New york: Assistant UN Secretary-General for the Middle East Khaled Khiari emphasized the vital role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a partner in promoting global peace during a UN Security Council meeting. Khiari pointed out the importance of this collaboration in upholding international law and finding political solutions in crisis situations.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Khiari highlighted that the United Nations is intensifying its partnership with the OIC to address complex conflicts worldwide, including those in Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. He noted that the OIC's influence is significant in these regions, aligning with Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, which advocates for regional partnerships to maintain peace and security.
Khiari detailed joint efforts between the UN and OIC, particularly in Gaza, where a recovery and reconstruction plan has been endorsed by both the bloc and the League of Arab States. He mentioned ongoing collaboration on Jerusalem, highlighted by an annual conference in Dakar, Senegal. In Sudan, the OIC's support for international mediation and for the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, has been welcomed.
In Afghanistan, the OIC's involvement in the UN-led "Doha Process" and its advocacy for Afghan women's and girls' rights were praised. Khiari stressed the OIC's moral and religious influence in engaging with the Taliban's de facto authorities. Meanwhile, in Myanmar, the OIC's efforts to facilitate the safe return of the Rohingya to Rakhine state were acknowledged, alongside coordination with the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy.
Khiari also recognized the OIC's leadership in combating Islamophobia and religious intolerance, areas where the UN has increased its efforts. He mentioned advancements in counter-terrorism cooperation following a memorandum of understanding signed in March 2024, which includes technical support and rights-based prevention strategies.
Khiari concluded by underscoring the ongoing importance of the UN-OIC partnership in implementing the Pact for the Future, which aims to address global challenges through collective action. The OIC, headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, represents 57 member states and five observers, making it a significant political, economic, and cultural force.