Introduction
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the world’s second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations (UN), with 57 member states spread across four continents. Established in 1969, the OIC serves as the collective voice of the Muslim world, striving to promote and safeguard the interests of Muslims globally in economic, political, cultural, and social spheres.
- Secretary General
- Mr. Hussein Ibrahim Taha
The organization plays a crucial role in resolving conflicts, promoting human rights, advancing education, and fostering economic cooperation among Muslim-majority countries. This blog provides a detailed overview of the OIC, covering its history, structure, objectives, achievements, challenges, and future prospects.
Historical Background of the OIC
The OIC was founded in response to the burning of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on August 21, 1969. This incident triggered global outrage among Muslim-majority nations, leading to a historic summit in Rabat, Morocco, on September 25, 1969.
During this summit, leaders of 24 Muslim-majority countries came together to establish an organization that would unite Muslim nations, protect Islamic heritage, and address challenges faced by the Muslim world. This effort led to the formal establishment of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (renamed to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in 2011).
How Secretary General is elected ?
The Secretary General, who is the chief administrative official of the Organisation, is elected from among nationals of the Member States for a period of five years by the CFM in accordance with the principles of equitable geographical rotation and equal opportunity and can serve for maximum of two terms.
Objectives of the OIC
The OIC aims to promote Islamic solidarity and cooperation in various fields, including politics, economy, culture, science, and humanitarian affairs. Its objectives include:
1. Protecting the Rights of Muslims
- Addressing issues faced by Muslim communities and minorities worldwide.
- Defending Islamic holy sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
2. Promoting Peace and Security
- Working to resolve conflicts in Palestine, Kashmir, Rohingya (Myanmar), and other crisis regions.
- Engaging in diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between member states.
3. Economic and Trade Cooperation
- Enhancing economic relations among Muslim countries.
- Establishing Islamic banking, trade agreements, and joint investment projects.
4. Advancing Science, Technology, and Education
- Encouraging research in healthcare, space, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.
- Supporting the development of educational institutions in member states.
5. Combating Islamophobia and Human Rights Violations
- Addressing discrimination and religious intolerance against Muslims worldwide.
- Supporting UN resolutions and legal measures against Islamophobia.
6. Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief
- Providing aid to countries affected by natural disasters, war, and poverty.
- Partnering with international organizations such as UNICEF, WHO, and the Red Cross.
Membership:
Permanent members:
- The member states include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso,Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, and others.
Observer Members
States:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, Kingdom of Thailand, The Russian Federation, Turkish Cypriot State.
International Organisations:
- United Nations (UN), Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), League of Arab States (LAS), African Union (AU), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
Structure of the OIC
The OIC operates through multiple institutions and bodies, each responsible for different aspects of its mission.
1. The Islamic Summit
- The highest decision-making body, consisting of heads of state and government of member countries.
- Meets every three years to set the strategic direction of the organization.
2. The Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM)
- Holds annual meetings to discuss policies and address urgent issues.
- Responsible for implementing decisions made at the Islamic Summit.
3. The General Secretariat
- The administrative body of the OIC, headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Led by a Secretary-General, who is elected for a five-year term.
4. Standing Committees
The OIC has several committees responsible for specific areas of cooperation:
- Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Committee –
- Focuses on defending Palestinian rights.
- Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) –
- Promotes research and innovation.
- Standing Committee on Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) –
- Enhances trade and investment among OIC states.
- Standing Committee for Information and Cultural Affairs (COMIAC) –
- Strengthens cultural and media cooperation.
5. Subsidiary & Specialized Organs
- Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) –
- Provides financial assistance to OIC countries.
- Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) –
- Promotes education and culture.
- International Islamic News Agency (IINA) –
- Covers news related to OIC nations.
Key Achievements of the OIC
Over the decades, the OIC has played a crucial role in strengthening cooperation among Muslim countries and addressing global challenges. Some notable achievements include:
1. Support for Palestine & Al-Quds (Jerusalem)
- Advocates for a two-state solution and recognition of Palestinian sovereignty.
- Provides humanitarian aid to Palestinians through the Al-Quds Fund.
2. Economic Development & Trade Initiatives
- Launched the OIC Trade Preferential System to boost intra-OIC trade.
- Promotes Islamic finance and Halal industry standards globally.
3. Advancements in Science, Education, and Technology
- Established OIC Universities and Research Centers in member states.
- Develops joint research projects in space exploration, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
4. Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Efforts
- Provides emergency aid to conflict zones, including Syria, Afghanistan, and Yemen.
- Works closely with international agencies on healthcare and refugee support.
5. Combating Islamophobia and Religious Intolerance
- Established the OIC Islamophobia Observatory to monitor anti-Muslim hate crimes.
- Calls for global legislation against blasphemy and religious discrimination.
Challenges Faced by the OIC
Despite its successes, the OIC faces several internal and external challenges:
1. Political Divisions Among Member States
- Tensions between OIC nations (e.g., Saudi Arabia-Iran, Pakistan-Bangladesh) often slow down decision-making.
2. Lack of Enforcement Power
- The OIC lacks a strong enforcement mechanism to implement its resolutions effectively.
3. Economic Disparities
- While some OIC countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Malaysia) are wealthy, others (e.g., Somalia, Chad, Yemen) struggle with extreme poverty.
4. Response to Global Conflicts
- Criticized for its limited role in resolving crises like Kashmir, Rohingya genocide, and Uyghur persecution.
Future Prospects of the OIC
To strengthen its role and influence, the OIC is working on several initiatives:
- Strengthening Economic Cooperation –
- Expanding intra-OIC trade, Islamic banking, and joint infrastructure projects.
- Digital Transformation –
- Investing in AI, fintech, and smart city projects in OIC countries.
- Climate Change & Sustainable Development –
- Addressing environmental challenges and renewable energy adoption.
- Greater Diplomatic Influence –
- Strengthening partnerships with the UN, EU, and African Union.
Conclusion
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is a crucial platform for Muslim solidarity, economic development, and global diplomacy. Despite facing challenges of political division, enforcement limitations, and economic disparities, it remains a powerful voice for the Muslim world.
Moving forward, the OIC must enhance unity, improve decision-making, and address contemporary issues like technology, climate change, and human rights to maintain its relevance in the modern era.
The future of the OIC depends on its ability to adapt, innovate, and strengthen cooperation among its 57 member states.
