The Statistical, Economic, and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) took part in the 50^th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, under the auspices of H.E. Paul BIYA, President of the Republic of Cameroon. The session, convened on August 29, 2024, marked a significant milestone as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of Cameroon’s accession to the OIC.

The session commenced with an opening address by H.E. Dr. Joseph Dion NGUTE, Prime Minister of Cameroon, who delivered remarks on behalf of President BIYA. In his speech, Dr. NGUTE reaffirmed Cameroon’s continuous support for the OIC and underscored the importance of solidarity among member states in combating poverty, climate change, and terrorism. He highlighted the ongoing crises in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address these challenges.

Following the Prime Minister's address, H.E. Mr. Lejeune MBELLA MBELLA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cameroon, assumed the chairmanship of the session. He welcomed the delegates and expressed gratitude to the outgoing chair, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould MERZOUG, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mauritania, for his exemplary leadership during the 49^th session. Minister MBELLA MBELLA reiterated the significance of the session’s theme, "Developing Intra-OIC Transportation and Communication Infrastructure: Key Instrument for Combating Poverty and Insecurity," stressing the critical role of development, peace, and security in the OIC’s mission. He also reaffirmed support for the two-state solution in Palestine, condemning the ongoing escalation and violence.

In his address, H.E. Hissein Brahim TAHA, Secretary-General of the OIC, provided a comprehensive overview of the organization’s current priorities. He expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli occupation forces have intensified their military aggression. Secretary-General TAHA emphasized the OIC's ongoing efforts to support the Palestinian people, defend their legitimate rights, and mitigate the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict.

The Secretary-General also highlighted the OIC's engagement in Afghanistan, where the organization continues to advocate for women's rights, particularly regarding education and participation in public life. He pointed to the ongoing dialogue with Afghanistan’s de facto government, spearheaded by the OIC’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Tariq Ali BAKHIT, as a vital component of these efforts.

Additionally, the Secretary-General reviewed developments in Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the OIC’s principled stance in support of the region's territorial integrity. He commended the end of the armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, welcoming the restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereignty within its national borders.

The session also addressed the multifaceted challenges facing the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. Secretary-General TAHA called for increased solidarity with these regions, announcing plans for a Donors’ Conference to support displaced persons and refugees, scheduled for October 26, 2024, at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah.

On the economic front, the Secretary-General announced the inauguration of the OIC Labour Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan, as a significant step toward addressing development challenges in the sector. He also recognized the importance of the Islamic Halal Accreditation Forum, which held its inaugural session in Makkah in November 2023, aiming to enhance cooperation among accreditation bodies within the halal industry.

In his closing remarks, Secretary-General TAHA expressed his gratitude to Cameroon for hosting the 50^th session and acknowledged the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania during its chairmanship of the 49^th session. He extended his appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its continuous support under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The session concluded with the swearing-in of the new Assistant Secretaries-General of the OIC, marking the commencement of their duties across various portfolios, including Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs, Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs, and others.

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