In a strong affirmation of multilateral diplomacy, the United Nations Security Council has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing cooperation with regional organizations, particularly the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to address international peace and security challenges. The Council emphasized that working closely with regional and subregional organizations like the OIC — in line with Chapter VIII of the UN Charter — can significantly strengthen the global peace architecture.
This renewed focus comes in light of the 16th biennial meeting between UN agencies and OIC institutions, held from 22 to 24 July 2024 in Astana, where both parties reviewed their collaborative efforts. The Council took note of the outcomes and acknowledged the importance of further deepening partnerships in areas of common interest, including conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping, and post-conflict rehabilitation.
During a recent Security Council session, briefings were delivered by Assistant Secretary-General Khalid Khiari and OIC Assistant Secretary-General Yousef M. Al Dobeay, highlighting the achievements and areas for improved engagement between the two entities. The Council praised these efforts and encouraged further alignment with UN principles and resolutions.
The resolution reaffirmed the Security Council’s dedication to the peaceful settlement of disputes, highlighting the value of dialogue, negotiation, reconciliation, good offices, and judicial mechanisms. It noted the constructive role the OIC and its member states can play in resolving disputes within and beyond the Muslim world.
Commending the OIC’s growing involvement in peacekeeping and peacebuilding, particularly its contributions to UN operations, the Council urged continued information sharing, policy coordination, and collaboration with entities such as the UN Peacebuilding Commission.
Furthermore, the Security Council encouraged the UN Secretary-General to leverage his good offices more proactively, especially in mediation efforts, in coordination with the OIC where suitable. The resolution also recommended that the Secretary-General include proposals for enhancing UN-OIC cooperation in his upcoming biannual report to the General Assembly and the Security Council.
In conclusion, the Security Council expressed its intention to hold regular briefings on this growing strategic partnership, viewing it as essential to ensuring a more coherent and effective approach to international peace and security.
