The inaugural coordination meeting for Islamic universities and the subsidiary, specialized, and affiliated institutions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) boasts a network of five affiliated and subsidiary universities in five Member States. These institutions include the Islamic University of Technology located in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the International Islamic University located in Malaysia, the Islamic University situated in the Republic of Uganda, the Islamic University of Niger located in the Republic of Niger, and King Faisal University situated in the Republic of Chad. These universities are the mainstay of OIC’s endeavors in the realm of higher education.
In his speech, H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, the OIC Secretary-General, emphasized the critical role that universities play in shaping the future of societies. Through their contributions to education and scientific research, these academic institutions are instrumental in developing and advancing communities. He stressed that the impact of universities is particularly significant in the formation of young people, who represent the future of our societies.
Mr. Hissein Taha expressed unwavering support on behalf of the OIC for Islamic universities. He emphasized that active participation in the events and initiatives organized by these institutions is indicative of the desire to foster constructive interaction between the OIC and the higher education sector.
The Secretary-General emphasized the significance of the current state of the Islamic world, highlighting the potential for fruitful cooperation to bring exceptional ideas to fruition and create new opportunities for the youth of the Islamic world. He acknowledged the pressing challenges facing the education sector within member states, which necessitate intensive cooperation and a shared vision to surmount the difficulties facing OIC countries. Poverty, climate change, keeping pace with rapid technological advancements, adapting to labor-market conditions, and prioritizing education, particularly girls’ education, are among the most pressing challenges. The Secretary-General highlighted the importance of addressing these challenges and prioritizing education to foster growth and development within OIC countries.
The Secretary-General emphasized the imperative of augmenting collaboration and synergy among the OIC’s institutions, especially universities, to surmount these challenges. The initial coordination meeting holds significant importance as it serves as a crucial platform for dialogues and the exchange of opinions and experiences in the academic and administrative sectors. In addition, it presents a valuable opportunity for further coordination, cooperation, and linkage between Islamic universities and institutions affiliated with the organization that possesses a particular interest and promising programs in the fields of youth, education, and university collaborations.