H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Ilze BRANDS KEHRIS, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights and Head of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), on the sidelines of the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York.

During the meeting, both sides underscored the critical role of reliable data and evidence-based policies in monitoring and advancing socio-economic development. H.E. SELÇUK highlighted SESRIC’s ongoing efforts in promoting statistical capacity building and research initiatives to support OIC Countries in key developmental areas. She further emphasized the necessity of fostering inclusive policies that address the needs of vulnerable populations, including families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

In turn, H.E. KEHRIS expressed appreciation for SESRIC’s dedication to data-driven policy-making and its contributions to regional and international initiatives aimed at advancing capacity-building and social well-being and acknowledged the importance of strengthening statistical frameworks to ensure more effective policy interventions in human rights, socio-economic development, and gender equality.

The meeting also provided a platform to explore potential avenues for cooperation between SESRIC and OHCHR, particularly in enhancing capacity-building programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives. In this vein, H.E. SELÇUK reiterated SESRIC’s commitment to collaborating with international organizations, including OHCHR, to further advance the sustainable development agenda and promote inclusive growth within the OIC countries. In this regard, SESRIC and OHCHR can explore joint initiatives focused on statistical research, training programs, and policy recommendations to address contemporary challenges faced by OIC countries.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to continued engagement and cooperation in fostering human rights, gender equality, and socio-economic resilience through data-driven strategies and capacity-building efforts.