambush of troops of Niger near the Mali border by criminal armed groups on 15 May

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2019, resulting in the death of 28 soldiers and several others wounded.

The OIC condemned in the most vigorous terms the terrorist bomb blast, which targeted a tourist bus in Cairo on Sunday 19 May 2019, in the vicinity of the Egyptian grand museum, causing injuries among some tourists and Egyptian citizens and the terrorist attack on a security checkpoint in the city of El-Arish, north of Sinai, in the Arab Republic of Egypt on 25 June 2019..

In Central African Republic, an observer state of the OIC, the Organization strongly condemned the attack perpetrated on 21 May 2019 by the armed group 3R (Return, Reclamation, Reconciliation) against populations in the villages of Koundjili, Ndjondjom and Bohong, which claimed the lives of more than 35 people and injured many others.

Additionally, the Secretary General strongly condemned the attack on 9 June 2019 in the village of Sobanekou in the central Mopti region of Mali, where an armed group killed over 95 and left many others injured.

The General Secretariat of the OIC also strongly condemned the terrorist bombings in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis on 27 June 2019.

Secretary General Dr. Al-Othaimeen stated that these heinous crimes highlight the dangers of hate and intolerance around the world. He called upon the authorities in the affected states to search for the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Al-Othaimeen reiterated the position of the

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Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and supports initiatives and efforts aimed at maintaining security, peace and stability in all the affected countries.

The Secretary General equally condemned in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist suicide bomb attack, which took place inside a military camp in Inates, Niger, on 1st July 2019, resulting in the death of 18 soldiers and several others wounded.

Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen described this suicide attack as criminal and repulsive act, and reaffirmed the OIC’s support for and solidarity with the Government and people of Niger in their determination to annihilate terrorist groups in the Sahel region.

The Organization on 13 July 2019 condemned roundly the terrorist attack on a hotel in Somalia’s southern port city of Kismayo, which left dozens of people killed and several others injured.

Secretary General Dr Yousef Al Othaimeen stressed that the OIC is unwavering in its support to the Federal Republic of Somalia against all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism.

OIC Condemns Houthi Attacks on Abha Airport and Shaybah Natural Gas field The Organization also strongly condemned several terror attacks on Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia, which resulted in the death of a Syrian resident and the injury of tens of innocent civilians, including

women and children of various nationalities.

In a statement issued on 24 June 2019, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the OIC Secretary-General, said that the OIC “condemns these criminal acts by the Houthi terrorist militia, which carries out attacks against civilians, public facilities and holy sites and hold this militia and those behind it accountable.”

The Secretary General also condemned the terror attack carried out by Houthi militias on the Shaybah natural gas field in eastern Saudi Arabia on 17 August 2019.

Dr. Al-Othaimeen said: “The OIC condemns this terrorist and criminal incident targeting the stability of the world’s energy supplies.”

Al-Othaimeen affirmed the OIC full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in all measures taken to confront the terrorism that endangers the security of the region and the entire world.

He also called on the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities in confronting these terror acts, which target civilians and threaten the security and safety of civil aviation.

Houthis have recently stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, but most of the missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed by the kingdom’s air forces.

Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition against Houthis in Yemen in support of the internationally recognized government of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

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PALESTINE FILE Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting on the Israeli Violations in the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hosted a ministerial-level open-ended extraordinary meeting on Wednesday 17 July 2019, convened by the OIC Executive Committee, to consider the Israeli violations in the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Ibrahim Bin Abdelaziz Al-Assaf, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, chair of the current OIC summit.

In his address during the opening session of the meeting, the OIC Secretary General, Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen extended his thanks to the headquarter state, the Kingdom of Saud Arabia, represented in the person of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman, for having facilitated the convening of the OIC executive committee at such a short notice.

The Secretary General said that the meeting was being held against the background of the escalated Israeli illegal policies aimed at Judaizing the City of Al-Quds, obliterating its historic features, altering its legal and historic status and isolating it from its Palestin-

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Al-Othaimeen Calls for Developmental Programs in Support of Al-Quds ian environment, and more particularly the recurrent Israeli aggressions targeting the Holy Mosque of Al-Aqsa through repeated incursions and closure of its gates.

Al-Othaimeen called for action to expose the Israeli practices which pose serious threat to international peace and security in view of what the City of Al-Quds/Jerusalem is witnessing and the undermining of chances to achieve a peaceful settlement based on the two-state solution. He further underlined the need for the international

community to engage in a political process under multi-party international sponsorship, with the aim to achieve an end to the Israeli colonialist occupation.

The Secretary General went on to say that in the face of the Israeli provocations in AlQuds/ Jerusalem, it was imperative to build up political action, through actual contributions on the ground for the execution of developmental plans and programs for the City’s benefit.

On his part, the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ibrahim AlAssaf, stated that the Kingdom, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, holds the Palestinian cause at the forefront of its concerns and stresses its unwavering support for the Palestinian people to recover their legitimate rights and establish their independent state on the borders of 1967 with Eastern Al-Quds/ Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the resolutions of international legitimacy.

He further noted that the Kingdom is committed to the preservation of the authentic,

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PALESTINE FILE historic, legal and religious status of Eastern Al-Quds/ Jerusalem and the Islamic shrines there and in particular the Holy Mosque of Al-Aqsa.

As for H.E. Riyad Al-Maliki, Foreign Minister of the State of Palestine, he stated that AlQuds was facing the most serious onslaught since the beginning of the Israeli colonialist occupation. He drew attention to Israeli’s ever-expanding colonialist ambitions, as clearly manifested through the declarations of Israeli officials who repeatedly confirm Israel’s intention to annex, illegally, the illegitimate settlements established on the occupied Palestinian territories, including Al-Quds AlSharif.

Jeddah Declaration: At the end of its meeting, the ministeriallevel open-ended extraordinary meeting convened by the OIC Executive Committee, to consider the Israeli violations in the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, issued Jeddah declaration which Condemned in the strongest terms the engagement of Israel, the occupying power, in an escalation of its colonialist procedures in Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

The meeting also condemned the attempts

by Israel to alter Al-Quds legal character and status and its demographic make-up, including its recent attempts to disfigure the historical realities by opening of the alleged “Jewish Pilgrims’ Path” extending from the Silwan pool to the Al-Buraq Wall (or the socalled Wailing Wall) running underneath the Palestinian homes in Silwan, South of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is in clear violation of international law and the relevant international resolutions. The Meeting underlined that all these practices are null and void and shall have no legal effect.

The communique also denounced the continued engagement of Israel, the occupying power, in the judaization of the City of Al Quds Al-Sharif, by allowing certain Zionist associations to misappropriate, either through deceit or seizure, real estate properties in the Holy City, latest of which the deceitful operation to lay hands on properties and buildings at Bab Al Khalil (Abraham’s Gate), which belong to the Orthodox Church. The Meeting calls on all churches across the world to stand up to these measures, no matter the circumstances, and to safeguard these properties.

The meeting mandated the bureau of the Executive Committee to prepare and coordinate the constitution of a delegation to

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travel to the capitals of influential countries, with a view to conveying the position of the OIC and the Member States vis-à-vis AlQuds Al-Sharif and to building international pressure on Israel, the occupying power, to stop its violations and colonial measures in the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

It also mandated the Secretary General to send letters in its name to all relevant international bodies, including the UN Security Council, international parliaments, heads and patriarchs of churches across the world, including The Pope and the World Council of Churches, to brief them on the grave situation in Al-Quds and seek their prompt intervention.

The communique called on all world countries, especially the USA, and all international institutions and bodies, to comply with the international legitimacy resolutions on Al-Quds, which is an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, and to refrain from taking any steps that would imply some form of recognition, overt or implicit, of the illegal annexation by Israel, the occupying power, of the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, including through the relocation of their respective diplomatic representations to the city.

It further urged all the OIC Member States to boycott countries that have inaugurated diplomatic missions in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and to cease any relations, commercial exchanges with or visits to them, including any joint political, cultural, sports or artistic events, until they backtrack on their decision and abide by the relevant UN Security

Council resolutions.

The OIC Foreign Ministers also strongly expressed their support for the Palestinian efforts and moves intended to hold Israel, the occupying power, accountable for its crimes against the Palestinian people, and calls for providing all the necessary political, legal, technical and material support for such efforts. For these efforts to bear fruit, the Executive Committee invites the Member States to respond to the Palestinian request for the OIC countries to institute proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in support of the State of Palestine’s legal action against the United States of America at ICJ. The meeting called for the strengthening of the steadfastness of Palestinians in the face of Israeli judaization measures. The Executive Committee also called on the Member States, the IDB, along with development funds, civil society institutions as well as the private sector and individuals, to provide the financial support necessary to purchase endangered Palestinian real estate properties in the city of Al-Quds to become waqf properties.

It urged the OIC Member States who are also members of UNESCO Executive Board to defend and safeguard the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, condemns any attempt to undermine its legal and historical status by any party, and demands sending Monitoring Missions and providing technical advisors to the Old City of Jerusalem and the walls.

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50th Anniversary Of Al-Aqsa Arson: OIC Emphasizes Status Of Al-Quds And Its Holy Sites August 2019 mark the fiftieth anniversary of the sinful arson attack on the blessed AlAqsa Mosque, the first qibla and the third holiest site in Islam, the notorious Israeli violations continue to escalate. Restricting Muslim worshipers’ access to Al-Aqsa Mosque, repeated attacks on them inside its yards, closure of its gates, aiding and abetting extremist Zionist settlers to defile it, and intensifying its illegal excavations under and surrounding it are only a few examples of the Zionist criminal acts. These are merely the tip of the iceberg of Israel (the occupying power) scheme, to Judaize Al-Quds,

change its geographical and demographic character, and isolate it from its Palestinian surroundings, in violation of the International Law and the relevant UN resolutions.

On this painful anniversary, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reiterates its firm support for the right of the State of Palestine to regain full sovereignty over its eternal capital, the city of Al-Quds AshSharif. The OIC asserts that the State of Palestine has every right to protect the Arab identity of the occupied Al-Quds Ash-Sharif, preserve its human heritage and the sanctity of all Muslim and Christian holy sites therein,

and maintain the inalienable religious rights of the Muslim Ummah there. The OIC also reaffirms the eternal attachment of Muslims throughout the world to the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.

As the cause of Palestine and Al-Quds was the direct reason for its establishment, the OIC calls on the international community to pressure Israel, the occupying Power, to abide by the International Law and the resolutions of international legitimacy and end its occupation of all UN-recognized occupied territory of Palestine, including Al-Quds Ash-Sharif, based on the 1967 borders.

71 years of the Nakba: OIC Reiterates its steadfast support for Palestine The General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) remembered the seventy-first anniversary of the Nakba of Palestine on May 15, 2019, following the declaration of the State of Israel and the subsequent ethnic uprooting, discrimination, mass displacement, murder, persecution and confiscation of property as well as depriving the authentic Palestinian people of their legitimate rights.

In a statement issued on the occasion, OIC indicates that this painful anniversary “is still alive in the individual and collective memory, at a time the suffering of the Palestinian people is exacerbated by the damage caused by the Nakba and Israel continuing land looting , demolition of houses, massacres, desecration of the holy sites, as well

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as the judaization policies of the city of AlQods and isolating it from its Palestinian surroundings, violating , hence, all the values of humanity and the resolutions of international legitimacy. “ Despite all these decades of suffering, OIC reaffirmed that the Palestinian people are still an example of glory in terms of sacrifice, struggle, steadfastness, faith in justice and stuck to the right to return to their homeland, and live in freedom and dignity, rejecting all attempts to oust them, as well as the abolition of their history, memory and national identity.

This painful anniversary repeats itself for more than seven decades as a result of the incapacity of the international community to implement the international legitimacy

resolutions. It is the responsibility of the international community to correct the historical injustice, which is still a reality the Palestinian people are enduring. On this occasion, the OIC stressed the political, legal and humanitarian responsibility of the international community and the United Nations in ending the Israeli occupation and finding a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause in accordance with the relevant resolutions and the Arab peace initiative and international legitimacy.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation reiterates its firm and absolute support for the Palestinian people in their just struggle to recover the occupied lands and in the exercise of their national inalienable rights.

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PALESTINE FILE International Protection for Palestinian People against Israeli ggressions The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on the influential actors in the international community to ensure international protection for the Palestinian people and compel Israel to stop its unjust aggression against the oppressed Palestinians and to abide by the international law.

OIC Condemns Israel’s Illegal Demolition of Houses in Al-Quds

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned the illegal demolition by Israel, the occupying Power, of dozens of houses in Wadi Al-Hummus in the town of Sur Baher in Al-Quds (Jerusalem).

Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the OIC Secretary-General, stressed that this serious escalation is part of the incessant attempts by the Israeli occupation to change the legal status and demograph-

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ic structure of the city of Al-Quds and displace the Palestinian citizens by force from their lands and properties. Al-Othaimeen called for holding those responsible for these acts accountable.

The OIC Secretary General also called on the international community to compel Israel to desist from its illegal practices and put an end to all its actions that violate the inalienable rights of the Palestinians.

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World Affairs Al-Othaimeen in Russia:

A new push for Enhanced relations between

Russia and the Muslim World The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al Othaimeen stressed the importance of strengthening ties between the OIC and the Russian Federation and commended the growing bilateral relations between the two sides.

After a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the Russian capital Moscow on July 3, 2018, Al Othaimeen said that there is agreement and consensus on issues of concern to both sides and that the two parties are willing to strengthen cooperation.

Al Othaimeen praised the support of the headquarters country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the OIC and for the causes of the Islamic world. He explained that the consultations in Moscow addressed all issues of mutual concern and that the two sides are willing to expand and push forward these relations. He stressed that combating terrorism is a shared international responsibility, and that Islam is innocent of terrorism and extremism of which it is accused, and that many Islamic countries suffer the problems posed by the threat of terrorism and chaos.

For his part, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said his country welcomes the visit of Al Othaimeen to Moscow, and that the visit discussed all issues of common concern, especially that Russia is willing to expand the relationship between his country and the OIC. The meeting discussed support for the Palestinian cause, combating terrorism and extremism, the danger of the spread of Islamophobia and resolving conflicts in the Middle East, North Africa and other geographical areas peacefully.

The visit, comes within the framework of historical and strategic relations between Russia and the Muslim world.

In addition, the meeting afforded an opportunity to review the state of cooperation between the OIC and the Russian Federation on countless political issues.

Russian Federation Council The Secretary General on 5 July 2019 in the Russian capital Moscow met the Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Ms Valentina Matviyenko.

The two parties explored ways to foster bonds between the OIC and the Federation Council.

Dr Al-Othaimeen commended the harmonious coexistence between all religious communities in the Russian Federation, emphasizing the Organization’s willingness to promote two-way relations between the 57-member-state organization of Islamic cooperation and friendly states, on top of which is the Russian Federation.

For her part, Ms Matviyenko regarded as special and one of a kind the visit of the OIC Secretary General, stressing that talks reflected a convergence of views on various issues of mutual concern.

Honoris Causa Doctorate The Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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WORLD

AFFAIRS

awarded honoris causa doctorate to the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr. Yousef A. Al Othaimeen at a ceremony held at the Academy’s premises in Moscow, in the presence of diplomats, Political Science students and faculty members.

During the ceremony, Professor Evgeny Petrovich Bazhanov, President of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, commended the role played by the OIC in bringing people together and its constant endeavor to support and promote peace in the world.

For his part, the OIC Secretary General paid tribute to the esteemed Academy for granting him the degree, praising the Academy’s achievements throughout its history with the graduation of thousands of diplomats around the world and the granting of the honoris causa degree to a number of foreign leaders, ministers and politicians from around the world.

Al Othaimeen gave a lecture at the Academy’s headquarters in Moscow on the OIC’s work, actions and efforts to spread Islam’s moderation, and its programs to combat extremism, violence and terrorism and to promote the OIC’s relations with friendly states, particularly the Russian Federation.

Mufti Council The Secretary-General concluded his visit to the Russian Federation where he held several meetings with Russian officials and discussed with them issues of concern to the Islamic world. Al-Othaimeen met with the Head of the Council of Muftis in Russia, Sheikh Rawi Ayinuddin, who briefed him on the situation of Muslims throughout the country and means of coexistence enjoyed

by Russian society among all religions.

Sheikh Ayinuddin welcomed the visit of the OIC Secretary-General to the Russian capital Moscow, and considered it an addition in strengthening bilateral relations between the OIC and his country. He also noted the OIC role and efforts around the world.

For his part, Al-Othaimeen said that the OIC always emphasizes the role of Muslims in the service of their countries, and to work for their welfare, and stressed that terrorism is rejected by all religions and that everyone should strive to fight and discard it.

He also stressed that the OIC is ready to prepare a variety of programs within the Russian society to raise awareness about

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the message of tolerance and of the moderation promoted by Islam, which rejects extremism and violence regardless of their source.

For the record, the Russian Federation is an observer member (since 2008) of the 57-member state Organization, the second largest international body after the United

Nations. The meeting between the OIC Secretary General and the Russian foreign minister is one of a series of bilateral meetings and consultations between both sides, the latest of which took place alongside the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly (New York, September 2018).

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Special Report

Football Stars... Muslim World’s Ambassadors 53 Muslim Professional Players in the European Leagues

The professional continental green fields are studded with at least 53 Muslim players enjoying international repute. Will this significant number of Muslim players be a positive turning point in favor of the Muslim communities in Europe or a qualitative benefit to the benefit of Islam and Muslims across the world? This so central due to the disparagement they suffered following the terrorist acts and the ensuing media onslaught at the hands of certain parties that draw benefit

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from the demonization and marginalization of Muslims.

Undoubtedly, the number of professional Muslim players on football grounds across the world has witnessed a substantial increase, particularly in Europe, bearing in mind that back in 1992 there was only one Muslim player in the English football clubs.

Reports indicate that, many of the Muslim players enrolled in European teams hail from France in particular, while some others are

from Turkish descent belonging to communities that settled in Germany and certain other European states. Yet, statistics also show many others of Christian origins who converted to Islam and consolidated the ranks of Muslim players in the international category, with those playing in the English premier league alone reaching 40 in the 2018-2019 season.

Many Muslim youngsters have indeed managed to be integrated as a constituent part

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Special Report

in one of the key and most popular areas in Europe, namely the football ground which enjoys wide popularity and, as an international game, acts as a contributor to the consecration of the values of tolerance, coexistence and rejection of violence.

The phenomenon of Islamphobia that is raising its ugly head following the terrorist attacks that hit Europe since the emergence of the Daesh terrorist group, was founded on a senseless claim that the Muslim communities could not integrate in the modern Western system and communities.

Dr. Dodik Arianto, a Professional Officer in charge of the Islamphobia observatory at the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) said there was need for us to highlight the positive contributions of Muslims in the West, to counter the existing misconceptions and prejudices among certain segments of the Western societies which hold the erroneous belief that Muslims do not contribute that much to the development of their civilization as part of their shared social responsibility, and that the Muslim communities are still living with a mentality of the stone-age.

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One of the key reasons that turned stadia into a fertile hubs for commercial convergence and coexistence, is the fact that sports in general and the football game in particular offer a wide space open for all, offering the chance to dispel conflict and animosity and focus on our shared humanities candidly and in a spirit of fair-play particularly as sport is a prime field where anti-racism can find expression, best illustrated by the Muslim legendary boxer Mohamed Ali Clay’s biography. The British daily newspaper “the Guardian” stated in a brief report on the Muslims’ participation in the British football games, that Salah, Paul, Pogba and Ozel are the real champions of English football. The report reviewed the major role played by Egyptian star, Mohammed Salah in changing the perception among a large section of the English football fans known for their ferocious bias. The report also cited quotations from the popular “MO,Salah” song which says “If he’s good enough for you, he’s good enough for me, If he scores another few, then I’ll be Muslim too” the song ends with “If he’s good enough for you, he’s good enough for me, Sitting in

the mosque, that’s where I wanna be! Mo Salah-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la-la-la”.

These Muslim players like Salah, Sadio Mane and others were not only admired by the Muslim community in Britain, they were even emulated, with many other youth joining the ranks of professional players thus sending the message that the successes achieved by Muslim players arriving from overseas provide an incentive to the community members to opt for active integration and achievement rather than isolating themselves as victims.

Everyone would be better off knowing about what the Muslim players do contribute to their teams individually as well as about their achievements, successes and repute in terms of high morals, humility and respect for others, as reflected in their comments on the social media. All of this needs to be taken on board so that these Muslim players may continue to be the rightful ambassadors and representatives of the 1.8 billion Muslims who look to them as a positive message to their fellow humans across the world.

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Special Report Global Muslim Diaspora: Challenges Faced by Muslim Communities in UK, Germany and Japan

As part of its Global Muslim Diaspora (GMD) Project, the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) has published a series of country cases reports on United Kingdom (UK), Japan and Germany.

The Reports offered a range of useful data and insights on the similarities and differences of challenges faced by the Muslim Diaspora in these countries.

The GMD is a comprehensive research that analyzes challenges, attitudes, experiences and perceptions on a range of issues related to Muslim communities and minorities living in the non-OIC Member States.

Whenever the issue of Muslim communities and minorities living in non-OIC Member States is raised, some people have in mind a context in which Islam is present in such countries through more recent migrations.

However, many of these countries have also been the homeland of its Muslims for centuries.

The findings of the GMD reports show that the main challenges of the Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC countries are racism, Islamophobia, discrimination by the state, violation of rights, social prejudice, and negative representation in media, as well as fragmentation, lack of unity, leadership and representation.

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United Kingdom Muslims in the United Kingdom constitute one of the largest, most diverse and most dynamic Muslim minority communities across the globe. The data reveals that the Muslim community in Britain is over 2.7 million (as of 2011), accounting for 4.8% of the British population (while the Annual Population Survey by the UK office for National Statistics April 2017 to March 2018 put the figure at 3.3 million). More than one-third of them (37.4%) live in London. Asian and Asian British Muslims make up the majority among the Muslim community. There is a notable increase in numbers of ethnic White Muslims, as well as in the Black African Muslim community. Lastly, there is a significant Arab Muslim community, which has been increasing in recent years. In terms of age, the Muslim community in the UK is much younger than the rest of the population.

The UK is a critical country for the Muslim diasporic communities. Not only does the country have one of the largest, most diverse and most dynamic Muslim communities across the globe; it is also a prime example of political multiculturalism where the Muslim communities were provided more communal autonomy. The UK is also a very important context because the immigration of large Muslim communities to this country

took place in a different, if not altogether unique, colonial context.

Muslims in the UK have managed to establish very strong civil society organizations, partly due to the policies of multiculturalism in the country.

There is a very high level of praise among Muslims for Britain as a country that provides religious and cultural freedom for everyone. Moreover, the UK has been very successful in receiving the trust of the Muslim communities. There is, however, still room for improvement.

Despite the very strong system that offers freedom and protection to Muslims, Islamophobia and discrimination are still being experienced in the daily life. In addition, although the number of Muslim individuals at the key positions in the economy, politics, and society is increasing daily, Muslims are still not completely satisfied with their representation in British politics and media.

They believe that compared to their size and significance, Muslims need to be better represented in these two crucial realms. There is a particularly high level of concern regarding the poor and often biased representation of Muslims in the British media. Another thing that the UK seems to have managed with great success is to allow its Muslim communities to foster a sense of belonging to both Islam and to Britain Not only are they not concerned about any repercussions to be caused by the process of Brexit for the Muslim minorities in the country, they project a better future for both themselves and other Muslims living in Muslim majority countries.

Therefore, instead of a potential threat, Muslims’ integration into their host societies should be seen as an opportunity and instrument of a much brighter future for all.

Germany The Muslim community in Germany is diverse in its ethnic, national, and cultural composition. The number of Muslims living in the country is around 4.5 to 4.8 million, which accounts for more than 5% of the German population. The significant majority of Muslims in Germany are of Turkish origin. According to recent studies, in 2015,

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Special Report the Turks made up 63.2% of the Muslim community in Germany. This number has decreased to 50% recently due to the significant inflow of Syrian and other groups.

Overall, the Muslim community in Germany reported the legal system, strong democracy, rule of law and human rights as well as the social welfare state as the main strengths of residing in Germany. However, field study results pointed out that the Muslim community in Germany still faces racism, Islamophobia and discrimination in their daily lives.

In socio-economical terms, Muslims appear to be at a disadvantage when compared to the mainstream German society with respect to economic earnings as well as educational attainment.

There is, however, much cause for hope today as the new generation of young Muslims make their way into every realm of the economy, society, and politics. One significant finding from the Germany field study was the high levels of reported sense of belonging by Muslims to not only Islam and their respective ethnic communities or countries of origin, but also to Germany.

It should be highlighted that Muslims in Germany are concerned about the recent developments in the country and around the globe, and they are worried about their future. More specifically, respondents overall have suggested that the rise of extremist political currents and the increasing electoral success of far-right parties such as AfD fuels Islamophobia and racism in Germany.

It is of paramount importance that all relevant stakeholders address the worries and concerns of the Muslims in Germany properly. If this can be managed, the well-integrated Muslim minority could be a source of tremendous strength and dynamism for Germany and for every society of which they are a part.

Japan The size of the Muslim community in Japan is not very large currently. Although the number of Muslims has grown at a rapid pace in recent years, they still make up less than 0.2% of the total population. Japan’s ageing population is creating a demand for foreign labour. Greater openness to foreign workers may increase the population of the Muslim community in Japan, both in the medium and long term. The Japanese Muslim community, mostly economic immigrants, is well educated and qualified

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compared to other Muslim communities in developed countries.

Japan is one of the most connected and internationally competitive economies, but also in a way secluded from the rest of the world. It is one of the largest industrial giants of the globe while being the only developed democracy with an ethnically homogenous population. Japan has a refined perspective on religion and philosophy of belief, which has been articulated for centuries in its rich culture.

Where does Islam and Muslims fit into this picture? While the size of the Muslim community in Japan is tiny at the moment, it is an important one to investigate. As predominantly economic immigrants, the Muslims in Japan are exceptionally well educated and qualified, compared to most of their counterparts in other developed countries.

However, Japanese immigration policies, or the lack thereof, make the integration and adaptation processes of Muslims complicated by providing so limited prospects for permanent settlement.

There is a widespread lack of knowledge about the Muslim community in Japan. The mainstream society, on the whole, does not know much about Islam or Muslims. This “invisibility� of the Muslims brings about some challenges for the small Muslim community.

There are, however, also potential advantages of the invisibility of the Muslim community in Japan. The lack of Islamophobia

and discrimination, as well as the ease with which the Muslim communities could act in, for instance, opening new mosques or organizing Islamic education programs are some of such advantages. The largest potential advantage of the lack of knowledge and awareness about Muslims in public opinion of Japan is the opportunity for Muslim community to introduce itself. In other words, Muslims could be given the opportunity to construct and promote their own image and representation in Japan without dealing with strong prejudices, a challenge that exists for most Muslim communities and minorities elsewhere around the globe. The representations of Islam and Muslims in the Japanese media, although rare, tend to be on the negative side. This is largely because the news feeds are usually derived from the Western media outlets. Therefore, more effort needs to be exerted in countering the negative representation of Islam and many misconceptions and stereotypes about Muslims in media.

The native Japanese Muslims are significant and growing part of the Muslim community in Japan. They are ideally situated to best advance and defend the interests and wellbeing of the Muslims in Japan. They are also international in their outlook and open to cooperation. Therefore, their significance needs to be acknowledged and the international Muslim community needs to engage with them more closely and extensively.

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Una

Nursultan, Astana or Akmola: Three Names of a Capital Designed for the Future

By Hazem Abdo (OIC Union of News Agencies) It is an excessively beautiful and charming city, with a unique character, bold in its ambitions, vigorous in action. It is a colorful city with abundant lush greenery and flowers, swept with love and passion for life, streets lined with harmoniously composed buildings. It is a city of peace and the jewel of all the capitals of Eurasia. This city is Astana, before its name changed to Nursultan in March, 2019, to honor Its leader and President Nursultan Nazabayev, who ruled the country since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 till he stepped down on 19 March 2019 to make way for a new “generation of leaders”. Mr Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaker of the upper house of parliament, succeeded Nursultan Nazarbayev in presidential elections, on 9 June 2019, in a race against six rivals.

Nursultan is a capital city with the characteristics of a tranquil resort; a resort with the features of a modern cosmopolitan city. These are only a few reasons why this city is a city never to forget. Whoever visits it, albeit for a short period of time, will find much to love in this serene city and be taken by the spell of its charm. Everything in it is an embodiment of strong resolve, challenge and forward looking vision. The city is at the nucleus of history and the country is the birthplace of renowned physician and philosopher Abu Nasr Al-Farabi, the Mamelukes’ fourth Sultan of Egypt and Syria, and another internationally appreciated Kazakhstani writer Abay Qunanbayuli.

Ishim (Yesil) River Ishim (Yesil) River stately flows through the city. Nestled on its banks are luxurious and lofty buildings, overlooking stunning landscaped gardens, just as beautiful in the summertime, with countless green spaces, as during winter months, when parks and streets are covered with snow and temperature below 40ºC. Since he first assumed office as the President of independent Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev decided to shift the capital to Astana from Almaty, because it was an ancient city in too close distance to the Chinese border. As the country was both in Asia and in Europe, the decision was to relocate the National City from the Asian part to the

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part of Kazakhstan located in Europe, somewhere in the middle of this vastly large country. His were great visions and great ambitions for his country. In a short time, Astana moved from a small town, with nearly 40,000 in population, to a modern and still-growing capital.

Ethnic Makeup Kazakhstan (a central Asian member state of the OIC) is the ninth largest country in the world, with a surface area amounting to 2.7 million square kilometers. Not only is it rich in both minerals and natural resources, but it is also a very diverse country housing dozens of nationalities and ethnic groups. To keep the momentum of growth and development in the country in various sectors, President Nazarbayev launched on 6 July 1994 in parliament an initiative to move the capital from Almaty to Akmola (later renamed Astana). On 10 December 1997, the capital was officially transferred to Akmola (Astana). On 6 May 1998, following a presidential decree, Akmola was renamed Astana (meaning capital in Kazakh). In March 2019, the Kazakh parliament supported the proposal of the country’s second president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to rename the capital city to “Nursultan” to honor outgoing leader and first president Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Nursultan is located in the center of Kazakhstan in the dry steppe zone and in the grass steppe subzone. The area of the city stands above the flood plain of the Yessil River. The city has an extreme continental climate with cold winter and hot dry summer.

Nursultan’s favorable location in the center of the Eurasian continent makes it an economically advantageous transport, communication and logistics hub, and a natural bridge between Europe and Asia.

The city’s economy is based on trade, industrial production, transport, communication and construction.

Industrial production is mainly focused on producing construction materials, food and mechanical engineering. Nursultan holds the leading position in Kazakhstan in the field of production of metal goods, ready-mix concrete and concrete construction products.

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UNA Architectural Concept The city has become one of the largest business centres in Kazakhstan. Entrepreneurship is rapidly developing in Nursultan. Today there are more than 158,000 small and medium enterprises in the city. Nursultan is among the leading cities of the country in terms of the volume of construction. After the city became the capital of Kazakhstan, over 22 million square metres of housing facilities have been built. Hundreds of companies from Kazakhstan and abroad took part in the construction of the city.

The architectural concept of Astana was based on the idea of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev implying a special Eurasian style of the city should harmoniously combine the cultural traditions of both the East and the West.

The capital of Kazakhstan became the center of attention for students from across the country. It is in Astana (Nursultan) that the country’s leading universities are located, including Nazarbayev University, Gumilev Eurasian National University, Kazakh National University of Arts, Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical University, as well as Kazakh branch of the Lomonosov Moscow State University and Astana Medical University.

Capital of Peace In 1999, Astana (Nursultan) was awarded the title of the City of Peace by UNESCO. Since 2000, the capital city of Kazakhstan has been a member of the International Assembly of Capitals and Major Cities. In 2003, Moody’s Investors Service listed the Kazakh capital among the 30 best cities in the world. A symbol of greatness of new Kazakhstan, the city became the pride of Kazakhs and all the people of Kazakhstan.

Astana (Nursultan) looks beautiful at night, with artificial lighting accentuating the significance and identity of the buildings. The streets, bridges, historical buildings, shops and clubs are decorated with lanterns, flowers and colorful lights. The mosques, churches and other places of worship are there to bear witness to Kazakhstan’s legendary history and rich religious and cultural diversity.

The country is home to people from diverse races, ethnicities and religions.

Accordingly, it is no coincidence that “Nursultan” has become a venue for largescale forums and conferences, where the city has been hosting recurring events to discuss issues of inter-state relations and

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interreligious reconciliation. The 2011 Asian Winter Games took place in Astana (now Nursultan). In 2017, the city hosted the 17th annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the international exhibition (Expo 2017). The Kazakh capital also played host to the rounds of Syrian peace talks.

Must-visit Landmarks Nursultan has many tourist and leisure attractions, beautiful parks and promenades, shopping areas, dozens of world-class hotels, several museums, theatres and operas, along with countless other attractions for visitors to learn more about the people of Kazakhstan. Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, located 16.7 km southeast of the capital, is the main gateway to the city.

It takes around 30 minutes for those who come from abroad to get to downtown. The city is accessible from the airport via private transportation providers, taxis or buses.

“Nursultan” Mosque Nursultan Mosque is the most famous mosque in the capital. This mosque holds a lot of symbolism to it: The 40-meter height of the mosque symbolized Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessing be upon him) age when he first received the revelations of the Quran, and the 63 meters’ tall minarets represent his age when he passed away. The mosque was built to the highest Islamic architectural standards.

Hazrat Sultan Mosque The second largest mosque in Central Asia, Hazrat Sultan Mosque was inaugurated on 6 July 2012. It soon became a monument of national importance.

Bayterek Tower (renamed Nursultan Tower) Kazakh legends have it that on the World River bank, there grows the Tree of Life, called Bayterek. The Bayterek monumental structure became a symbol not only of the capital, but also of the whole country.

Ethno-memorial Complex “Atameken” Museum The main museum of the country, Atameken has a collection of over 400 exhibits covering all major periods and trends in the history of Kazakhstan. Located in the capital city, the museum is the country’s first mustvisit tourist attraction.

Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan The building of the former residence of the President of Kazakhstan received the status

of a museum in 2004. In this museum, there are original and unique archival documents.

Among the exhibits are various gifts presented to the president, rare book editions, including a collection of four-century old Quranic and Islamic manuscripts.

The museum also houses a copy of the Quran taken to space by independent Republic of Kazakhstan’s first astronaut Talgat Musabayev.

Khan Shatyr On a straight stretch of Ishim (Yesil) River were erected three main landmarks. The first of these is the new Presidential Palace, which sits auspiciously on the banks of the Ishim River. In the middle, “Nursultan Tower” offers a panoramic view of the city.

On the other bank of the river, there is the Khan Shatyr entertainment center: Its claim to fame is that it is the world’s biggest tent (King among Tents), built in the shape of a giant tent. A striking architectural edifice, 150 meters tall, with a surface of 140 000 square meters, the Khan Shatyr stands out as the country’s top shopping and recreation center.

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation Referred to as a global venue for religious tolerance, Kazakhstan’s Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (also called the Pyramid of Peace and Reconciliation) was built in the form of a regular tetrahedron which features a 1,500-seat concert-opera hall, a conference hall, exhibition galleries and a national centre for Kazakhstan’s diverse ethnic groups. This event venue is 77 meters high.

The pyramid portion of the building is 62 meters high, sitting on a 15-meter-high earth-covered block. All this construction is above ground level. Though the landscaping of the park rises up to cover the lower levels, these are not in fact basements.

The Pyramid was specially constructed to host the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. It contains accommodations for different religions: Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Daoism and other faiths. It also houses a national museum of culture, a new “university of civilization”, a library and a research center for Kazakhstan’s ethnic and geographical groups.

Nursultan is indeed a wonderful place to visit, a city planned for the future, with a huge development and growth potential.

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OIC

News

Formation of Special Envoys Network for Conflict Resolution

Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr. Yousef A. AlOthaimeen, announced in a statement delivered at the meeting of the OIC Contact Group of the Friends of Mediation held in Jeddah on 27 June 2019, that the OIC pays tribute to the Member States that have embraced the Contact Group’s membership,

thus marking their interest and keenness to bolster the Organization’s capabilities in the area of mediation.

Al Othaimeen went on to assert in his statement, which was delivered on his behalf by the Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Yousef Al-Dhobei, “We had already reached agreement at this Contact Group’s

second meeting held in November 2018 at the General Secretariat’s headquarters, on the Group’s principles and objectives”. He further expressed his confidence that the deliberations would be a contributor to the early implementation of the operative paragraphs of the resolution issued by the Council of Foreign Ministers, which was held in Abu Dhabi last March, on “Enhancing the OIC” capabilities in the areas of mediation and which requested the General Secretariat to prepare a Code of Conduct for the mediators and to evolve an OIC network of mediators and special envoys and experts nominated by the Member States. The Secretary General added that this would help “set up a collective strategy to take on the challenges of mediation at all levels”.

OIC mourns the passing away of the President of Tunisia It is with the deepest sadness that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) mourns the death of H.E. Beji Caid Essebsi, the President of the Republic of Tunisia, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away on Thursday 25 July 2019.

H.E. Dr. Yosef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the OIC Secretary General, expressed sincere sympathy and condolences to the Tunisian Government and people, the family of the deceased, and the entire Muslim Ummah for this great loss.

He indicated that the deceased was one of the prominent leaders of Tunisia who contributed significantly to the establishment

and consolidation of its modern state and supporting its stability at one of the most critical junctures in its modern history. His wisdom has contributed profoundly to the reunification of the Tunisian spectrum of forces, ensuring national unity, and raising the stature of Tunisia at the regional and international levels.

Al-Othaimeen prayed Almighty Allah to receive the deceased in His wide mercy, grant his soul bountiful blessings and eternal abode in paradise, and to grant his family and the Tunisian people patience and great reward.

Concern over rising Hate Speech in Sri Lanka The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has been monitoring closely the situation of Muslims in Sri Lanka and remains concerned about the rise in incidents of intimidation, anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate speech promulgated by certain groups in the country.

In line with the Final Communique of the 14th Islamic Summit Conference of OIC Heads of State, which took place in Makkah on 31 May 2019, the OIC reiterates the call on the authorities in Sri Lanka to counter firmly the spread of rhetoric of hatred and intolerance, while ensuring the security and safety of the Muslim community in that country.

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Muslims represent an important and active community, which contributes positively to the cultural and economic life of Sri Lanka as a whole.

The OIC reiterates its firm stance against terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, noting that terrorism has no religion and that no community should be held responsible for the actions of extremists.

The OIC appreciates the efforts by the President and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka to meet with the Ambassadors of OIC countries in Colombo. The Organization encourages all political leaders in Sri Lanka to take proactive measures to promote dialogue,

peace and harmony among all communities and prevent the stigmatization or marginalization of people based on ethnicity or religion.

Muslims in Sri Lanka, who constitutes about 10% of the population, have faced severe hate attacks after nine suicide bombers carried out a series of blasts against some churches and hotels on April 21, killing over hundreds of people and injuring hundreds others.

In the anti-Muslim unrest that started after the terrorist attacks, mobs moved through towns in Sri Lanka’s northwest, ransacking mosques, burning Holly Korans and attacking Muslim owned shops with petrol bombs.

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OIC

NEWS

Al-Othaimeen calls on the international Community to extend assistance to Monsoon-hit Rohingya The OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef A. Othaimeen, has called on the international community to extend the necessary support and urgent humanitarian assistance to thousands of displaced Rohingya living in camps in Cox Bazaar and Kutupalong in Bangladesh.

This call was made following heavy Monsoon rains, which pounded these camps resulting in massive destruction of over 6,000 homes despite tireless efforts exerted by humanitarian workers and inter-

national agencies on the ground to repair and rehabilitate these houses and mitigate the negative impact of this tragedy.

Al-Othaimeen noted that more heavy rains are expected compared to those recorded in 2018 and there is a vital need to come forward and assist Rohingya living in camps in Bangladesh.

Almost two years after the 2017 influx of Rohingya in Bangladesh, the situation remains critical. The refugees remain highly

vulnerable to food insecurity and the situation would rapidly deteriorate if humanitarian assistance were to cease or decrease.

The number of Rohingya in Bangladesh has swelled, when an army operation in Myanmar prompted an exodus to Bangladesh.

Most of the refugees now live in bambooand-plastic structures perched on what were once forested hills.

Secretary General Congratulates People of Kazakhstan on Successful Presidential Election OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, applauded the people of Kazakhstan on the successful conclusion of the presidential election on 9 June 2019, and congratulated President-elect Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on his victory.

The Secretary General expressed his satisfaction that the presidential election in Kazakhstan was organized and held in accordance with international commitments and the standards for democratic elections, as well as national legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Secretary General noted that the OIC,

which deployed an Election Observation Mission to Kazakhstan, concluded that the presidential election was conducted in free, fair, competitive and peaceful manner, while voters had a broad choice and turned out in large numbers, thereby demonstrating a high sense of responsibility and commitment towards strengthening democracy in their country.

The Secretary General praised the dedication and commitment of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan to ensure credible election process, including provision of equitable access to

all contenders, in the interest of Kazakhstan and its people.

Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen reaffirmed OIC commitment to maintain its strong partnership and close engagement with the people and government of Kazakhstan in the pursuit of the Organisation’s goals and objectives.

Kazakhstan’s interim president KassymJomart Tokayev, won the snap presidential election winning nearly 71% of the vote in a race against six opponents.

Constitutional Declaration Signed in Sudan Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), H.E. Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, welcomed the signing of the Constitutional Declaration by the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and the Forces of Freedom and Change in Sudan and considered it an important step for the formation of a transitional government.

Al-Othaimeen stressed the significance of this agreement in the course of the political process in Sudan and the fulfillment of the requirements of the transitional period.

At the invitation of His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, Chairman of the Military Transitional Council in Sudan, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen participated in the

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signing ceremony of the Constitutional Declaration of the Transitional Period Arrangements in Sudan on Saturday 17 August 2019 in the Sudanese capital Khartoum.

It is worth mentioning that Al-Othaimen signed on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which was chosen to be among the international witnesses to this agreement.

The Secretary General congratulated the Sudanese people on this historic achievement, expressing his hope that the Sudanese people will start their new life towards stability and prosperity. He stressed that the parties of the agreement have proved to the whole world that the interest and security of their country is above all else.

The OIC Secretary General underlined the

OIC’s firm position in supporting the Republic of Sudan, and appreciated its great role within the OIC and its efforts in promoting Islamic solidarity and joint Islamic action.

In a statement on the occasion, the OIC Secretary General called on the international community to support the Sudan in its transition to sustainable, inclusive peace and security. He also commended as effective the role of international and regional stakeholders in mediating this political deal to end the crisis in the country.

“The OIC stands ready to provide all necessary support to the Sudan in its efforts to forge security, stability and development, in line with the OIC Summit and foreign ministerial council resolutions,” Secretary General Al-Othaimeen stressed.

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OIC

NEWS Conference on Intellectual Security and Combating Extremism Held in Mogadishu

A two-day International Conference on Intellectual Security and Combating Extremism, organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), represented by the Voice of Wisdom Centre in cooperation with the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia, was held in the Somali capital Mogadishu on 29th April 2019.

The OIC General Secretariat explained in a speech delivered by Ambassador Askar Musinov, Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology, that the international conference was organized in implementation of the resolution of the Council of Foreign Ministers at its last session in Abu Dhabi, and “in the Organization’s effort to support the development and construction path that the Somali Government is following, especially as every one knows the significant progress made regarding the service facilities sector, the improvement of the revenues of the state, security, and reduction of the armament phenomenon in Somalia”.

The speech addressed the Organization’s central mission, which is combating violence, and protecting Muslims from extremism and fanatism, as follows: “We constantly focus on supporting any effort to combat

extremism and terrorism and calling for tolerance, security and peace.” The Ambassador added that the subject of intellectual security is considered the cornerstone of this endeavor. Intellectual security will preserve the gains of security and stability from the evil of destructive intellectual breakthroughs that call for violence and the breakage of bonds of solidarity, and compassion among members of one society and between different cultures.

The conference shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of the Muslim communities in order to address them by developing strategies for intellectual security, promoting dialogue on issues of extremism and terrorism and on ways to protect communities from extremist currents and trends, and by defining a work methodology for the strategy to be used for strengthening intellectual security in the countries of the Islamic world and for the intellectual, doctrinal and jurisprudential reinforcement of those countries.

The conference discussed a variety of topics, such as the concept of intellectual security in Islam, and the political, intellectual, religious and economic reasons that contributed to its damage, the link between intellectual se-

curity and extremism/terrorism, and ways to strengthen the role of relevant institutions in combating extremism, violence and terrorism through a comprehensive review of strategies, approaches, experiences, studies and practical plans.

The conference explored a number of practical outcomes, especially the legal and administrative bases for the protection of intellectual security in Muslim communities, the development of a unified work strategy throughout the Muslim world, and the building of a network of stakeholders in order to continuously communicate on efforts to strengthen intellectual security and eliminate extremism, and to put the Voice of Wisdom Centre of the OIC at the heart of the international equation to combat extremism and terrorism.

The conference was attended by participants from OIC member and observer states, permanent member states of the UN Security Council, European and African countries with diplomatic representation in Somalia, as well as observers from international and regional organizations (UN, AU, EU, the Arab League, IGAD).

Al-Othaimeen Congratulates Afghanistan

on Centenary of its Independence Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, in a message to H.E. Ashraf Ghani, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, has extended his felicitations to the Government and people of Afghanistan on the 100th Anniversary of Independence of the country.

In his message, the Secretary General applauded the Government and people of Afghanistan for their firm commitment to achieving lasting peace, stability, reconstruction and development despite the many challenges that the country has been facing, and assured that the OIC would remain a strong partner of Afghanistan in support of these objectives.

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OIC

NEWS Inauguration of Fakhr Al-Muslimeen Mosque in Chechen Republic of Russia

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), His Excellency Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, visited the Chechen Republic on Thursday 22 August 2019 to attend the official inauguration ceremony of Fakhr Al-Muslimeen (Pride of Muslims) Mosque in the city of Shali held under the High Patronage of the Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, with wide Islamic presence.

Al-Othaimeen commended the inauguration of the Mosque, which is a representation of Islamic architecture and was built according to the highest architecture standards. The Mosque is in two floors with an indoor capacity of 20,000 worshipers and an outdoor capacity of 100,000 worshipers.

It also includes vast yards on its precincts.

OIC Signs Agreement for its Mission’s Seat in Mogadishu The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef Bin Ahmed Al Othaimeen, has sent a written message to HE President Mohammad Abdullah of the Republic of Somalia, which was delivered by HE Ambassador Tarek Bakhit, Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, during his meeting with HE Mr. Mahdi Gulaid, Deputy Chairman of the Somali Ministerial Council.

The OIC’s message laid emphasis on its commitment to implement the resolutions on

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Somalia as issued by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers and the Islamic Summit conference held in Makkah, and asserted the OIC’s determination to back up the efforts of the Somali Government to achieve political stability and lasting peace and economic development in Somalia.

It is worth noting that the OIC delegation met with H.E. the Foreign Minister, Mr. Ahmed Issa Awadh, and reviewed with him bilateral relations and ways to advance them in all fields of cooperation. On anoth-

er front, the delegation discussed with the Somali minister of education the potential for cooperation, and the need to benefit from the higher education grants offered by Member States through the OIC, in addition to the support extended by Islamic financial institutions and the Member States in favor of educational infrastructure in Somalia.

Similarly, the delegation discussed with the minister of humanitarian affairs and disaster management, the humanitarian and developmental projects being implemented by the OIC through its office in Mogadishu hand in hand with other partners, particularly the King Salman Centre for Humanitarian Relief, the Islamic Solidarity Fund, and the various Somali humanitarian organizations.

At the end of the visit, the two parties signed the OIC Mission’s headquarter agreement, in implementation of the relevant resolutions issued by the OIC Foreign Ministers and Islamic Summit Conferences. The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. the Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Ahmed Issa Awadh, and a number of officials from the Somali Foreign Ministry and Presidency.

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EVENTS

Cambodia’s Annual Iftar:Building More Synergy among all Members of the Cambodian Society The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) took part in the annual Ramadan Iftar banquet hosted by Prime Minister Hun Sen of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on 7 May 2019, at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

This annual event, OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen said, gives true expression to Cambodia’s longstanding respect for the values of cultural diversity, multiculturalism and tolerance, and a concrete representation of the high esteem in which the Cambodian government holds the Muslim community.

In a statement read out on his behalf by OIC Arab Group Director Ms Nouria Al-Hamami, the Secretary General said “One of the elements that distinguish Cambodia is the government’s dedication to peaceful coexistence and synergy between all members of the Cambodian society.”

The OIC is looking forward to furthering relations with the Kingdom of Cambodia to usher into wider prospects for both sides,

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Secretary General Dr Al-Othaimeen said, reaffirming the Organization’s commitment to strengthening ties with Cambodia. He also expressed gratitude to Cambodia’s leadership for hosting this annual event.

Speaking before an audience of some 4 500 persons coming from all around the country, PM Hun Sen stressed that differences of race and religion cannot obstruct cooperation and development. He added, “This is a core principle that has guided the Cambodian People Party’s thinking over 40 years,” expressing hope for all-inclusive efforts to preserve the national unity and harmony of races and religions in Cambodia.

He also commended the existing cooperation between Cambodia and the OIC, reaffirming his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Organization and welcoming its participation, as the collective voice of the Muslim world, in this annual celebration.

The OIC delegation offered copies of the Holy Quran and dates as gifts to fasters during the said ceremony. They also visited

mosques and schools for Muslims, and inspected a number of Muslim districts in the Cambodian capital. For the record, Cambodia has some 800,000 Muslims in a population of 16 million.

It is worth mentioning that, in furtherance of his commitment to follow up the conditions of Muslims minorities in non-OIC Member States, the OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen, on 27 May 2019 in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, met Cambodia’s Minister of Special Duties and Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mr Osman Hassan.

Meeting on the sidelines of the “Moderation and Middle Stance” conference, held by the Muslim World League, the two sides discussed issues of shared concern, including the situation of Muslim minority in Cambodia.

Dr Al-Othaimeen commended the peaceful coexistence between Cambodian Muslims and their fellow citizens form other religions.

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EVENTS OIC Secretary General congratulates Muslim world on Eid al-Fitr and al-Adha Al-Othaimeen also addressed his congratulations and best wishes to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the OIC headquarter state, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman, along with the expression of his deep appreciation for Kingdom’s supreme hospitality and caring assistance extended to the pilgrims and Umra visitors who are consistently afforded every facility to help them perform their worship and rituals.

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Yousef AlOthaimeen, offered best wishes and warm congratulations to the Member States on Eidal-Fitr and Eid Al Adha 1440H, asking Allah to pour his blessings and grace on Muslims all around the world.

I pray for peace, welfare and security to prevail all over the world, including our region, the Secretary General said, calling for violence, extremism, hate, terror and terrifying of innocent people to be rooted out.

The call was also for Eid al-Fitr to be an opportunity to start a new chapter, settling all disputes, discords and wars tearing some parts of our Muslim world asunder.

The Secretary General prayed to Allah, to accept the acts of worship of the guests of the All-Mercy God (the pilgrims to the sacred house), to grant them bountiful rewards and compassionate forgiveness and see to it that they may accomplish their rituals with ease, peace and serenity and that they may return to their beloved ones in full health and purity having been graced with Allah’s forgiveness of any past errors.

The Secretary General declared that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is doing everything possible to enable the pilgrims and the Umra visitors to fulfill their rites and rituals and to dedicate themselves to the worship of their Creator, through the ongoing projects for the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques and through providing all adequate amenities and facilities to let the pilgrims and Umra visitors perform their rituals smoothly in an ambiance of serene spirituality and devotion.

UAE Mission to the OIC celebrates Volunteerism in the Islamic World The Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) organized a meeting on Tuesday 28/05/2019 entitled “ Life continues with Cooperation and Action” to celebrate voluntary work in the Islamic world.

The event highlighted the UAE efforts to promote the values of tolerance at the international level.

Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Permanent Representative to the OIC, reviewed his country’s efforts to promote tolerance, especially as it celebrates the Year of Tolerance this year. He also commended the OIC role in this revered field.

In his statement, the OIC Secretary-General, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, said that the meeting came within the framework of the implementation of resolution 2/46 of the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Abu Dhabi in

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2019, which invited Member States to celebrate volunteerism.

“The resolution urged OIC Member States and voluntary organizations to organize activities to review their achievements in the field of volunteerism, and to strengthen the concept of volunteering, especially among the youth, and in this context I commend the UAE initiative in taking this important decision, and its invitation for this meeting,

which reviewed the UAE efforts in the field of tolerance”, he added.

Furthermore, he said that “we in the OIC have spared no effort to call for volunteerism to be a key element in promoting development and stability in Member States and an important factor in the fight of the OIC and its Member States against poverty, ignorance and extremism.”

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New

Representatives Afghanistan Secretary General receives credentials of Afghanistan’s Permanent Representative to OIC Amb. Shafiq Samim

Sierra Leone Secretary General Receives Credentials of Sierra Leone Permanent Representative to OIC Amb. Dr Ibrahim Jalloh

Morocco Al-Othaimeen receives the credentials of the Moroccan permanent representative to OIC Amb. Moustapha Al-Mansouri

Mauritania Secretary General Receives Credentials of Mauritanian Permanent Representative to OIC Amb. Ahmed Mahmoud Sweid Ahmed

Kazakhstan Secretary General receives Letters of Credence from Kazakh Representative to OIC Amb. Berik Aryn

Chad Secretary General receives credentials of Chad’s Permanent Representative to OIC Amb. Zakariya Fadhl

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TOURISM Celebration of Dhaka as Muslim World’s Capital of Tourism 2019

The People’s Republic of Bangladesh celebrated its capital Dhaka as the Muslim world’s tourist city for 2019, in an official ceremony attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a host of tourism ministers from the OIC member states.

OIC Assistant Secretary General for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Ambassador Musa Kulaklikaya, delivered a statement on behalf of Secretary General Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen wherein he congratulated Bangladesh on its capital city becoming the Muslim world’s fifth tourist attraction city of the OIC Member States.

The OIC Secretary general noted that the occasion bears double significance for OIC, as it comes at a time when OIC is widely celebrating the 50th anniversary of its establishment, and the just concluded 14th summit of our leaders held in Makkah Al Mukkaramah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 31 May 2019 reiterated the need to boost intra-OIC tourism, especially Islamic and family-oriented tourism.

“Tourism is not only an important bridge to conduct civilizational exchanges and promote people-to-people friendship, but also an emerging industry capable of boosting economic growth and inclusive development,” said Al-Othaimeen.

“This is evident from the fact that tourism is one of the largest socio-economic activities in OIC member states, representing around 9% of the OIC member state’s GDP as well as employing 6.4% of total of OIC workforce,” he added.

In addition, according to the Secretary General, OIC member states are blessed with both heritage and religious tourism and

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an array of environmental sites, the potentials of which can be leveraged to promote sustainable growth. This would in turn contribute towards bettering the lives and livelihood of people throughout the OIC member states.

To attract tourists from OIC countries, Dhaka has proposed to build a special tourist zone at the world’s longest sea beach in Cox’s Bazar.

Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina announced the proposal during the inaugural session of “Dhaka the OIC City of Tourism 2019”.

Dhaka was chosen as the “city of tourism” for 2019 during the 10th Islamic conference of tourism ministers, held in Dhaka between Feb. 5-7, 2018.

Bangladesh has many historic Islamic sites, such as ancient mosques, holy shrines of different preachers of Islam, and great architectural structures of the Mughals.

The country boasts special natural spots including the beach at Cox’s Bazar, the world’s only mangrove forest Sundarbans, and the serene beauty of Chottogram Hill Tracts.

While addressing the OIC delegates at the innaugration, Hasina talked about the potential of increasing tourism in the country.

“The value of the Islamic tourism market will increase to $243 billion by 2021, with an annual 8.3 percent growth. We’ll have to take great efforts and prepare a roadmap aimed at promoting Islamic tourism as a global business brand, which will attract tourists further,” Hasina said.

“There’s an urgent need to galvanize our tourism sector. Islamic tourism is the best possible area where we have the opportunity to work together,” she said.

To boost tourism from OIC citizens, Hasina proposed to “promote intra-OIC tourist flows through easing visas,” and “for investment promotion, branding and standardization and capacity building.”

The event exhibited the 400-years rich Muslim heritage of the old city before the invited international guests, especially from Islamic nations.

Representatives from OIC member states took a tour around the city and also explored 500 years old Panam City, Narayanganj.

Tourism is a vital part of the global economy and it continued to be a key driver of the global economic recovery, and a dynamic contributor to job creation, poverty alleviation, environmental protection and multicultural peace and understanding across the globe.

With an increasing awareness and expanding numbers of Muslim tourists, many tourism industry players have started to offer special products and services, developed and designed in accordance with the Islamic principles and with the aim of catering to the needs and demands of these tourists.

The inauguration of “Dhaka the OIC City of Tourism 2019” was attended by high-level representatives and ministers of tourism of the OIC Member States, and also adopted the Dhaka Declaration to preserve and promote Islamic culture and heritage of Bangladesh.

Gabala in Azerbaijan was declared OIC City of Tourism for 2020. Previously, Al-Quds (Palestine), Konya (Turkey), Madina (Saudi Arabia), and Tabriz (Iran) were named OIC Cities of Tourism.

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CULTURE Al-Othaimeen: Dialogue of Cultures and Civilizations is an effective remedy against soaring hatred and discrimination

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Yousef AlOthaimeen, called for creating a cultural bulwark built on the values of dialogue and intercultural exchange, to help tackle the rising threat of hate and discrimination and their attendant forms of terrorist and extremist activity.

Speaking at the 5th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, on 2-3 May 2019, on the theme “Building dialogue into action against discrimination, inequality, and violent conflict”, Dr Al-Othaimeen recalled the New Zealand mosque terrorist killings, along with the Sri Lanka church attacks, pointing out that rising ethnic and religious conflict has put peaceful societies into unwanted tension. To all of us, Dr Al-Othaimeen added, this is proof enough that terrorism has no religion, no nationality and no race. Both attacks were ideologically driven, the result of a narrow-minded view of the world, he stressed.

On the Organization’s counterterrorism and anti-extremism efforts, the Secretary General said the OIC has contributed effectively to advancing intercultural dialogue and

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promoting understanding between peoples from all religions and civilizations. The OIC, he went on, puts this objective at the heart of its programs and activities.

In a pro-active effort to forge harmonious relations between Muslims and Buddhists in East and Southeast Asia, Dr Al-Othaimeen explained, the OIC conducted a strategic workshop on interfaith dialogue in Bangkok, in December 2017, in association with KAICIID (King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue), and a number of partners in Thailand.

Continuing on the same path, Dr Al-Othaimeen further said, the OIC and KAICIID coorganized in December 2017, in the Senegalese capital of Dakar, a roundtable on interfaith dialogue in Central Africa.

The 5th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue examined the critical role of Intercultural Dialogue as an actionable strategy for building human solidarity and helping localities counter the violence and discrimination in diverse communities.

The Forum is an international platform to enable and encourage people, countries and

organizations to advance concrete actions to support diversity, dialogue and mutual understanding as foundations for sustainable peace and inclusive development.

The Forum serves as an inclusive platform to better understand the drivers and benefits of intercultural dialogue as an instrument for addressing some of the pressing challenges of our time, including rising discrimination, growing inequalities and increasingly prevalent violent conflict. In doing so, it hopes to catalyze impactful collaborative actions, the implementation of which will be supported in the two years leading up to the next Forum.

On the sidelines of the Forum, the OIC Secretary General, Dr Al-Othaimeen, was granted an audience with His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, to discuss issues of common concern. He thanked the Azerbaijani President for the warmth and hospitality offered.

Further, the OIC Secretary General met the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Mr Elmar Mammadyarov. Discussions between the two sides centered on the activities and programs led by the OIC.

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CULTURE Al-Othaimeen Appreciates the Contribution of ISESCO to the Service of Culture and Science The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al Othaimeen, addressed the third extraordinary session of the General Conference of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), which was held at King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia.

The Secretary General noted that OIC Member States face great challenges in the cultural, scientific, educational and communication fields, noting that ISESCO, being the OIC’s specialized cultural, educational and scientific arm, has contributed to advancing and developing these fields in accordance with Islamic values and ideals.

The Secretary General stressed that the General Secretariat is looking forward to further coordination and consultation with ISESCO for the development of joint programs that would enable the establishment of genuine partnership with Member States to highlight the depth of Islamic culture.

In addition, he hailed the achievements made by ISESCO under its successive action plans to advance culture, science and education in Member States, such as the imple-

mentation of the Cultural Strategy for the Islamic World and the Islamic Culture Capitals Program and the development of the programs of teaching Arabic language to non-Arabic speakers.

The Secretary General expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince

Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, may Allah preserve them, for the generous care and continuous support they extend to the OIC General Secretariat in the host country.

He also thanked His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Sheikh, Minister of Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the excellent hosting of the meeting, commending the efforts of the outgoing ISESCO Director General, Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General on 27 May 2019 in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, met the Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), Dr Salim Al-Malik. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Muslim World League’s “Moderation and Middle Stance” conference.

Dr Al-Othaimeen reiterated his congratulations and wishes for success to Dr Al-Malik on his election as new Director General of ISESCO, voicing full support of the OIC and personal assistance of its Secretary General.

The two parties discussed issues of common interest, including promotion of cooperation mechanisms among the Member States.

Restoration and Reconstruction of Monuments in Mosul On 2nd May 2019, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) participated in the second meeting of the Joint Steering Committee to follow up the implementation of the UNESCO “Reviving the spirit of Mosul through the reconstruction of its ancient monuments” initiative for which the United Arab Emirates donated 50 million dollars to rebuild and renovate Al Nuri Mosque and Manara Alhadba minaret, which was destroyed by the terrorist group Daesh.

The meeting of the Committee, of which the OIC is a member, was chaired by the Minister of Culture of the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Noura Al Kaabi, in presence of the Iraqi Minister of Culture, Dr. Abdul Amir Al-Hamdani, and the President of the Sunni Endowment in Iraq, Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Heymem, and the President of the Christian Endowment Mr. Raad Kajji, and the Director of UNESCO Iraq Office, Mr. Paolo Fontani.

The meeting was a follow-up to the out-

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comes of the first meeting held in Abu Dhabi in September 2018, to assess progress and to discuss the new scope for the implementation of the project for reconstruction of sites of rich diversity in Mosul. The objective of the meeting was to mobilize the international community for the reconstruction and

recovery of Mosul, to take stock of the current situation on the ground, and to present a list of major projects that are contributing to the rehabilitation of Mosul’s heritage sites, reviving its cultural life.

Mosul is the living symbol of Iraqi’s pluralistic identity.

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CULTURE

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei, a tiny nation on the island of Borneo.

It’s known for the opulent Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, adorned with chandeliers, stained glass and Italian marble, and surrounded by a lagoon. Nearby, the Royal Regalia Building showcases a gold carriage and lavish gifts presented to the sultan. To the northwest is the Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, with 29 golden domes.

From The Pages of History Brunei Darussalam is the oldest uninterrupted Malay state. Since the embracement of Islam by the first ruler of Brunei, Awang Alak Betatar (Sultan Muhammad Shah) in 1402, Islam has played, and still playing, a very central role in the history of Brunei. The practice of Islam can be seen in the admittance of some scholars from the Middle East to the Bruneian society, including Sharif Ali (1432), a descendant of the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬who later enthroned as the third Sultan (14251432), and is known as Sultan Berkat (The Blessed Sultan). Sultan Sharif Ali was the first to build a mosque and reinforce the Islamic faith in Brunei.

During the reign of Sultan Bolkiah, the fifth Sultan of Brunei (1485-1524), Brunei Darussalam expanded her sphere of influence to the entire Borneo Island. The collapse of the Malaccan Empire in 1511 by the Portuguese, gave Brunei the opportunity to strengthen her trade relations, and consecutively the spread of Islam beyond her borders, namely to Palawan Island, Sulu, Belayan, Mindoro, Bonbon, Belabak, Belambangan, Bangi, Mentanai and Saludang (today known as the Philippines).

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Bandar Seri Begawan Asian Region’s Capital of Islamic Culture for 2019 The establishment of Hukum Kanun Brunei (Brunei’s Code of Laws) during the reign of the Sultan Muhammad Hasan (1582-1589) acts as the application of Islamic Laws in governing the state, administration of resources and state customs.

The centre of the city changes from Kota Batu to the water settlements in Kampong Ayer (Water Village). Kampong Ayer was the centre of economic and socio-cultural development. One can still see the names of the villages depicting the socio-economic activities they once niched. For example, Kampong Pandai Besi hosts silversmiths while Kampong Pekilong Muara are villages of fishermen.

In 1906, the centre of the country moved from water to land. Development started to flourish, and in 1952, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III started the modern development of Bandar Brunei (Brunei Town). Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien is also known as the Architect of Modern Brunei. Brunei Town continued to develop as the centre for economic and socio-cultural development. Islamic infrastructure were also developed, and these include Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the establishment of Religious Affairs Department, and the establishment of Islamic

Religious Schools.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah consented to change the name of Brunei Town to Bandar Seri Begawan, in 4th October 1970. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah is the enforcer of Islam and Islamic Law in Brunei Darussalam. In the proclamation of the independence of Brunei Darussalam (1 January 1984), His Majesty announced that Brunei Darussalam shall always be an independent, sovereign and democratic Malay Islamic Monarchy, which uphold the Islamic teachings according to the Ahlus-Sunnah Wal-Jamaah (Shafie Sect), and based on justice, trust and freedom, and with the guidance and will of Allah the Compassionate and the Merciful, and always strive to achieve tranquility, peace, welfare and happiness for its citizens.”

His Majesty has implemented various efforts in strengthening and refining Islamic Development in the country such as the establishment of Seri Begawan Religious Teachers College in 1972; Tahfiz Al-Quran Institute in 1993; Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Islamic Studies Institute in 1999; the launch of Mushaf Brunei Darussalam in 1992; establishment of Islamic Banks in 1991; the banning of alcohol in 1990; and implementation of the Shariah Penal Code in 2014.

Bandar Seri Begawan is a city with cultural excellence, enriched Islamic culture and human culture prosperity.

During the 9th Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Bandar Seri Begawan was nominated as the Islamic Culture Capital for the Asia Region in 2019.

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CULTURE

Al-Quds / State of Palestine Arab Region’s Capital of Islamic Culture for 2019

With its material and spiritual components, Al-Quds Al-Sharif is for Palestinians a symbol of political sovereignty and religious and cultural identity, and the epithet of their national pride and patriotism. This city holds a civilizational and human heritage with which the Palestinian people have interacted throughout their history and to which they have remained steadfastly attached since they settled and lived in this land. For Arabs and Muslims, Al-Quds Al-Sharif represents pride and dignity, the present and the future.

It stands witness to an age-old history and a great civilization edified by this Ummah, the first Qibla set for Muslims, the third holy precincts, and the cradle of divine messages. The Palestinian people will remain the guardians and heirs of history and architecture and of every morsel of time mirrored by its mosques and churches, domes, walls, fortifications, zawiyas, colonnades, ribats, fountains, schools, gardens and gates.

Al-Quds Al-Sharif is an Arab city, one that has been known from times immemorial. More than 35 centuries old, the city’s core was first established on a plateau in the mountains of

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Al-Quds Al-Sharif and represents the middle loop in the chain of Palestinian lands. Its history is manifest in the names given to it over the times such as Orushalem (God of Peace), named as such by the Canaanites, Jebus in relation to the Jebusites, the early Arabian Peninsula tribes who were its original inhabitants, and then Aelia Capitolina, Al-Quds and Bayt Al- Maqdis.

The city abounds with a wealth of historical monuments and sites that confer a privileged position to it among other history-rich cities.

Its religious importance springs from its status as the city from which Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) ascended to the heavens on his Nightly Journey. It is mentioned in the Holy Quran, but is also the most important city for Christians since it shelters the Church of the Resurrection, built in 335 AD, and since this city witnessed the most significant events in the life of Jesus, peace be upon him.

One of the most important historical and archeological landmarks of Al-Quds Al-Sharif is the Al-Aqsa Mosque with its abundance of praying areas and religious and cultural landmarks of which the most notable is the

Dome of the Rock. Additionally, the city has many historical walls, gates, domes, arcades, mosques, minarets, terraces, madrasas, mausoleums, public buildings, zawiyas, ribats, khans and hospitals, as well as a large number of churches, chapels, monasteries, the Via Dolorosa and markets, many still serving their original purpose and used for worship, education, commerce and housing. It is a religious destination for Arabs, Muslims and Christians, a tourist attraction, and a destination for those interested in the study of architecture, history and archeology.

The 8th Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers, held in 2014, adopted Al-Quds Al-Sharif as Capital of Islamic Culture for 2019, a decision seen as a true addition to the historical and cultural capital of the Palestinian people.

The adoption in 2018 of Al-Quds Al-Sharif as a permanent capital of Islamic culture in Manama is a crowning moment and a true expression of the immense value that Al-Quds Al-Sharif represents for the Arab and Islamic Ummah, decisions that are worthy of the status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and its material and spiritual components.

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FAMILY

AFFAIRS OIC Member States affirm support for

women empowerment in Cairo The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held a meeting of the temporary Open-ended Working Group to prepare the draft internal regulations of the Organization for the Development of Women in the OIC Member States on 16 June 2019 in Cairo, Egypt, in cooperation with the Ministry of Women, National Solidarity and Humanitarian Action of Burkina Faso, Chair of the current session of the Ministerial Conference on Women.

The meeting comes pursuant to the ministerial resolution No. 17/7-W on Establishing a Working Group to Prepare the Draft Internal Regulations of the Organization for the Development of Women adopted by the 7th session of the Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in Development in OIC Member States held from 30 November to 1 December 2018 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

In addition to the General Secretariat, the meeting was attended by experts from Member States and relevant international and regional institutions.

Participants discussed the preliminary draft of the internal organizational structure of the Organization for the Development of Women in the OIC Member States for presentation to the Women Development Organization at the start of their work.

Delegations from OIC Member States at the open-ended interim working group concluded their work with an affirmation of their support for the Women Development Organization to commence its operations

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and the importance of coordinating efforts to meet the challenges that impede the advancement, empowerment and participation of women in development.

The Ministerial Meeting was chaired by Burkina Faso, Chair of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Women, represented

by Mrs. Helen Marie Lawrence, Minister of Women, National Solidarity and Family who noted that the OIC pays special attention to human capital, especially women, for her pivotal role in and support for social inclusion. She explained that the OIC Women Development Organization, which will soon come into force, aims to promote the social, economic and political rights of women within the OIC Member States, calling on Member States that have not ratified the Statute of the Organization to accelerate ratification.

Amb. Hisham Yousef, the former OIC Assistant Secretary General for humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs said that the convening of the roundtable at the ministerial level following the meeting of the working group to draft the statute of the Women Development Organization confirms the importance that Egypt attaches to the issues of advancement of women and the role of the Women Development Organization.

In a related context, the participants in the meeting of the interim working group discussed the preliminary draft of the internal organizational structure of the Women Development Organization in preparation for submission to the Organization at the start

of its work.

It is worth mentioning that the Arab Republic of Egypt announced it would host the Islamic Ministerial Conference on Women in 2020.

Empowering Women in Member States On the other hand, Egypt called for a ministerial-level roundtable on “Empowering Women in Member States” which was held on June 17, 2019, with the participation of ministers in charge of women in Member States where they discussed several issues related to women empowerment, chief of which is the role of women in combating extremism, women in decision-making positions, protection of women from all forms of violence, economic empowerment of women and their involvement in the financial and other fields.

The meeting considered ways to expedite the ratification of the statute of the Organization for the Development of Women in the OIC Member States to ensure its entry into force and the start of the organization’s work.

It is worth noting that the Women’s Development Organization, based in the Arab Republic of Egypt, was established by virtue of a resolution of the 37th Session of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in 2010 as a specialized organization for the development and advancement of women and for building their capacities and skills in Member States. Until now, 12 States have ratified the statutes whose entry into force requires ratification by 15 States.

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FAMILY

AFFAIRS

Fourth Meeting of the OIC Women Consultative Council At the invitation of the Ministry of Women, National Solidarity, Family and Humanitarian Action of Burkina Faso, and in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Women Consultative Council (WCC) established by the Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in Development in Member States, held its fourth meeting at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, on 12 May 2019.

The meeting, was attended by Her Excellency Helen Marie Lawrence Elbodo Marshall, Minister of Women Affairs, National Solidarity, Family and Humanitarian Action in Burkina Faso, and followed up on the implementation of the results of the previous WCC meetings, and the election of the WCC Vice-Chairpersons.

The meeting discussed the formation of two working groups, one to develop a strategy to raise awareness of the OIC OPAAW and the other to study and enrich the concept paper on the OIC Gender Policy.

The Council also made some recommendations for ways to support the Palestinian women and stressed the importance of the ratification by Member States of the Statute of the OIC Organization for the Development of Women headquartered in Cairo to complete the quorum and start its activity.

The Council also stressed the need for greater involvement of Member States in the work of the Commission on the Status of Women in the United Nations.

Additionally, it considered the concept paper on OIC gender policy, the establishment of two working groups, one on enriching the

draft concept paper and the other on drafting a strategy for promoting the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women at the national and international level.

On the other hand, the meeting discussed ways to implement the resolutions adopted by the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Women held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

It also evaluated the results of the high-level meeting held by Burkina Faso in coordination with the OIC General Secretariat during the sixty-third session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York on access by women and girls to social protection services in OIC Member States.

It is to be noted that the WCC consists of nine members representing the three OIC regional groups (Arab, African and Asian).

Coordination meeting for the preparation of an OIC Draft Strategy to Empower the Marriage and Family Institution As part of the follow-up to the implementation of the resolution on the preparation of an OIC strategy for the Empowerment of the Marriage and Family Institution and its Values in the Islamic World, adopted by the Ministerial Conference on the Marriage and Family Institution, hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2017, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) hosted a coordination meeting at the level of experts, on 12-13 July 2019, in Kuala Lumpur.

The meeting discussed the first draft of the strategy prepared by the IIUM in coordination with the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries

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(SESRIC) in preparation for submission to the meeting of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Group of Experts to be held in October 2019, at the headquarters of the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah.

In addition to the General Secretariat, represented by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the meeting was attended

by Saudi Arabia, the Chair of the Ministerial Conference on the Marriage and Family Institution, experts from the IIUM, ISESCO, SESRIC and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy.

The above-mentioned Ministerial Conference Resolution was adopted on the basis of the objectives of OIC Charter, which, interalia, required the OIC to “ emphasize,

protect and promote the role of the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society�, and the importance accorded by OIC Member States to empower and preserve the institution of marriage and the family, particularly in the light of the moral, cultural and intellectual challenges which threaten the security and cohesion of the institution of marriage and the family in the Islamic world.

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FAMILY

AFFAIRS

Al-Othaimeen receives Minister of Women Affairs of Burkina Faso

Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), met in his office with H.E. Helen Marie Lawrence Elbodo

Marshall, Minister for Women, Solidarity, Family and Humanitarian Affairs of Burkina Faso, Chair of the Seventh Session of the Ministerial Conference on the Role of Wom-

en in the Development of Member States.

The two sides discussed some of the issues tabled at the meeting of the Women’s Advisory Council opened by the Minister on the same day.

At the beginning of the meeting, Al-Othaimeen welcomed Mrs. Marshall and expressed the OIC commitment to supporting women’s empowerment activities and programs in various fields, such as education, health, work, and under-age marriage. In her turn, the Minister valued the OIC and the Secretary-General’s personal support for the success of the Seventh Session of the Ministerial Conference on Women hosted

by Burkina Faso on 30 November 2018. She stressed the importance of investing in education and training for women and focusing on issues of concern to women.

Message of the Secretary General on the Occasion of International Youth Day Every year, the International Community celebrates 12 August as the International Youth Day, with “Transforming Education” as the theme of this year 2019. On this occasion, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and good wishes to the youth around the World and to the youth in the OIC member states in particular.

I would like to call on all Member States’ Governments, International organizations, Civil Societies, Youth led-organizations and all young people, to invest in transforming our educational systems to make it

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more relevant, equitable and inclusive for all youth. We need to intensify our work towards achieving the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in general and in particular, the objectives set up in the OIC 2025 Programme of Action and the relevant OIC resolutions in this regard.

Allow me to seize this occasion to express the full support of the OIC and pay tribute to the youth suffering under occupation in Palestine by the Israeli forces as well as all young people forcibly displaced by the many crises and conflicts in the Islamic world.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my call to all the Member States of the OIC to do their utmost in implementing the OIC Youth Strategy and its Plan of Action in coordination with the Youth Unit established in the General Secretariat and all the international organizations and relevant OIC Institutions active in the field of Youth empowerment.

The General Secretariat stands ready towards the fulfillment of this endeavor for the sake of the cause of the Youth in the Muslim World.

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HUMAN RIGHTS Protecting the Rights of the People of Jammu and Kashmir

The OIC General Secretariat has expressed concern about the reports of curtailment of religious freedoms of Kashmiri Muslims in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including complete lockdown even on the auspicious occasion of Eid, denying Eid congregations and preventing Kashmiri Muslims from observing religious rituals.

Denial of religious rights constitutes a serious violation of international human rights law and is an affront to Muslims across the world. Therefore, the OIC urges Indian authorities to ensure the protection of the rights of Kashmiri Muslims and the exercise of their religious rights without any hindrance.

The OIC also calls upon the international community, including the United Nations and other relevant bodies, to increase ef-

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forts for a negotiated settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute on the basis of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Emergency Meeting on Kashmir Following a request from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, an urgent meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu & Kashmir at the level of Permanent Representatives was held in Jeddah on 6 August 2019 to review the recent developments in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoK). The meeting was chaired by OIC Assistant Secretary General Amb. Samir Bakr Diab and attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan H. E. Mr. Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and the Permanent Representatives of Azerbaijan, Niger, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

In a statement delivered on behalf of the Secretary General, the OIC expressed its deep concern over the critical situation in IoK and condemned the gross human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir and encouraged the parties for a negotiated settlement on the basis of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, OIC Summit decisions and CFM resolutions.

H. E. the Foreign Minister of Pakistan provided a detailed account of the ongoing deteriorating situation in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the International Community to take urgent necessary actions to protect the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Other members of the Contact Group also delivered statements expressing their support to the Kashmiri people and their right to self-determination.

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Human Rights OIC-IPHRC strongly condemns the increasing violence against Muslims in Sri Lanka

The OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) is following with great concern the increasing violence and attacks against Muslims across many regions of Sri Lanka, including horrific attacks on their homes, mosques and businesses by mobs and extremist Buddhist nationalists.

While welcoming the unequivocal condemnation expressed by the government, and various political, religious and community leaders towards the hate-mongering and violence carried out against Muslims recently, IPHRC called upon the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure the safety and security of all its Muslim population and other minorities, including religious groups by taking concrete measures, and to speedily bring to justice the perpetrators of the recent heinous crimes to prevent further violence in the future.

Referring to the cowardly attacks carried out in April on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, the Commission reiterated its firm position against terrorism as a grave human rights violation in all its forms and manifestations, and stressed that no community should be held responsible for the actions of a few extremists from any religion.

The Commission recalled its oft-repeated warning that in present times, hate speech has become an epidemic, which seriously threatens the coexistence among local communities and undermines the values of multiculturalism in modern societies. Many ultra-right wing political parties and extreme nationalists, use hate speech to demonize and promote discrimination against minori-

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ties, migrants and refugees in their countries, for narrow political gains, which often leads to violence against targeted groups,

while seriously undermining the socio-cultural foundations of their respective societies, it added.

Accordingly, the Commission urged the need for renewed commitment at the highest level, both nationally and internationally, to combat all forms of hate speech, incitement to hatred and populist propaganda against any race, ethnic or religious group, especially migrants, refugees and minorities across the world. Countering populist nationalism also requires strengthening of intellectual and cultural strategies with focus on dialogue, mutual respect and acceptance as well as promotion of a democratic, egalitarian and interactive multiculturalism, it added.

OIC raises the plight of the Rohingya at UNHRC in Geneva

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) organized a side event entitled “The Rohingya’s plight: A pressing issue for the international community”, on 8 July 2019, on the sidelines of the 41st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

In her opening statement, Ambassador Nassima Baghli, OIC Permanent Observer to the United Nations based in Geneva, emphasized OIC’s longstanding commitment to the cause of Rohingya and reiterated OIC’s call on the Myanmar authorities to take immediate and concrete steps to restore the basic human rights of the Rohingya, including the right to citizenship.

The panel at the side event included presen-

tations by Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, Head of the EU Delegation, Deputy Permanent Representative of Malaysia, and representatives from the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The event stressed the need for Myanmar authorities to ensure the accountability of the perpetrators of heinous crimes committed against the Rohingya. It also urged Myanmar to take the necessary measures to enable and ensure a safe and dignified return of the Rohingya to their homeland.

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Human Rights Al-Othaimeen: Corruption Hinders Good Governance and Sustainable Development The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) held its fifteenth regular session at its headquarters in Jeddah on 21-25 April 2019. It addressed a number of issues, notably good governance and ways of combating corruption.

In his speech delivered by Ambassador Hesham Youssef, former OIC Assistant SecretaryGeneral for Cultural, Family and Humanitarian Affairs, H.E. Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, the OIC Secretary-General, stressed that the issue of the protection of human rights has always been integral to the OIC efforts. He indicated that the inability to curb corruption hinders good governance and sustainable development and ultimately impoverishes the developing countries.

Al-Othaimeen asserted that corrupt practices have a negative impact on the poor and the groups most affected referring to the World Economic Forum statistics that the cost of corruption in the form of bribery and embezzlement of public funds amounts to 3.6 trillion US dollars, or 5% of the world’s total national income.

He also welcomed the topic of thematic debate and highlighted that the contemporary model of public administration envisages a social contract between the Government and its people based on mutual trust. People entrust the government to create institutions, devise processes and enact laws and policies to protect and promote their human rights. While regretting the low ranking of the OIC Group on Good Governance indicators, he urged the Member States to maximize governance through decentralization and system wide integration through modern information and communication technologies. He suggested that SESRIC may take the initiative to conduct qualitive research on governance related issues and create a country wise database, which would be helpful to Member States in devising targeted policies. Furthermore, he stressed the need of devising an OIC specific Compact on Good Governance.

In his opening speech, Prof. Akmal Saidov, recently elected Chair of the IPHRC, expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom of

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Saudi Arabia for hosting the IPHRC headquarters and praised the support provided

by H.E. the OIC Secretary-General. Mr. Saidov reviewed the most important IPHRC scheduled activities during this year, including the Sixth International Symposium in Uzbekistan on youth rights planned for early October and the visit of an IPHRC delegation to occupied Palestine in coordination with the OIC General Secretariat.

The Commission Members, panelists and representatives of Member States had an exhaustive and fruitful discussion underlining that human rights protection and good governance are mutually reinforcing. It was pointed out that governance has direct impact on the lives of people, as it relates to all political and institutional processes and outcomes that are deemed necessary to effectively conduct public affairs, rationally manage public resources and guarantee the realization of human rights to all members of society to achieve the goals of development. Accordingly, contours of good governance were highlighted which included institutionalized infrastructure which guarantees the rule of law, effective participation of citizens in the public affairs, multi-actor partnerships, political pluralism, transparent and accountable processes and institutions.

Based on the rich discussions, the Commission also adopted an outcome document, which outlined Commission’s views and recommendations on the subject.

During the five days session, the Commission also had in-depth discussions on all items on its agenda including continued Israeli human rights violations in the Oc-

cupied Palestinian Territories; civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in OIC Member States as well as specific mandates given to it by the OIC-CFM such as Islamophobia; Rights of Women and Children; Right to Development; Standing Mechanism for monitoring human rights situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK), as well as human rights situation of Muslim minorities in Myanmar and Central African Republic. The Commission also received briefings from relevant departments of the OIC General Secretariat on these subjects, which were instrumental in making informed and comprehensive decisions and recommendations on these subjects.

Besides the Commission Members, the Session was attended by the representative of the OIC Secretary General; United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development and representatives of the United Nations Development Program, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Islamic Development Bank and SESRIC. OIC Member and Observer States including their National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), also attended the debate and actively participated in the open proceedings of the Session.

Meanwhile, The OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) will hold its 6th OIC-IPHRC International Seminar on “Importance of Promoting and Protecting The Rights of Youth for Building Peaceful and Democratic Societies and Sustainable Development” in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan from 7-8 October, 2019.

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Sawt Al-hikma Center Mission:

To fight extremist ideology by the same tools they use, to deconstruct the extremist discourse through social media, and debunk its intellectual and jurisprudential falsehood through short messages and videos.

Vision:

Leadership and excellence in combatting extremist discourse throughout the Muslim world by using the latest social media platforms.

Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen OIC Secretary General

“With the emergence of social media and its increasing impact on public life and their use by extremist groups to disseminate their subversive ideologies, the OIC founded Sawt Al-Hikmah (Voice of Wisdom) Centre, which uses social networking platforms to conduct its core activities. The Centre is driven by the conviction that extremist ideology can only be effectively confronted by moderate and enlighten thoughts.�

Partnerships at the Ievel of Member States Nayf Arab Universify ofSecurity Sciences

Sawab Center

Hidaya Center Imam Muhammad Bin Prince Khaled Saud Al-Faisal Institute University ITIDAL

52 OIC Journal May - Aug 2019

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Target Groups:

Sawt Al - Hikma Centre targets all Muslims in the Muslim world within the 14-35 age group, the same age group that is targeted by extremist groups.

Languages:

Sawt Al – Hikma Centre operates in the OIC three official languages i.e. Arabic, English and French, to convey its messages to all parts of the Muslim world.

Mandate and Scope

Sawt Al-Hikma draws its legal basis from the covenants and resolutions adopted by the OIC on combatting extremism and terrorism

Partnerships at the global Ievel

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53

economy Islamic Summit Increases the Share Capital of IsDB to face Development Challenges in OIC Member States

The Islamic Summit Conference commended, during its 14th ordinary session in Makkah, the important role of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group in promoting comprehensive development in OIC Member States, strengthening their cooperation, enhancing Islamic finance, developing infrastructure and promoting the private sector. The Conference called upon Member States to significantly increase the IsDB’s capital to enable it to meet the increasing needs of its Member States.

The Summit’s communique referred to the fragile conditions that some Member States are experiencing due to internal, regional and global conflicts and disputes and noted that the situation requires the IsDB to have adequate financial resources to meet reconstruction and resilience enhancement challenges, in addition to social development

needs. Therefore, the Conference decided to mandate the Board of Governors of the IsDB to issue a resolution on the required capital increase.

The Conference also took note of the IsDB’s new development model, which is based on enhancing Member States’ competitiveness by linking them to global value chains, adding value to their exports and localizing employment opportunities.

The Summit also stressed the important role of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), a member of the IsDB Group, in reducing poverty in OIC Member States by promoting pro-poor development and human development. To enable the fund to achieve its objectives and reach its target capital, the Conference called upon Member States that have not yet announced their contribution to the ISFD to do so ex-

peditiously, and Member States, which announced contributions that do not reflect their economic reality, to review those contributions.

The final communique stated: “The Conference called upon Member States to honour their commitments and to make new commitments towards the ISFD to enable it to continue to deliver on major activities and projects targeting poor populations in the OIC Member States”.

The IsDB Group took part in the 14th Summit with a delegation led by Dr. Bandar Hajjar, the Group’s Chairman. On this occasion, he held several bilateral meetings with leaders and delegations of Islamic States participating in the Summit, and addressed the challenges as well as the means and ways of constructive cooperation between the IsDB Group and these countries.

The 4th Extraordinary Islamic Summit held in Makkah in Ramadan 1433 (August 2012), had recommended to increase the IsDB’s capital. Subsequently, the declared capital of the IsDB went from ID30 billion (US$45 billion), to ID100 billion (about US$150) and the subscribed capital went from ID18 billion (about US$27 billion) to ID50 billion (US$75 billion), in order to enable the IsDB to play its development role and meet the growing development needs in Member States.

The Board of Governors of the IsDB is expected to consider determining the new increase in the IsDB’s capital during its meeting in Jeddah in 2020.

Islamic Development Bank/IFRC to launch a new fund to combat cholera H.E. Dr Bandar M. H. Hajjar, the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and Elhadj As Sy, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), agreed on plans to create of a multi-million dollar fund to combat cholera and other diarrheal diseases in OIC countries.

The WASH Fund will finance a WASH program to impact the lives of 5 million people in 29 OIC member countries. The program aims to strengthen and integrate the delivery of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)

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with health services to combat cholera and other diarrheal diseases building upon well proven methodologies.

The WASH Fund uses an innovative financing mechanism designed to attract new philanthropic and private investor capital in addition to traditional humanitarian donor financing. This fund structure would then be increased in size through the issuance of a Sukuk enabling it to operate at multimillion-dollar scale.

IsDB and IFRC are now meeting with donors, philanthropists and outcome funders

to raise capital, before the issue of the Sukuk on the international capital markets.

This Fund will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on health, SDG 5 on gender-equality, SDG 6 on water and sanitation, and SDG 17 on partnership. It will also contribute to the Ending Cholera Global Roadmap– a multistakeholder plan announced in late 2017 which aims to reduce cholera deaths by 90 per cent by 2030.

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ECONOMY IsDB President Welcomes UN Partnership in the Implementation of SDGs

The President of Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Dr. Bandar Hajjar has welcomed the strengthening of partnership with the United Nations (UN) towards the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Hajjar made the remark when he received the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina Mohammed, at the IsDB Headquarters in Jeddah.

Dr. Hajjar told the UN Deputy Chief that IsDB

is investing a lot towards the implementation of the SDGs through various infrastructure projects; and he called on the UN to specifically focus on building smart villages as a strategy for controlling rural-urban migration. Dr. Hajjar added that by focusing on building smart villages, the targets of SDG11 on smart cities can be achieved.

“The Islamic Development Bank is moving from aid to empowerment to support our

member countries to improve their competitiveness and increase economic growth. We are doing a lot on the SDGs, that is why we established Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem to implement the SDGs with $500 million Transform Fund,” Dr. Hajjar said.

Dr. Hajjar added that IsDB member countries are facing huge challenges, with 10 million people entering the workforce every year even as several member countries export raw materials. He said IsDB will be happy to work with the UN to exchange ideas on how to confront the development challenges through implementation of the SDGs in member countries.

During the visit to the IsDB President, Ms. Mohammed stated: “The recent capital increase of the Bank is a testimony to the trust in your leadership. We need more support from the MDBs. Technology is moving very fast and it will determine how cities work.

The 2030 agenda is a good framework for engagement. IsDB goes to places where others don’t go easily, we need your participation in the next event on Financing for Development at the UN.”

Islamic Development Bank approves US $325 million projects for member countries The Board of Executive Directors (BED) of Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has approved several projects worth US $325 million for Burkina Faso, Kazakhstan, and Mozambique. The approvals also include a Technical Assistance Grant to Suriname and a Waqf (endowment) project through the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) to Benin Republic.

The BED gave the approval during its 331st Meeting in Jeddah, the headquarters of IsDB. Dr. Bandar Hajjar, President of IsDB chaired the meeting where he thanked member countries for their support in approving a capital increase for the bank during the Makkah Summit in the month of Ramadhan. The projects approved for financing are as follows: • Kazakhstan (US $ 100 million); Big Almaty Ring Road Project: A Public Private Partner-

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ship (PPP) project which aims to reduce the traffic congestion in Almaty city and to create a by-pass for commercial vehicles. On completion, the project will play critical role in the regional integration of Central Asian economies.

• Burkina Faso (US $17.40 million); Food Security & Agriculture Project: The aim of the project is to reduce rural household poverty and food insecurity through increased irrigation, agricultural production, productivity and improve market access in Dangoumana areas beneficing 50,000 households.

• Mozambique (US $99.7 million); Temane Transmission Project: The Project will contribute to the economic growth of Mozambique by providing sustainable electricity supply required by the national development and to contribute to increasing overall access rate to electricity from 27% in 2018

to 100% by 2030.

• Pakistan (US $100 million); Polio Eradication Program (Phase-III): The aim of the project is to support countrywide mass polio vaccination campaigns targeting more than 39 million children below five years of age.

(US $10 million out of the US $100 million is a grant from the Lives and Livelihoods FundLLF).

• Suriname (US $ 2.20 million): Technical Assistance grant to produce a feasibility study and a detailed architectural and engineering design for the new hospital to be constructed in Premises of the Academic Hospital in Suriname.

• Benin (US $ 6.00 million); Project aims to construct a Waqf of 9-storey commercial buildings on land provided by government of Benin to the ISFD in Cotonou, Benin.

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ECONOMY

Uzbekistan in a Hurry to Grow its Islamic Economy Uzbekistan has been busy the last two years building its Islamic economy. The former Soviet state is the most populous country in Central Asia, with the majority of its 32 million people Muslim.

Following the death in 2016 of former president Islam Karimov, who came to power in the communist era, his successor Shavkat Mirziyoyev vowed to open the economy and attract foreign investments.

A report by SalaamGateway.com (a global reference for Islamic economy intelligence, founded by Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre) noted that Mirziyoyev’s government has certainly succeeded in substantially increasing foreign direct investment. According to the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), investment inflows grew four-fold in 2018 to reach $412 million, from $98 million in 2017. Most were Russian multinational corporations focused on oil and gas, but new ones in 2018 also came from China, India, Republic of Korea and Turkey.

In the Islamic economy sectors, Uzbekistan’s focus has been primarily on three fronts: building an Islamic finance ecosystem, making itself accessible to Muslim tourists, and establishing trade links with key Islamic economies.

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Islamic Finance In July 2018, the government said it planned to introduce Islamic finance regulations and set up an Islamic finance institution to expand its banking sector and tap foreign markets.

This was by no means the first sign of intent with regards Islamic finance for Uzbekistan but it did come at a time when the expansion of Shariah-compliant financing was accelerating, thanks in large part to the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group.

As far back as 2006, small- and mediumsized enterprises-focused Ipak Yuli Bank received a $2 million financing line from the ICD. Ipak Yuli went on to receive two other financial lines with the ICD, $5 million in 2010 and $14 million in 2017.

In July 2018, two institutions, Trustbank and Invest Finance Bank, signed lines of financing with the ICD. A few months later in September, the ICD signed Shariah-compliant financing with six Uzbek financial institutions: Kapitalbank, Asaka Bank, Uzbek Industrial and Construction Bank, Turonbank, Hamkorbank, and Asia Alliance Bank.

Most recently in June 2019, Kapitalbank

signed an agreement with the ICD that will allow it to seek technical advice from the ICD to set up a new Islamic banking window.

In the same month, Trustbank said it would work with the ICD on the new Global Platform for Private Sector that aims to facilitate collaboration on business opportunities.

Tourism Uzbekistan’s international visitor numbers grew from 302,400 in 2000 to 1.06 million in 2010 to 2.16 million in 2016, according to the official statistics office.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimated tourism directly contributed $275.1 million, or 0.9 percent, to the GDP in 2017.

Tourism growth is positive, with the WTTC expecting 4.238 million international arrivals by 2028.

In the Muslim-friendly sector, the Uzbek government has been proactively building the industry and making the country accessible to Muslim visitors.

In February 2019, it initiated and hosted the first-ever International Forum on Pilgrimage Tourism, which aims to expand international cooperation in the development of the sector and attract more investments.

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ECONOMY

A Comprehensive Food Security Policy in OIC Member States Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Dr. Yusuf bin Ahmed Al Othaimeen said that the OIC is implementing a comprehensive policy to develop agricultural commodities and food security and improve Islamic environmental cooperation in the food and agriculture sectors. He considered food security “as one of the highest priorities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, considering the fact that, the economies of the majority of Member States are agriculture-based, with agriculture accounting for about 12% of the GDP of the Member States.”

Addressing the opening of the second session of the General Assembly of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Thursday, 29 August 2019, Al-Othaimeen called on the Executive Council and the Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security to pay special attention to programs that deal with the urgent priorities of Member States in the field of promoting agribusiness, infrastructure development, research and development and joint innovation.

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He pointed out that OIC member countries occupy about 29% of the agricultural land in the world, and 25 of them are among the top 20 producers of the main agricultural commodities in the world, more than 53% of the total population of the Member States of the Organization live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. He stressed that “there is a need for greater coordination and consultation between the Islamic Organization for Food Security and other OIC institutions to avoid duplication, and the absence of effective use of resources.”

The OIC Secretary General thanked the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the generous hosting of the meeting. “It is the first session to be held after the entry into force of the Statute of the Organization and represents the first essential step towards the actual launch of this important Organization,” said Al-Othaimeen.

He commended the efforts of the Government and leadership of the Republic of Kazakhstan for their commitment to finance the administrative budget of the General Secretariat of the Islamic Organization for Food Security during the first three years, and the announcement by Saudi Arabia of its contribution of US $ 2 million to support the Organization.

For his part, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Chairman of the General Assembly of the Islamic Organization for Food Security, Abdul-Rahman AlFadhli, said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to agricultural development, environment and food security in all its policies, based on its contributions to national, regional and international food security.

Al-Fadhli announced that the Kingdom will provide $ 2 million to the Islamic Organization for Food Security to contribute to the enhancement of its work and support its potential. He also called on the member countries to adopt a food security strategy for all member states.

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isf Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) Signs Agreement to Support Excelling Students from Yemen

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), represented by the ISF (Islamic Solidarity Fund), on 24 July 2019, signed a cooperation agreement with the Charitable Fund in Support of Excelling Students in Yemen, under which grants will be extended to excelling Yemeni students to pursue their studies in some OIC Member States, according to well-defined rules and criteria.

OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef Bin Ahmed Al Othaimeen, attended the signing

ceremony which comes within the framework of the OIC’s humanitarian efforts in favor of the Yemeni people and as a boost for intra-OIC Islamic Solidarity through the extension of humanitarian aid, via the OIC’s various organs including the ISF. The agreement was signed, on behalf of the ISF by its Executive Director, Mr. Ibrahim Abdullah Al Khozeim, and on behalf of the Charity in Support of Excelling Students from Yemen, by Dr. Omar Abdullah Bamahsoun, chairman of its board of administra-

tion. The agreement carries scholarship programs for outstanding Yemeni students to pursue their studies in a host of Member States’ universities and in specialties that are congruent with the labor market demand such as medicine, pharmacy, engineering and technology.

The ISF, indeed, has contributed to the extension of emergency aids and to the execution of various humanitarian projects in Yemen through the construction of health clinics, the extension of support to public charities and the construction of schools, at an overall cost amounting to 3.5 million US Dollars.

After the signing ceremony, HE the OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef Bin Ahmed Al Othaimeen, reiterated the importance of cooperation between the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) and the Charitable Fund Institution in support of Excelling Students, which benefits students in the Member States and those in search of developmental education opportunities, with a view to expand the reach of education, scientific and vocational training. He noted that the OIC General Secretariat was keen to ensure that the scholarships extended by the ISF will be of a high degree of quality and professionalism in all the scientific, administrative, cultural and social fields envisioned and offered by the Member States’ universities.

Al-Othaimeen thanks King Salman and Crown Prince for ISF Donation The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, highly commended the donation of US$ 9 million by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF).

The OIC Secretary-General received a cable from Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, indicating the approval of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to support the ISF with US$ 9 million.

Al-Othaimeen indicated that the OIC extends its thanks to the Government of the

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, for the generous and continuous support to the various OIC programs and activities. Al-Othaimeen stressed that the OIC highly appreciates the great support it received from the headquarters host country and the Chair of the current session of the OIC Summit.

It is worth noting that the decision to establish the ISF as a subsidiary organ of the OIC

was adopted by a resolution of the Second Islamic Summit Conference held in Lahore, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in February 1974 while the Fifth Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in July 1974, approved its Statute.

The main vision of the ISF is to promote the intellectual and moral level of the Muslim peoples in the world and to provide material assistance to the Muslim communities for their social and cultural support. The ISF also provides urgent humanitarian assistance to Islamic countries and to Muslim minorities exposed to disasters and crises.

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isf Fresh Aid within Developmental Program for OIC Member States The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has approved the allocation, through the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF), of new financial assistance for development and education to a number of its Member States as well as for certain Muslim Communities in non-OIC Member States as part of its ongoing programs around the world.

The new batch of assistance includes support for the Islamic University in Niger, the Solidarity Society for Charitable Action in Thailand, the Islamic Federation in Gambia, President Mahmoud Abbas Institution, Haj Nejib Educational Centre in Sri Lanka, King Faisal University in Tchad, the Muslim Relief Society in Uganda, Ibn Saud Educational Is-

lamic Centre in Uganda, the Solidarity Hospital in Senegal, Indar Society in Senegal, AlQuds Smile Society in Palestine and the Arakan Union of the Rohingya in Bangladesh and Malaysia.

The OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef Bin Ahmed AlOthaimeen, declared in a statement on July 11th, 2019, that these assistance grants underscore the OIC’s solidarity with its Member States and its supportive stand in favor of the Muslim communities around the world in pursuance of the noble mission it has been entrusted with.

The OIC has earlier expressed its appreciation to the headquarter state, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, chairman of the current

summit conference, for its generous contribution of 9 Million US Dollars to the Islamic Solidarity Fund’s budget to help it carry through its charitable programs for the benefit of Muslim peoples.

The ISF’s fundamental vision is geared towards the uplift of the dignity and intellectual level of the Muslim peoples around the world and to extend material support to the Muslim countries to prop them up socially and culturally. The ISF also extends humanitarian emergency relief to Islamic states and Muslim minorities that may meet with natural disasters or crises.

Urgent Aid to Distressed Rohingya Muslims H.E. Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), has approved urgent humanitarian assistance to the refugees from the Rohingya minority in the Republic of Bangladesh to alleviate their suffering. Al-Othaimeen pointed out that this assistance “comes within the framework of the OIC leading role and its keenness to stand by the suffering Islamic peoples.”

It is noteworthy that the Islamic Solidarity

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Fund (ISF), as representative of the OIC, assisted the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

The OIC delegation visited the refugee camps and provided urgent assistance to the refugees in the Cox-Bazar region. The assistance provided included the distribution of complete food baskets and sewing machines to more than 1,000 families and laying the foundation stone for the construction of a school bearing the name of the OIC, including a small mosque and a sports field. The OIC will build a full-fledged

mosque and dig an artesian well to supply the center with water.

The OIC emphasizes its keenness to stand with all the suffering Muslim peoples and support them in such difficult crises that have an urgent human dimension based on the principles of Islam, which emphasize solidarity and succor to the afflicted without discrimination. In this regard, the role of charity takes prominence in the bids to achieve the noble objectives.

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new asgs A new beginning at various Departments of the OIC

Al-Othaimeen honors Ex- Assistant Secretaries General in A Farewell Dinner Al Assaf for their immense trust in him to assume the position of the Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs of the OIC. Ambassador Aldobeay also thanked H.E. the Secretary General for his support after his appointment and in the beginning of his work in the General Secretariat. He expressed his determination to execute the duties of his office diligently in order to meet the expectations of the OIC member states.

Aldobeay added that the Department of Political Affairs, which brings together many files of the Arab, Asian and African regions and international organizations, as well as the file of Muslim minorities, is in general the backbone of the Organization’s Secretariat and its political platform and therefore the most important component of the Organization’s performance.

New Assistant Secretaries General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) assumed their offices at the beginning of July 2019.

The OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, congratulated on their new functions the following Assistant Secretaries General: Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Family Affairs; Ambassador Askar Mussinov, Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology; Ambassador Ahmed Ssenyomo, Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs; Ambassador Samir Bakr Diab, Assistant Secretary General for Palestine and Al-Quds; Mr. Musa Kulaklıkaya, Assistant Secretary General for Administrative and Financial Affairs; and Ambassador Yousef Aldobeay, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs.

The Secretary General also on 26 June 2019 honored the former Assistant Secretaries General of the OIC General Secretariat at the end of their terms of office in Jeddah, in the presence of OIC officials.

In his speech during the farewell party, Al-Othaimeen commended the work and

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achievements made by the honorees during their term of office at the OIC, wishing them success in their future endeavours.

The ASGs honored are Ambassador Abdullah Bin Abdulrahman Alem, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru, Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs, Ambassador Hisham Yousuf, Assistant Secretary General for Cultural, Social and Humanitarian Affairs, Ambassador Mohammed Naim Khan, Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology, and Ambassador Abdullah AlMansoor, Assistant Secretary General for Administration and Finance.

Ambassador Yousef Aldobeay The new Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Ambassador Yousef Aldobeay, expressed his gratitude appreciation to the custodian of the two holy mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, Vice Chair of the Cabinet and Minister of Defense, May Allah protect them. He also thanked His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia Dr. Ibrahim

Ambassador Tarig Bakhiet: The Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Family Affairs Amb. Tarig Bakhiet also thanked the OIC Member States for trusting him with the position. He said “this trust will enhance my enthusiasm in order to offer my best in the service of the member states, OIC and the Muslim world.

Obviously, my thanks goes to the Secretary General for his support to me and the files I look after.” He added “I am confident that I will get the full support and cooperation of my colleagues in the Organization to do what we must to accomplished our goals in the upcoming time.

I am responsible for three files; (Family affairs, Cultural Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs). These three files deal with a lot of important issues related to the daily life of the individual Muslim in every part of this world and relate directly to the details of his life.

So I think that this field needs a lot of work and effort and we ask Allah to help us to succeed in the upcoming missions.”

Ambassador Ahmed Ssenyomo Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs, Ambassador Ahmed Ssenyomo,

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new

asgs

thanked the Member States for their support in his new work and also commended the Secretary-General of the Organization, Dr. Yousuf Al-Othaimeen, for his support and stressed his happiness to work in a diverse environment that brings together a mixture of civilizations from African, Asian and European continents.

Ambassador Ssenyomo said that his responsibilities are focused on the policies of the Organization in the economic and developmental fields, especially the economic programs of the Member States, and their efforts to develop them, especially after the efforts exerted by the OIC General Secretariat to enhance intra-OIC trade cooperation and share promising opportunities for development.

Ambassador Samir Bakr Diab “The renewal of my tenure as Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was a great honor for me over the years of my service to this important area that is central the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. I would like to reiterate my thanks and appreciation to the OIC Member States for their constant support and

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cooperation, And to the Secretary-General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen for his continued support to the Department of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif, for which the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was established in 1969.

We ask God Almighty to guide us to serve the causes of the Islamic Ummah and help us to perform our duties in the service of the noble cause.

Ambassador Askar Musinov “There is no doubt that my new position as Assistant Secretary-General for Science and Technology is an important progress in my work in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and here I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Member States for their great support and precious trust in me and I am very keen to do what I can In the service of the Islamic Ummah. I thank His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Organization, Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen for his support. As you know, the Science and Technology Department has entered a new phase with the convening of the first summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Science and Technology, which was held in Astana on 10-11 September 2017,

which gained great support resulting in the adoption of the “OIC STI Agenda 2026” prioritizing Science, Technology and Innovation in the Member Countries. My coming years of service will be to move forward with the implementation of this strategy to achieve greater benefit, progress and prosperity for the Islamic Ummah.

Amb. Musa Kulaklıkaya “I thank the member states for their support by electing me as the OIC Assistant Secretary General for Administration and Finance.

With my 30 years’ experience in diverse carrier path from diplomatic service, development and international organizations, OIC is a very important destination for me in my carrier life. I am very happy to work in such a big international organization, which is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations and collective voice of the Ummah. I am also happy to contribute in steering the administration and financial fields of the noble organization. I am happy to help drive the ongoing reforms of the OIC under the leadership of the Secretary General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen.”

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environment

Jordan: First Reserve in the Middle-East For War Zone Refugee Animals DBA – Amman – The flora and fauna sanctuary in the province of Jarash, Northern Jordan, is home to scores of wild animals that have been rescued from the neighboring war zone countries. The sanctuary opened its doors in the first half of 2019 and has since been offering shelter for a wide range of animals including lions traumatized by the raging wars and led to flee in search of a lost safety which they finally have found at the top of a mountain in Jordan, in the footsteps of hundreds of thousands of human refugees from different countries in the region.

The animals reserve opened its doors to visitors recently, with its 29 inmates including 18 African lions, 2 Bengali Tigers, 2 brown

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bears, and 2 Asian black bears, plus others that were picked up in Gaza (Palestine), in Mosul (Iraq) in Aleppo (Syria), and others by the local authorities from certain public zoos in Jordan with the rest having been handed over to the reserve by their owners who felt no longer capable of taking care of them.

This sanctuary, the first of its kind in the Middle-East provides a natural environment for the animals, extending over 1400 acres of which 1100 have been used to set up pens for each species apart. Of interest is the fact that upon their arrival, these animals are given special psychological treatment to heal the terrible traumas they have been through in their original zoos, according to the sanctuary’s director, Mustapha Khriset,

who told DBA “the reserve offers visitors orientation tours about the shelter and its duties and educates the people about ways to protect wild animals and the biodiversity, how to handle animals, best ways to care for animals in captivity, their needs and their likes.” Thirteen animals had been brought from Turkey, which had rescued them from a zoo in Aleppo following the vast devastation witnessed in the city within the conflict that washed over the North Syrian province.

The decision to transport the two animals was taken in cooperation with the “Four Paws” organization, a sponsoring partner of the shelter, although their original zoo happened to be in the eastern section recovered by the Iraqi forces from Da’esh at the start of

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environment

the combat, which caused so much devastation, therefore the decision to move them outside Iraq.

“Four Paws” is an international organization offering care for animals and striving to motivate people to treat animals with respect, mercy and understanding.

Since 1988, the organization has been battling to preserve wild animals, free them from captivity and ensure decent life for them in a proper species-specific environment.

The organization, based in Austria, seeks through its offices spread over more than ten countries, to introduce sustained empowerment in this respect at the political, social and economic levels. Its work relies on scientific knowledge and experience, adequate research and mobilization of national and international support, as well as through expansive educational awareness-raising to give these animals their freedom back.

Jordan has also earlier received other animals and provided shelter for them in this reserve, a group of these animals were rescued from zoos in Gaza where they faced malnutrition due to the local difficult circumstances.

At one of the visits undertaken by DBA to the sanctuary, a lady visi-

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tor named Dina Ismael said: “this is such a beautiful park, offering an environment similar to the animals’ natural habitat. It is good that we care for these animals. They are entitled to decent care. It is good that these animals are accorded a proper home and spared harsh living on rough soil or ridiculous pools, just to offer people a view and some entertainment, even if that means depriving the animal of its proper habitat. I am very happy indeed for these animals here to enjoy such care”.

Another visitor, Joseph Arif said: “this is my first face to face close encounter with a lion.

I believe this is a wonderful place and the animal here seem to be happy, contrary to what they endure in conventional zoos. This is a nice place, worthy of visit”.

Al Ma’wa Wildlife Reserve, in Jerash, Jordan, established through a partnership between Princess Alia Bint Al Hussein Institution and the Austrian, “Four Paws” organization, with funding from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, is the most prominent natural animal park in the Middle East offering protection to wild life and seeing to the observance of animal protection laws and relevant international agreements.

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COUNTRY PROFILE Capital: Kuala Lumpur Size: 330,345 sq km Population (2016): 31.63 million National language: Bahasa Malaysia Currency: Ringgit Malaysia (RM)

Malaysia comprises two regions: the Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak. It is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious federation of 13 states and 3 federal territories. The 13 states are based on historical Malay Kingdoms, and nine of the 11 Peninsular states retain their royal families.

The states of East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) have separate immigration policies and controls, as well as a unique residency status.

In 2016, the population of Malaysia was 31.63 million, with 28.4 million citizens and 3.23 million non-citizens. The Malaysian population comprises many ethnic groups.

In 2016, more than 61 percent of the population were Bumiputera, which included Malays, Orang Asli, and Sabah and Sarawak natives.

Economic profile Malaysia’s economy achieved a commendable growth of 4.2 percent in 2016, when it attained a gross domestic product (GDP) of RM1,108.2 billion. Growth was led by the services sector, which contributed 54.3 percent to GDP, followed by the manufacturing (23 percent) and construction sectors (4.5 percent). The country’s GDP per capita rose from RM37,123 in 2015 to RM38,887 in 2016.

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Industries Malaysia’s services industry grew by 5.6 percent from the previous year in 2016, led by the business service, food and beverage and accommodation sub-sectors. Meanwhile, the construction industry expanded 7.4 percent, influenced by the growth in the residential buildings and civil engineering subsectors.

The manufacturing industry became a significant contributor to the country’s economy in the post-independence period beginning in the 1960s. In 2016, the manufacturing industry recorded a 4.4 percent growth.

Leading Malaysia’s manufacturing industry is the electrical and electronics sector, which contributed 36.6 percent to the country’s exports in 2016.

The agriculture sector is another important sector in Malaysia’s economic development.

It provides rural employment, uplift rural incomes and ensure national food security. Although the agriculture sector contracted by 5.1 percent from 2015 to 2016, largely due to the impact of the El Nino phenomenon on the palm oil sub-sector, it contributed 8.1 percent to the country’s GDP in the 2016.

Some of Malaysia’s agricultural products are palm oil, rice, rubber and kenaf, a nonwoody fiber plant from the hibiscus family

Malaysia

used in commercial products such as textiles, ropes and furniture.

Tourism Malaysia’s attractions include towering skyscrapers, rugged mountains, sandy beaches and cool highland hideaways. The Petronas Twin Towers, also known as KLCC, is an iconic 88-storey twin building located in the capital Kuala Lumpur and is a popular tourist photography spot. Mount Kinabalu, located in Sabah, is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, standing at 4,095 metres and well-known for its botanical and biological species biodiversity. Malaysia is also home to many beautiful islands such as Pulau Tioman and Pulau Sipadan, which are popular among snorkelers and divers. Its diverse culture also makes the country a “gastronomical paradise” which attracts visitors.

In 2016, tourism brought 26.8 million international tourist arrivals who contributed RM182.4 billion (or 14.8 percent) to the country’s GDP. This is an increase of four percent (from 25.7 million) in tourist numbers and RM 81.2 billion (from RM69.1 billion, an increase of 18.8 percent) in tourist receipts from 2015. In 2020, the country targets to attract 36 million tourists and achieve RM168 billion worth of tourist receipt.

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The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is celebrating 50th anniversary of its establishment. It hosted its 14th Islamic Summit in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to chart a way forward and to ensure continued prosperity and development for its members.