Ismaël Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has intensified diplomatic efforts at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. This marks his first visit to the United States since his election as OIC Secretary-General. His agenda includes discussions with international officials, foreign ministers, and representatives of regional and international organizations on various political, humanitarian, and development issues.
The OIC Secretary-General's discussions have centered on priority issues for the Muslim world, including the Gaza conflict, the Palestinian cause, and Al Qods. He has also addressed crises in Sudan, Syria, Libya, the Sahel region, Afghanistan, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Rohingya crisis. Additionally, Ould Cheikh Ahmed has focused on development, humanitarian cooperation, mediation, and institutional reform within the OIC.
Institutionally, Ould Cheikh Ahmed presented a reform vision at a ministerial coordination meeting of OIC member states. He announced a five-year action plan to enhance the organization's performance and strengthen its Secretariat. The plan also involves exploring the possibility of an OIC economic summit. This move aims to improve the organization's effectiveness in addressing the challenges faced by its member states.
The Palestinian issue has been a central focus of Ould Cheikh Ahmed's activities in New York. He reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and protection for civilians. The Secretary-General emphasized his rejection of any arrangement that could fragment Palestinian territory. He also urged the international community to support a two-state solution.
Ould Cheikh Ahmed participated in a ministerial meeting of the International Coalition for a Two-State Solution, emphasizing the need for concrete measures to implement the solution. He called for the second phase of the peace plan to be implemented, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The Secretary-General also stressed the importance of maintaining Palestinian territory unity and preventing Israeli colonization.
The OIC Secretary-General's discussions also covered various crises affecting OIC member states. He met with the Sudanese Foreign Minister to address the country's political and security developments. Ould Cheikh Ahmed expressed the OIC's commitment to supporting mediation efforts to establish security and stability in Sudan. He also examined the situation in Mali and the Sahel region with the Malian Foreign Minister.
Ould Cheikh Ahmed participated in a high-level meeting on the Rohingya crisis, reaffirming the OIC's support for the Rohingya people's right to a safe, dignified, and voluntary return to their homes. The Secretary-General's engagements at the UN General Assembly have underscored the OIC's commitment to addressing pressing issues affecting the Muslim world.
Key points
- OIC Secretary-General Ismaël Ould Cheikh Ahmed outlines priorities for the organization, focusing on key issues such as the Palestinian cause and crises in the Muslim world.
