S/PV.9964 Security Council

In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations; and Mr. Yousef Al-Dobeay, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I now give the floor to Mr. Khiari. Mr. Khiari: I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to address the Security Council on the long-standing cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in maintaining international peace and security. At a time of growing geopolitical complexity, cooperation with regional and subregional organizations such as the OIC remains indispensable. Guided by Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, such cooperation is a key priority of the Secretary-General and an important part of implementing the Pact for the Future (General Assembly resolution 79/1). The OIC brings together 57 member States and represents a vital political, economic, cultural and religious constituency. Its voice carries considerable weight in some of the world’s conflict-affected situations. The United Nations values this partnership, not only as a matter of institutional cooperation but as an essential component of our efforts to promote durable peace, inclusive governance and respect for international and human rights law. The United Nations-OIC cooperation spans a broad range of country-specific and thematic areas. The biennial United Nations-OIC General Cooperation Meeting, mandated by the General Assembly, serves as a vital platform, bringing together senior representatives of our two Organizations to take stock of our cooperation and discuss ways to enhance it strategically. In the context of today’s complex geopolitical landscape and challenging financial environment, this Meeting assumes increased relevance and urgency. In the Middle East, the United Nations and the OIC have long shared common objectives in seeking a lasting and comprehensive resolution to the question of Palestine. Most recently, the United Nations and the OIC organized the annual joint International Conference on the Question of Jerusalem, held in Dakar on 9 July. The United Nations also appreciates the OIC and the League of Arab States for endorsing the recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza through their joint Ministerial Committee. The plan reinforces the collective push for a just and comprehensive solution rooted in the relevant United Nations resolutions. The upcoming High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, to be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is key to highlighting international consensus around those goals and reaffirming the principles sustaining the two-State solution. In Afghanistan, the OIC is a key partner in our efforts for a coherent and structured engagement with the de facto authorities in the framework of the United Nations-convened Doha process. The OIC has also played an important role in supporting the human rights of Afghan women and girls through dialogue with the de facto authorities, drawing on its unique position as the collective and credible voice of the Muslim world. The OIC is also a vital leading voice in support of the Rohingya, highlighting the need to address the root causes of their displacement and create conditions for their safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar, including the right to citizenship. The United Nations welcomes the continued coordination between the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar and the OIC in pursuit of shared objectives. In the Sudan, after more than two years of relentless fighting, the warring parties continue to pursue military gains. The OIC’s support for international mediation efforts, including those of Personal Envoy Lamamra, remains highly valuable as efforts continue to find a resolution that will prevent further disaster and return the Sudan to a path of peace. The United Nations welcomes the fact that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran continues to hold. All international actors should speak with one voice in impressing upon the two countries the need to adhere to the ceasefire. The OIC resolution on Iran adopted at the fifty-first session of its Council of Ministers, held last month in Istanbul, to establish an open-ended ministerial contact group on de-escalation in order to work towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict is a valuable contribution to international and United Nations efforts in that regard. Across contexts such as the Sahel, Syria and Yemen, OIC member States have lent important support to United Nations efforts to advance peace and security. We appreciate the OIC’s cooperation in addressing global challenges, which transcend borders. As Islamophobia continues to affect far too many people around the world and demands attention, we appreciate the leading role that the OIC plays in confronting the rise of Islamophobia and all forms of religious intolerance. The United Nations stands against all forms of hatred and discrimination and firmly believes that diversity in all its forms only makes societies stronger. The Secretary- General’s recent appointment of Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé of Spain as the United Nations Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia reflects the United Nations determination to intensify efforts on this important issue, in cooperation with the OIC and other partners. The United Nations and the OIC also cooperate on electoral matters. Through our long-standing and active partnership in this area, we have jointly implemented several capacity-development initiatives in recent years. These have included co-organizing training for OIC member States on election observation and promoting women’s participation in electoral and political processes. Our partnership has also included staff exchange programmes aimed at strengthening cooperation in, and sharing experiences and good practices regarding, electoral matters. Our joint efforts in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism continue to develop. Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding in March 2024, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and the OIC have advanced rights- based approaches through technical assistance, parliamentary engagement and strategic dialogue.

I thank Mr. Khiari for his candid briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Al-Dobeay.

At the outset, I would like to congratulate the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July and to wish it every success. I express my sincere thanks and appreciation to you, Mr. President, and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the initiative to convene this special meeting of the Security Council under the agenda item of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The meeting attests to the importance that the Security Council attaches to strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to His Excellency the Secretary- General, Mr. António Guterres, for his sincere efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC in the service of the causes of peace, security and development worldwide. I commend the convening of this important meeting, particularly at a time when the international community is busy looking for effective and efficient ways to tackle myriad, mounting and unprecedented challenges, in which armed conflicts are intertwined with geopolitical tensions, notably those which are threatening international peace and security, and an escalation of security threats such as terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, food insecurity, challenges posed by technology, including artificial intelligence and worsening humanitarian crises. It is encouraging in that regard that the OIC and the United Nations are pursuing their efforts to fulfil their stated desire for close cooperation in the political, economic, social, humanitarian, cultural and scientific spheres and are continuing their joint quest for innovative and sustainable solutions to the issues confronting the world, namely in the areas of international peace and security, the promotion of a culture of peace and dialogue among civilizations, fundamental human rights, economic and social development and the fight against terrorism. In that vein, I am delighted to praise the positive and constructive engagement among the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the General Assembly, the Secretariat and the relevant United Nations agencies in fostering practical cooperation and creating synergies between the United Nations and its specialized agencies, funds and programmes on the one hand, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its subsidiary bodies and specialized and affiliated institutions on the other. In fact, the manifold efforts deployed by the Council in the maintenance of international peace and security are fully consistent with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s ongoing efforts towards the peaceful resolution of conflicts, including through mediation and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Political cooperation has been a fundamental pillar in addressing the various conflict situations on the agenda of the OIC, which occupy an equally important place on the Council’s peace and security agenda. Foremost among them is the question of Palestine — the paramount question for the OIC. It is regrettable in this In that regard, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has consistently renewed its call on the Council to exert pressure on Israel, the occupying Power, to comply with the United Nations resolutions through an immediate and comprehensive end to the genocide, massacres, starvation and displacement being inflicted on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the occupied city of Jerusalem. The OIC has repeatedly called on Israel to respond to the appeal from the entire world to allow unimpeded access for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and other affected areas in Palestine and to cease preventing United Nations humanitarian agencies from fulfilling their mandates. In that context, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation calls for the implementation of all United Nations resolutions, in particular General Assembly resolution ES-10/24 demanding the implementation of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which calls for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory. To this end, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation welcomes and supports the resumption of the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. The Palestinian question remains a pivotal component of the fruitful cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations. Shared priorities include ensuring an immediate and durable ceasefire, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance in order to alleviate human suffering in the Gaza Strip, providing the Palestinian people with international protection, mobilizing strong international support for the mandate and core mission of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, in full compliance with international law, and ensuring respect for and compliance with all United Nations resolutions related to the question of Palestine. The OIC-United Nations partnership is strategically geared towards promoting the two-State solution; ending the long-standing, illegal Israeli occupation and colonialist settlement; achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting solution; and enabling the Palestinian people to recover their legitimate rights, including their right to self-determination and to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and contiguous Palestinian State on the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has maintained a proactive engagement with the United Nations concerning the situation in Afghanistan, especially since 2021. The OIC Special Envoy for Afghanistan has participated in all the meetings of the United Nations-led Doha process and explained the OIC’s position on important issues, in particular human rights, the rights of women and girls, inclusive governance and countering terrorism and drug trafficking. It also maintains active liaison with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, United Nations officials and the broader international community in order to exchange views and coordinate effectively. In addition, the OIC humanitarian trust fund, under the supervision of the Islamic Development Bank, has signed several partnership agreements with UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration and the World Food Programme. The The Organization of Islamic Cooperation is following developments in Syria with particular interest and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria. It encourages the establishment of a Syrian-owned, Syrian-led transitional process and appeals to the international community, including international humanitarian agencies, to enhance its efforts to address the humanitarian situation in Syria and to facilitate the country’s early recovery and reconstruction. It also calls on the Council to put an end to the repeated Israeli aggression against Syria, which threatens regional peace and security. Turning to Yemen, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation reaffirms its strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, its rejection of interference in the country’s internal affairs and its full support for efforts to achieve a political settlement based on the approved terms of reference, namely, the initiative of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its implementation mechanisms, the outcomes of the comprehensive national dialogue and the relevant Security Council resolutions, foremost among them resolution 2216 (2015). In this regard, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation underscores its support for the endeavours of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen to find a political solution that puts an end to the crisis in Yemen and calls for intensified efforts to end the suffering of the Yemeni people and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to all affected areas. With regard to the Sudan, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation expresses its deep concern about the continuation of the armed conflict; stresses the importance of maintaining the security and stability of the Sudan and of respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity; and emphasizes its support for the choices of the Sudanese people and for their decisions concerning their future. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also emphasizes the importance of achieving a lasting peace through a Sudanese-Sudanese solution that respects the Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, leads to a ceasefire, preserves the country’s capabilities, contributes to achieving stability and supports future economic and social development efforts. In this regard, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation stresses the importance of adhering to the agreement signed on 11 May 2023 within the framework of the Jeddah process and of responding to calls to resume this track and to continue seeking peaceful solutions to the conflict in the Sudan. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation attaches great importance to the security and humanitarian challenges in Somalia, the Sahel region and Lake Chad. Those challenges require the solidarity of the international community with the concerned countries. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also stresses the importance of strengthening international support to confront terrorism and extremism, support development efforts, build State institutions, ensure security and stability, address the root causes of crises and support the efforts of national governments to achieve security, stability and sustainable development. The OIC’s strategy on conflict prevention, peacebuilding and poverty reduction is based on the close relationship between peace and socioeconomic development and the endeavour to address the root causes of conflicts. To this end, the Organization The recent military escalation in South Asia, following attacks on multiple locations in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025, underscores the fact that peace and stability in South Asia can be achieved only through a final and just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also welcomed the ceasefire declared on 10 May 2025, and it once again calls for full compliance with all bilateral conventions, including the Indus Waters Treaty. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has continued to actively support the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, with a view to developing measures to address new and emerging terrorist threats, xenophobia, extremism and incitement to hatred based on religion. Accordingly, it reaffirms its unwavering, principled position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and its categorical rejection of all attempts to associate any country, race, religion, culture or nationality with terrorism. The issue of the Rohingya Muslim community in Myanmar remains at the heart of the OIC’s priorities, as it represents a vitally important and complex challenge, not only for the OIC, but also for the United Nations. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation continues to support the fundamental rights of the Rohingya, including the right to nationality, based on the relevant OIC and United Nations resolutions. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation welcomes the level of close cooperation between the two sides on this issue and shares the deep concern about the challenges that hinder the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees and displaced persons to their homeland in Myanmar. In this context, we look forward to further strengthening this cooperation to ensure the success of the High-level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar, scheduled for 30 September, thereby promoting international efforts towards a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to this crisis. In the context of security challenges, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation reiterates the importance of international cooperation to create a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, as an essential step to foster regional and international peace and security. The constant fears regarding nuclear programmes in the region require an intensification of international efforts, under the aegis of the United Nations, to guarantee that all countries in the region commit to respecting international law and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, in order to ensure a stable and safe Middle East, one which is free of the nuclear threat. The meetings on cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations, held every two years, the most recent of which was in Astana in Kazakhstan in July 2024, remain an effective platform in terms of identifying areas for partnership and for the periodic review of cooperation between the two organizations. This bilateral arrangement has strengthened cooperation and the exchange of best practices. In this connection, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations maintained active and long- term bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, based on shared principles and values, as enshrined in their respective The areas of fruitful cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations that we hope to promote include capacity- building in mediation, conflict prevention and electoral observation. On the economic track, the work and cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its institutions with the relevant United Nations agencies reached a very high level. The United Nations continues to support the efforts of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in facilitating the participation of its member States in the global economy. The promotion of sustainable and durable development and the economic empowerment of women and young people are, likewise, among the priorities of the partnership between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations. Furthermore, food security remains a key element in the agenda of the cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations. Regarding women’s empowerment, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and UN-Women signed a renewed memorandum of understanding in March 2025, confirming their common commitment to promoting the rights of women and their empowerment. That partnership provides a solid basis for dialogue on policies, capacity-building and common initiatives that promote women’s participation and protection, in line with the values and principles of both organizations. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation attaches the utmost importance to capacity-building among young people; the promotion of their participation at all local, national, regional and international levels; protection from misleading thoughts that incite terrorism, extremism and violence; and access to accurate sources of information and knowledge. Furthermore, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has robust partnerships with such United Nations agencies as the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the International Atomic Energy Agency. These partnerships have effectively contributed to strengthening priorities in the field of health in the member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation through support for healthcare systems, better access to medicines and essential vaccines and the response to delicate health challenges, including maternal health, child health and non-communicable and communicable diseases. These partnerships have also increased member States’ technical capacities in terms of preparedness for epidemics, radiation health and health programmes. The global approach on peace and security, through conflict prevention and peacebuilding, social justice and sustainable development, remains one of the foundations of the cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Support is also provided in post-conflict phases by various specialized bodies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Islamic Development Bank and humanitarians operating in various hotspots and crisis situations within the region of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. As we look forward to the future, we believe that there are possibilities for cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations, although we are still not at the optimal level, in an increasingly turbulent world facing more and more conflicts and worsening humanitarian, economic and social crises, in addition to environmental degradation. Therefore, stepping up international multilateral cooperation remains urgently necessary to deal with the global challenges. There is one choice that we can make. That is the choice to establish a strategic, ambitious and complementary partnership. Allow me to underscore three key areas of focus that, in our view, represent broader possibilities for this partnership in the coming years. First, in the area of conflict prevention and mediation, the two organizations have robust mandates and often work in the same regions to deal with the same crises, but in parallel paths that require coordination. Therefore, we look forward to setting up mechanisms for regular coordination between the two sides, namely on early warning and crisis analysis, preventive diplomacy and mediation. Secondly, in the field of sustainable development and humanitarian action, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its specialized bodies, namely the Islamic Development Bank, play a growing role in terms of financing for development, humanitarian aid and economic cooperation. There is an urgent need to develop common action on key issues such as the eradication of poverty, the promotion of social protection, women and youth empowerment, support for education and innovation, and capacity-building to counter climate change and mitigate the dangers posed by natural disasters. On the humanitarian track, there needs to be more coordination on issues related to refugees, emergency relief and humanitarian financing, particularly in the context of widespread crises in a number of countries in the Islamic world. Thirdly and finally, there is the area of dialogue, tolerance and the fight against hate speech. Given the increasing challenges facing peaceful coexistence and the escalation all over the world of Islamophobia, radicalization and hate speech, we urgently need to bolster cooperation to promote the narrative for tolerance and human understanding. Our two organizations can lead efforts worldwide to fight together to counter hate speech and to strengthen a culture of coexistence. In conclusion, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation looks forward to strengthening regular consultations with the Security Council to allow us to work together to deepen and broaden the scope of our efforts to promote international peace and security in line with the Charter of the United Nations and the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

I thank Mr. Al-Dobeay for his briefing. The two complementary briefings by Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and Assistant Secretary-General Al-Dobeay provided a comprehensive overview of the wide-ranging cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the important work that the OIC is undertaking across regions and across numerous domains to promote the objectives of peace and development. It is a distinct honour for me to preside over today’s meeting of the Security Council on cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) — a subject that resonates profoundly with our multilateral vision and the collective aspirations of the more than 1.9 billion people the OIC represents. I thank the OIC Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Yousef Al-Dobeay, for traveling from Jeddah to brief the Council. I also thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for his valuable briefing. We meet at a moment of deepening global disorder — wars waged with impunity, occupations sustained without accountability, humanitarian crises multiplying and ideologies of hatred fast becoming normalized. Amid prevailing flux and deepening uncertainty, the urgency for coordination and principled action has never been greater. Pakistan firmly believes that in this fractured world, the OIC stands as a key political actor, and its partnership with the United Nations must be strengthened, deepened and further institutionalized. The cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC is firmly based on Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, which highlights the significance of regional arrangements in supporting the Security Council’s primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. As the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, the OIC has consistently served as a bridge, connecting global and regional efforts and aligning political and humanitarian priorities. Its legitimacy derives not only from its vast and diverse membership but from the principled clarity of its mandate to uphold justice, protect human dignity, respect the national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all member States and advance solidarity among nations. Whether in championing the right of the Palestinian people to freedom and statehood, advocating for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination and an end to the prolonged illegal occupation by India or supporting peace efforts across Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, the Sahel and beyond, the OIC has been an indispensable interlocutor for the United Nations, also deeply attached to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Pakistan holds this partnership in the highest regard. As a founding member of the OIC and a staunch believer in effective multilateralism, we are of the view that this engagement must transcend and evolve into operational synergy. That means early-warning systems informed by ground realities, joint mediation frameworks built on trust and sustained political and technical collaboration that delivers tangible impacts on the ground. The General Assembly, during its seventy-ninth session, adopted resolution 79/9, reaffirming the relevance of the United Nations-OIC partnership and calling for stronger institutional linkages and strategic cooperation. The OIC’s regional presence, cultural sensitivity and political legitimacy allow it to respond swiftly and credibly, especially in contexts where global mechanisms are constrained or absent. The depth of United Nations-OIC engagement continues to grow, from mediation in political transitions to coordinated responses in humanitarian emergencies and advocacy on issues of disarmament, development and the protection of religious and cultural heritage. This progressive transformation into a proactive, multidimensional partnership underscores the maturity and scope of this relationship. The potential for institutional linkage is much greater in that regard. Nowhere is this cooperation more necessary than in countering the rising tide of extremism, particularly the alarming resurgence of Islamophobia. Religious hatred is not only morally indefensible — it strikes at the very foundations of the Charter of the United Nations. The international community’s endorsement of Pakistan’s Today’s interaction is both timely and necessary. Let us recall that the Council convened briefings on United Nations-OIC cooperation in 2013 (see S/PV.7050) and 2016 (see S/PV.7813) and adopted a presidential statement in 2013 recognizing the OIC’s constructive role (S/PRST/2013/16). We must embed this cooperation in regular, durable and structured mechanisms that reflect mutual trust, institutional coherence and a genuine commitment to shared responsibility. The OIC is a vital partner in the international peace and security architecture, particularly in theatres where the reach of the United Nations alone has proven insufficient. Similarly, regarding the important issue of Security Council reform, the member States of the OIC — the largest cross-regional organization — have called for adequate representation in any category of an expanded Security Council, in line with the OIC’s long-held position. Pakistan hopes that today’s dialogue will be a catalyst for fresh thinking, renewed commitment and bold action. Let us be guided by the Charter, grounded in principles and not geopolitics and propelled by the conviction that global challenges demand global partnerships. Cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations such as the OIC is not a diplomatic accessory — it is an indispensable imperative. Before I conclude, I wish to thank all delegations for their constructive engagement in agreeing on a presidential statement — to be adopted at this meeting — which will go a long way towards further strengthening the partnership and cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC. I resume my functions as President of the Council. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank Mr. Yousef Al-Dobeay, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Mr. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, for their briefings. Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations sets out the imperative of collaboration with regional organizations, as it is accepted that peace, development and security cannot be achieved in silos. Cooperation between organizations at the national, regional and international levels is particularly critical in our rapidly changing and complex global environment. As the second-largest intergovernmental organization, the OIC plays an essential role in promoting peace and inter-State relations based on justice, mutual respect and good neighbourliness to ensure global peace, security and harmony. OIC member States are bound by the organization’s Charter to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to coordinating in humanitarian emergencies and cooperating in combating global threats, such as terrorism, organized crime, illicit drug trafficking, corruption, money-laundering and human trafficking. Strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC therefore provides an important platform to promote multilateralism and strengthen the international response to challenges that threaten global security. Guyana recognizes that the current peace and security landscape requires coordinated responses to the global challenges faced. As conflicts become more complex, with each conflict having its own context, the international community The two organizations can also establish a joint United Nations-OIC task force, with initiatives focused on advancing collaboration in priority areas of cooperation. Moreover, enhanced collaboration in delivering humanitarian aid and addressing humanitarian crises in conflict-affected areas with a significant presence of OIC member States can ensure more effective and culturally attuned responses and sustainable solutions. The United Nations and the OIC can also strengthen their institutional frameworks to jointly advance peaceful dispute settlements through the establishment of formal mechanisms for regular high-level consultations between the United Nations and OIC secretariats, to facilitate coordinated responses and the timely exchange of information when crises emerge. The development of joint programmes and mediation, negotiation and early-warning mechanisms can enhance the capabilities of both organizations. The annual secondment of personnel between the two organizations, particularly in areas such as peacebuilding and conflict prevention, can also bolster operational coordination between the two organizations. Guyana believes that further collaboration between and among organizations ad­ vances the collective goal of maintaining peace and security. We commend the work of the United Nations and the contributions of the OIC, and the Council must continue exploring opportunities to strengthen collaboration with the OIC. Among others, the question of Palestine and the two-State solution have remained a singular priority for the OIC since the birth of the organization, as does addressing the current horrific sit­ uation foisted on Palestinian civilians. As members of both organizations, Guyana re­ iterates its support for, and commitment to, the strengthening of cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC to foster viable solutions for a more peaceful world.

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Al-Dobeay of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Assistant Secretary-General Khiari of the United Nations for their valuable briefings. One of the greatest strengths of this Organization is its diversity of views, races, languages, faith and histories. Time and time again, we have seen that when we manage to find common ground despite our differences, we lay a strong foundation for a better future for all. Multilateralism is itself premised on the proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone, and if you want to go far ,go together.” The effectiveness of our multilateral system relies significantly on the work of regional and subregional organizations and their cooperation, both among themselves and with the United Na­ tions. In different parts of the world, such cooperation fosters mutual understanding and enables more effective action. Along our shared path, such organizations hold great potential for helping us to navigate complex challenges in maintaining interna­ tional peace and security. Slovenia therefore welcomes today’s briefing on coopera­ tion between the United Nations and the OIC. Let me make three points in this regard. First, we underscore the vital role of regional and subregional organizations in fostering mutual understanding. First and foremost, they have a role to play in deepening our understanding of the root causes of conflicts as an essential foundation for effective conflict prevention and resolution. With their unique understanding of circumstances, these organizations, including the OIC, can play an important role in preventive diplomacy. They are instrumental in addressing interconnected crises that span political instability, armed conflict, violent extremism, terrorism, human rights violations, climate stress, economic hardship and humanitarian emergencies. Thirdly, we support the continuation of ongoing cooperation, including collaboration between the secretariats and the use of formal avenues such as briefings, to address issues of mutual interest. That cooperation extends across multiple aspects of our multilateral architecture, including conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peacekeeping and other related areas. While the levels of cooperation, the sophistication of relationships and the contributions of regional and subregional organizations may vary, Slovenia believes that open and meaningful dialogue between the United Nations and these organizations can strengthen collective security. Such dialogue must be grounded both in words and deeds and in respect for international law and the Charter of the United Nations. When the collective interest in peace and security, along with respect for international law, are placed above the interests of individual States, the hope of a peaceful future for all can become a reality.

I want to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari of the United Nations and Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Al-Dobeay of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for their briefings. The United States supports the contributions of regional and subregional organizations and arrangements, including the OIC, to maintaining international peace and security in cooperation with the United Nations and Member States, consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. We have seen regional organizations take leadership roles in areas including conflict prevention, peacekeeping, post-conflict stabilization, counter-trafficking and counter-terrorism. Briefings such as this one can be an opportunity to strengthen the Council’s cooperation with regional organizations. However, such engagements must remain focused on the Council’s responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. These engagements must also allow the Council to better understand how the work of regional organizations is consistent with the Charter and the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Today, OIC member States represent more than 2 billion people around the world. Men and women across the OIC’s member States should be able to build a new era of prosperity for themselves and their fellow citizens. Children should be able to grow up free from fear and safe from violence. Every person, no matter their faith or ethnicity, should be able to enjoy a life of dignity and hope. Unfortunately, war and terrorism have limited the opportunities of some people to enjoy the safety and prosperity to which we all aspire. There are countless crises and challenges that regularly come before the Council and affect the lives and livelihoods of people across the member States of the OIC. Examples include the catastrophic war in the Sudan, which is the cause of the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, the violence and blatant disregard for human life perpetrated by terrorist groups in Mali and the region, and the actions of the Houthis, which are endangering the lives of seafarers and harming economies across the region. In the face of those crises, we encourage the OIC and its member States to use their good offices to resolve tensions and conflicts and to strive for peace. We welcome OIC member States’ sharing of valuable experiences in countering terrorism and violent extremism. For example, the successes of some OIC members in repatriating, reintegrating and rehabilitating individuals susceptible to We encourage the OIC and its member States to be a force for cooperation and reconciliation across religious and national lines. This includes supporting Muslim groups facing repression, conflict and humanitarian crises outside of the OIC, such as Uighurs in China or the Rohingya in Myanmar and beyond Myanmar’s borders. We would appreciate member States’ sustained engagement with Beijing concerning the treatment of their fellow Muslims in China. We welcome their efforts to bridge religious divides and encourage the normalization of ties with Israel. We have already seen countries that signed the Abraham Accords benefit from increased security and prosperity. The United States and OIC member States have a common interest in enhancing regional and international security and in growing our economies. We look forward to continuing our work with the member States of the OIC to deter threats and advance peace, stability and prosperity throughout the world. We hope that greater cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC can advance those goals. Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom): I would like to add my thanks to our distinguished briefers, Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and Assistant Secretary-General Al-Dobeay. I welcome the opportunity today to discuss the important cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) with the United Nations on the resolution of conflicts and securing lasting peace and prosperity. I will make three points. First, the United Kingdom welcomes the efforts of the OIC to strengthen its role in conflict prevention, confidence-building, peacekeeping and mediation. In particular, we thank OIC members for their invaluable commitment of troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Effective cooperation and sharing of information between the United Nations and the OIC are important for developing coherent strategies for conflict prevention to support national prevention efforts. Secondly, the United Kingdom values the role of the OIC and its member States as a key partner in our shared fight against terrorism and violent extremism. This requires a multidimensional approach with the support of all relevant United Nations agencies, regional organizations, governments and civil society partners. We encourage the United Nations and the OIC to maintain close coordination to ensure the protection of human rights while countering terrorism. Thirdly, the United Kingdom welcomes its broadening and deepening relationship with the OIC and its members, including this week, when it is hosting the OIC’s International Islamic Fiqh Academy to strengthen collaboration on key issues and interfaith dialogue. We value this collaboration, not least because inclusive governance and respect for human rights are fundamental underpinnings of peace and prosperity. And the United Kingdom firmly believes that the right to freedom of religion or belief and the right to freedom of expression have a crucial role to play in this regard. Religious intolerance and persecution fuel instability, impeding both conflict prevention and conflict resolution, as we sadly see in a number of the conflicts on the Council’s agenda. That is why the United Kingdom was proud to co-pen resolution 2686 (2023) with the United Arab Emirates in 2023. This was the first time that a Security Council resolution had directly addressed the persecution of religious minorities in conflict settings. We remain committed to the full implementation of resolution 2686 (2023).

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and Assistant Secretary-General Al-Dobeay for their valuable briefings. Sierra Leone reaffirms that cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, as envisaged in Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, is indispensable in the maintenance of international peace and security. In this context, we underscore the relevance and unique positioning of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which, through its cultural, historical and political ties with its member States, has a crucial role in preventing, mediating and resolving conflicts in various regions. Sierra Leone believes deeply in the power of multilateral diplomacy and regional partnerships. We therefore fully support closer coordination between the United Nations and the OIC in conflict prevention, humanitarian response and peacebuilding, particularly in regions experiencing persistent instability and fragility. Specifically, we fully support closer coordination between the United Nations and the OIC in conflict prevention, humanitarian response and peacebuilding, particularly in regions experiencing protracted crises, fragility and instability. We commend the OIC’s proactive engagement in supporting the cessation of hostilities, promoting inclusive political dialogue and facilitating diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts. The OIC’s efforts to work in complementarity with regional and international actors, including the African Union and the Secretary- General’s envoys, are essential to achieving durable and locally owned solutions. We also acknowledge the OIC’s role in addressing humanitarian emergencies. Its efforts to facilitate humanitarian access, support early recovery and advocate for the protection of civilians are vital. We encourage deeper collaboration between the OIC and United Nations humanitarian agencies to scale up life-saving assistance and promote principled humanitarian action grounded in international law. Furthermore, the OIC’s support for inclusive political processes and national reconciliation remains critical to the success of peacebuilding initiatives. We call for sustained engagement to strengthen democratic governance, foster credible and inclusive political transitions and build the foundations for long-term stability and peace. We recognize the opportunities presented by increased OIC engagement in regions undergoing transition. The OIC’s continued involvement in advancing national dialogue, promoting unity and supporting the reintegration of marginalized communities will contribute meaningfully to inclusive and sustainable peace. For the United Nations-OIC partnership to reach its full potential, three areas require further attention. First, greater technical and financial support is needed to address the OIC’s capacity limitations in conflict mediation and peacebuilding. Secondly, more deliberate alignment of conflict analysis and early-warning mechanisms between the United Nations and the OIC could prevent escalation and enhance response readiness. Thirdly, increased joint initiatives in intercultural and interfaith dialogue are essential to counter anti-Muslim hatred, violent extremism and sectarianism. Sierra Leone supports the continued implementation of the General Assembly resolution on United Nations-OIC cooperation (General Assembly resolution 79/9) and encourages periodic joint assessments and policy dialogues between the two organizations. Furthermore, we believe that promoting a culture of peace must remain central to our multilateral peace and security agenda. In that regard, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, in coordination with the OIC, can serve as an effective platform for advancing intercultural understanding, religious tolerance and the In conclusion, we reiterate our firm belief that strengthening the cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC will not only bolster regional responses to conflict but will enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of global efforts to address the root causes of instability, foster reconciliation and promote a just and enduring peace.

I would like to thank Assistant Secretary- General Yousef Al-Dobeay of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for their detailed briefings. We also extend our gratitude to the Pakistani presidency for convening today’s meeting. Since its establishment in 1969, representing 57 member States around the globe, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has been a guardian of the voice and interests of the Muslim world. The fact that in the Security Council alone, five out of 15 members are OIC members, exemplifies, once again, the importance of the OIC. Article 1 of the Charter of the OIC establishes ensuring global peace, security and harmony as one of the objectives of the organization. We understand, therefore, that the Security Council and the OIC share the common aspiration to achieve a more secure international community. As any other belief, Islam is a religion of peace. However, many OIC member States are unfortunately experiencing conflict and instability. In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s sweeping repression of women and girls, under the pretext of sharia, constitutes a misrepresentation of Islamic teachings and values. The OIC is uniquely positioned to counter this false narrative and to engage with the Taliban, based on its Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women. In this regard, we welcome the recent establishment of the OIC Ministerial Contact Group on Afghanistan and express hope that the OIC’s efforts will generate meaningful synergy with the United Nations-led Doha process. In Africa, where half of the countries are members of the OIC, multiple crises continue to affect the continent. In Libya and the Sudan, internal conflicts between warring parties have deepened human suffering. Meanwhile, the Sahel region has emerged as the new epicentre of global terrorism, and Al-Shabaab’s persistent threats in Somalia have intensified, compounded by insufficient funding for African Union (AU) peace support operations. In this complex environment, the OIC has remained engaged in Africa, playing a constructive role in supporting peace and stability in the continent. It has reinforced African ownership for the AU in addressing conflicts and collaborated in its counter- terrorism efforts. Notably, the OIC played a key role in the peace agreement of the Darfur conflict, more than a decade ago, and has also actively engaged in peace efforts to end the current conflict in the Sudan. At the same time, the OIC has extended its support for Africa through disaster relief efforts in response to mounting climate-related challenges. These include extreme weather events, floods and droughts on the African continent, which are all crisis multipliers. It has also made investments in economic development and infrastructure, playing an important role in post-crisis recovery and resilience-building. In the Middle East, since the horrendous terrorist attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent harsh military response, we have been witnessing dangerous escalation and instability spreading throughout the region. As we reiterate our demand for an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages, as well as support for Meanwhile, the fall of the Al-Assad regime has given Syria the historic momentum to finally build a peaceful and inclusive nation. However, the volatile landscape of regional conflicts and ongoing sectarian violence, undergirded by long-standing intercommunal tensions, are exacerbating the serious challenges that Damascus already faces. Lebanon is also suffering from continued hostilities across the Blue Line, threatening the already precarious stability in the region. And ongoing instability in the Red Sea, caused by the continued Houthi attacks, is another factor of concern for the region and beyond. To alleviate such tensions on the ground and reach durable solutions, diplomatic approaches based on wise engagement by regional and international actors, including the OIC, are essential. We highly value the engagement by the OIC and its members, as well as the Islamic Development Bank, to support the capacity-building of relevant Governments. The complexity of all of these issues needs collective intelligence to instil better understanding and to reach proper solutions. Therefore, continued discussions, both inside and outside of the OIC, including with the United Nations, should be constantly encouraged. As a Security Council member, the Republic of Korea is committed to the peace and stability of those OIC member States, and beyond, as well as to cooperating towards the realization of that end, as necessary, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Mr. President, Your Excellency Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar, France welcomes Pakistan’s initiative of convening this meeting. I would like to thank Mr. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, and Mr. Yousef Al-Dobeay, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), for their briefings. These statements highlighted the points of convergence between the actions of the OIC and the purposes and principles of the United Nations, in particular their common goals of maintaining peace, settling disputes by peaceful means and promoting multilateral cooperation. We welcome the OIC’s commitment to continue working for international peace and security, within the framework of international law, in particular Security Council resolutions. We would like to underscore two areas in which the OIC can contribute to the achievement of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. First, it can contribute to the resolution of crises affecting OIC members. Several OIC countries are affected by terrorism. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has long made the fight against this scourge one of its priorities, adopting and regularly updating the Convention of the Organization of the Islamic Conference on Combating International Terrorism. At a time when the terrorist threat is resurfacing and changing, we call on the organization to continue its efforts, while respecting human rights and the relevant Security Council resolutions. On the situation in the Middle East, as the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, will be held next week, we welcome the Responding to cross-cutting challenges is another area where the OIC can contribute. Climate change in particular compounds existing vulnerabilities. In the territories of OIC member countries, desertification, increasing droughts and growing water insecurity are worrisome realities. We must mitigate and adapt to those phenomena to promote regional stability. The OIC can make a difference by making that a priority of its action. We also believe that the OIC has a key role to play in developing and encouraging the upholding of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, regardless of origin, gender, language or religion. We therefore encourage the Organization to continue contributing to the fight against violence against women and gender discrimination through programmes such as the OIC plan of action for women. In Afghanistan, where we must continue to focus our attention on the deterioration of the situation of women and girls, we are convinced that the OIC can be an important intermediary in the work of the United Nations and the Security Council. Other global challenges could be mentioned, such as combating disinformation, Internet governance, education and health. To address all those global challenges, which the OIC and the rest of the international community also face, no method is more proven than multilateralism.

At the outset, I would like to express Algeria’s sincere appreciation to Pakistan for convening this important meeting, presided over by His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. We commend your efforts, Mr. President, to renew the focus on the solid partnership between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). We also thank the Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Khaled Khiari, and the Assistant Secretary- General of the OIC, Mr. Yousef Al-Dobeay, for their valuable briefings. Today’s meeting provides an important opportunity to address the long- standing relationship between the United Nations and the OIC — the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations — which has enjoyed permanent observer status at the United Nations for 50 years. As a committed member of the OIC, Algeria emphasizes the importance of the relationship between the United Nations and the OIC. It is worth noting that both Organizations share a common commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. On the one hand, they face many common challenges, such as conflicts, extremism, poverty and injustice. On the other, they share many aspirations, including peace, development and human dignity. The most recent report of the Secretary-General on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations (S/2024/600) highlights the importance of deepening the partnership between the United Nations and the OIC. Decades of cooperation between the two Organizations form the foundation on which we must build, while strengthening the 10 priority areas of cooperation between them. I would like to highlight three areas that Algeria considers essential to advancing this partnership in a spirit of collective action and shared responsibility. Secondly, we must promote peace and security. The diverse and complex challenges to international peace and security in today’s world require deeper and more strategic cooperation. Our capacity for preventive diplomacy must be significantly strengthened in order to de-escalate rising tensions and prevent conflicts before they arise, particularly in the developing world, where the consequences are often dire. In that context, the capabilities of the OIC in the field of regional mediation are valuable assets that should be fully leveraged. We also call for stronger cooperation in counter- terrorism, peacekeeping and post-conflict peacebuilding. Those are the areas where the needs are greatest, where the complementarities between the two Organizations hold promise for achieving tangible results, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Thirdly, we must promote dialogue and tolerance. It is important to recall that the OIC was founded in 1969, primarily as a direct response to the devastating arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque. That was not just an isolated act but a provocative attack on one of the holiest places in the world. It is deeply regrettable that, decades later, Palestinians continue to face hatred, discrimination and the systematic denial of their fundamental rights, regardless of their religious affiliation. We reiterate our call for full respect for, and the realization of, their inalienable rights, including their right to establish a State and to live in dignity, freedom and security. In our interconnected world, fostering intercultural and interfaith dialogue is no longer an option. Promoting dialogue between cultures and religions is no longer an option but a necessity. The OIC and the United Nations are natural allies in this field. Together we can help to break down dissonance and build mutual understanding. That commitment was strongly reflected in the General Assembly’s declaration of 15 March, at the initiative of Pakistan, as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia (General Assembly resolution 76/254) and in the appointment of a Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia. Those steps represent a collective recognition of the need to confront all forms of discrimination at a time when the recent spread of discourse of exclusion and segregation is a source of great concern. Looking ahead, Algeria believes that the time has come to inject more dynamism, coherence and ambition into the partnership between the United Nations and the OIC. Our cooperation must not only reflect our shared values but also deliver tangible results on the ground. In that spirit, we look forward to the Council adopting a presidential statement on cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC today. It will be a recognition of the OIC’s contributions to international peace and security and a step towards strengthening the foundations of this important partnership. In conclusion, Algeria reiterates its firm belief that our shared goals of peace, security, sustainable development and human dignity can be achieved only through deeper coordination and mutual respect. The United Nations and the OIC must continue to work together in that endeavour.

Let me thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and Mr. Yousef Al-Dobeay, Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), for their briefings. Greece very much welcomes today’s opportunity to exchange views on the cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the provisions of its Chapter VIII. Today, I would like to highlight the following three points. Secondly, Greece supports constructive engagement between the United Nations and the OIC towards the fulfilment of United Nations purposes and principles. Engagement between the United Nations and the OIC, a cross-regional faith-based organization, in particular in conflict-affected regions such as the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel, has the potential to demonstrate the value of regional perspectives in multilateral diplomacy. Enjoying strong bilateral ties with many OIC members, Greece additionally acknowledges the active role of member States of the OIC currently serving on the Security Council, with which we enjoy excellent cooperation. Thirdly, Greece expresses its serious concern about, and opposition to, the content of certain resolutions adopted by the OIC and elements of its declarations that contra­ vene international law, the United Nations Charter and Security Council resolutions. Greece underscores that OIC resolutions must always be fully aligned with interna­ tional law, the United Nations Charter and the resolutions of the Security Council, namely on issues pertaining to the Cyprus issue and to non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign States in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 7, of the Charter. With regard to the Cyprus issue, Greece emphasizes the need for strict adherence to resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984). The OIC has, most regrettably, attributed observer status to the secessionist entity on the island since 2004. That is despite the fact that the Security Council, in its resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984), clearly condemned its unilateral declaration of independence, demanding that it be withdrawn. Equally, it called upon all States to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and not to recognize the illegal entity or assist it in any way. In addition, OIC resolutions and elements of its declarations contravene international law outright. In fact, the joint declaration adopted at the OIC’s latest ministerial summit speaks of a so-called Turkish Muslim minority of Western Thrace and a Turkish Muslim population in the Dodecanese. Any such references are factually incorrect, as the international Treaty of Lausanne established the status of the Muslim minority in Thrace, Greece, on the basis of religion. Likewise, the small population of Greek citizens of Muslim faith residing in the islands of Rhodes and Kos in the Dodecanese enjoy the same rights as any other Greek citizen, with their religious rights and freedoms fully protected. We regret that past efforts to raise those concerns with the OIC secretariat have not borne fruit. We hope that today’s exchange offers a fresh opportunity to reaffirm the importance of aligning all regional positions with international law and Council resolutions. Ultimately, adopting positions that blatantly contravene international law does little to advance cooperation with the United Nations or to contribute to the work of the Council. Greece, an elected member of the Council, will never shy away from raising these issues with the OIC and its member States, as it is a true believer in the merits of forging honest relationships. It has been nine years since the last briefing on cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) (see S/PV.7813). Let me therefore extend my thanks to Pakistan for organizing this important briefing and also thank Deputy Prime Minister Dar for his presence here today. At a time when we are faced with multiple conflicts and crises around the world, immediate support and collective action from the international community are needed more than ever. The development of effective partnerships between the United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations, such as the OIC, is imperative. More than 50 years ago, the OIC was established in the spirit of promoting international peace, security and harmony, as well as interfaith dialogue among the various peoples of the world. The new OIC 2025 Programme of Action highlights the comprehensive settlement of the question of Palestine as one of the organization’s main priorities. OIC members have worked towards aiding the situation in Gaza and have continuously called for an immediate ceasefire. In addition, the League of Arab States and the OIC have spearheaded efforts on the plan for recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, which Denmark supports as a firm basis for discussions of the future of Gaza. We also value the efforts between the United Nations and the OIC in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism. Denmark remains firmly committed to effectively combating that persistent threat and to doing so in line with international human rights standards. As the representative body of 57 Muslim-majority States spanning four continents, the organization possesses knowledge and expertise in the resolution of conflicts, especially those affecting OIC member States. Denmark would like to commend efforts by the OIC in promoting interreligious dialogue and mediation. We welcome the intention of the OIC to expand its mediation capacities within its general peace and security mandate, and we acknowledge ongoing dialogue to reinforce cooperation between the OIC and the United Nations in areas of common interest, such as conflict prevention and the fight against terrorism. In conclusion, today’s complex transnational challenges require closer cross- regional and international collaboration. This is why the OIC and its cooperation with the United Nations are critical. The OIC has a vital role to play in addressing threats to international peace and security. Denmark looks forward to deepening this engagement towards these shared objectives.

I thank the Pakistani presidency for taking the initiative to convene this meeting. I welcome Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar presiding over the proceedings, and I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khalid Khiari and Assistant Secretary-General Al-Dobeay for their briefings. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is a symbol of unity among and the autonomy of Islamic countries. Since becoming an observer in the General Assembly, the OIC has actively cooperated with the United Nations on, inter alia, addressing hotspot issues, combating terrorism and providing humanitarian assistance, earning recognition from the broader international community. China supports the United Nations in further deepening its cooperation with the OIC in the spirit of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, so that they can safeguard international peace and security together. I wish to highlight four points. Secondly, there is a need for a joint commitment to the political settlement of hotspot issues. Force cannot bring peace, nor can violence bring security. Political settlement is the only viable path. With its religious, historical and cultural advantages in tackling issues that arise in the Islamic world, the OIC has a unique role to play in conflict prevention and mediation. The Security Council should strengthen engagement and coordination with the OIC so that they can form synergy by leveraging their respective strengths. The Palestinian issue lies at the heart of the broader situation in the Middle East and is of the greatest concern to the Islamic world. A pressing priority is to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Gaza in order to ease the desperate humanitarian plight there. The international community should ramp up efforts towards the implementation of the two-State solution. Thirdly, there must be a joint commitment to combating terrorism. Terrorism is the common enemy of humankind, and the international community is facing complex and serious terrorist threats. We must uphold the policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, reject double standards and selective approaches, and oppose linking terrorism with any particular ethnicity or religion. International counter- terrorism cooperation must be unflaggingly strengthened. Syria has recently been rocked by multiple incidents of violent terrorism. Syria’s interim authorities must fulfil their counter-terrorism obligations in earnest and combat all terrorist organizations designated by the Security Council, including the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement. The international community should urge the Afghan interim Government to take, and support it in taking, stronger measures to prevent the country from backsliding into a hub for terrorist groups. Fourthly, there must be a joint commitment to dialogue and exchange among civilizations. Inter-civilizational dialogue is the bond of peace, an engine for devel­ opment and a bridge of friendship. It can inject positive energy into a world that is in a state of flux and facing a breakdown of order. In 2024, the General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution submitted by China and 82 other countries to establish the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations (General Assem­ bly resolution 78/286), seeking to maximize the contributions of inter-civilizational dialogue to eliminating discrimination and prejudice, enhancing mutual understand­ ing and trust, and strengthening solidarity and cooperation. The international com­ munity should hold fast to the principle of peaceful coexistence among civiliza­ tions, advocate inclusive dialogue on an equal footing and allow cooperation to tri­ umph over confrontation and win-win outcomes to prevail over zero-sum thinking. China and Islamic countries are good friends and good partners, with a friendship that goes back centuries. More recently, practical cooperation between China and Islamic countries on various demands has been fruitful, and the friendly relations have continued to improve in quality and depth, setting a positive example for South- South cooperation. China remains committed to working with Islamic countries in practice through multilateralism, to making greater contributions to world peace and development and to building a community of a shared future for humanity. If the United States truly cares about the human rights of Muslims, why does it turn a blind eye to the living hell in Gaza? Why has it ignored the historical injustices suffered by the Palestinian people? The United States overlooks its own chronic problems at home, such as gun violence, racial discrimination and the trampling of its citizens’ rights and dignity — to name but a few. Yet, under the guise of human rights, it wantonly interferes in other countries’ internal affairs and violates the human rights of innumerable people in developing nations. We urge the United States to reflect on its own ills and wrongdoing, change course and put more effort into practical, positive actions for international peace and security.

We thank the Pakistani presidency for convening this important briefing. We also thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari and His Excellency Mr. Yousef Al-Dobeay, Assistant Secretary- General for Political Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), for their valuable briefings. Today’s complex geopolitical environment, marked by multiple humanitarian crises and cross-border armed conflicts, lays bare an inescapable conclusion, namely that there is a need to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in order to ensure concrete responses tailored to the context of each situation. Panama recognizes the special capacity of regional and subregional organizations to understand and address the social and political situations of their respective regions, owing to their proximity to local realities. In this regard, our country values the role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation as a key partner of the United Nations in efforts to build and maintain peace and security in its member States. Panama shares the principles that inspire cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC, especially those reflected in the matrix of joint activities, adopted at the 2024 biennial meeting, held in Astana, Kazakhstan. The promotion of human rights, the unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance and the prevention of violent extremism are shared objectives, guided by the Charter of the United Nations and relevant Security Council resolutions. We also recognize the leading role the OIC has played in promoting religious tolerance. As a nation in which different faiths coexist in harmony, including a Muslim community of some 25,000 people, we especially appreciate its leadership in establishing the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, in line with the principles of human dignity and non-discrimination enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Similarly, Panama welcomes the new plan of action agreed between the OIC and the International Organization for Migration to improve migration governance and respond to humanitarian crises. As a pathfinder country in the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, we stress the importance of managing the movement of people in a safe, orderly and regular manner, which requires comprehensive cooperation among States, based on shared responsibility and guided by the principles enshrined in the International Bill of Human Rights. The founding purpose of the United Nations is to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. However, the rise of conflicts, many marked by radicalism and intolerance, shows that there is still a long way to go to fulfil this commitment. This year we commemorate the tenth anniversary of resolution 2250 (2015) on youth, peace and security. Despite this, youth remain one of the main victims of conflict, deprived of the future of dignity and development that this Organization’s Charter aims to guarantee. We value initiatives such as the OIC Youth Capital International Programme and stress that such forums must unwaveringly focus on cultivating a culture of peace to strengthen social resilience and prevent violent extremism. We reiterate our call on the international community to redouble its efforts towards effective and inclusive multilateralism. In a world marked by deep divisions, mutual understanding, effective cooperation and synergy between organizations such as the United Nations and the OIC are essential to move towards sustainable, comprehensive and shared solutions.

We would like to thank the Pakistani presidency, in your person, Mr. Minister, for convening today’s meeting. We consider it very timely, in the light of, inter alia, the unprecedented spiral of violence in the greater Middle East region that we have seen recently. We are grateful to Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari and Assistant Secretary- General Yousef Al-Dobeay of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for their assessments and remarks. Muslims account for more than 10 per cent of Russia’s population. Russia has observer status in the OIC and attaches particular importance to developing cooperation with Muslim countries and the overarching body that unites them. Muslim countries are not just regional partners for us. We believe that the Islamic world has a significant role to play in shaping a multipolar system of international relations, with equality, respect for cultural and civilizational diversity, and adherence to international law, being key elements thereof. Today, amid the extremely dangerous and acute escalation of a long-standing regional crisis, the Islamic world is acting responsibly. It maintains its political independence and advocates a just and balanced order, based on international law, dialogue and mutual respect. This calibrated and consistent position is in sharp contrast with the actions of Israel and its backer, the United States of America, which are undermining the very foundations of a settlement in the Middle East and the principle of the sovereign equality of States. We consider it important to enhance the partnership between the United Nations and the OIC so as to resolve conflicts. In this context, we emphasize the need for joint efforts to de-escalate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, above all in the Gaza Strip, In this regard, we value the shared stance of the OIC countries of rejecting the use of force to resolve conflicts, and we appreciate the efforts by Muslim States to counteract attempts to put the Palestinian issue on the back burner. Also, we would like to praise the mediation efforts by Arab capitals aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, delivering humanitarian assistance and preventing the exile of Palestinians from their lands. It cannot be overstated, in that regard, how important is the principled position of Muslim and Arab States in support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which has no alternative and plays a key role in ensuring the survival of Palestinian refugees and creating an independent Palestinian State. Russia and the countries of the Islamic world consistently advocate the implementation of decisions based on relevant Security Council resolutions and the peace initiatives of the Arab and Muslim world. For example, Russia supported and co-sponsored the General Assembly resolution on combating Islamophobia, adopted on 15 March 2024 (General Assembly resolution 78/264), which emphasizes the need “to take all necessary measures … to combat religious intolerance, negative stereotyping, hatred, incitement to violence and violence against Muslims.” Our cooperation with the OIC is not limited to politics and security. It covers a wide range of areas, from countering terrorism and extremism to protecting traditional spiritual and moral values and combating religious discrimination. We attach particular importance to joint work in the field of international information security, including combating digital crime, countering the imposition of destructive models of mass culture and developing universal approaches to ethics and regulation in the field of artificial intelligence. Relations between Russia and the OIC are steadily progressing. Following the pause enforced by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, we have resumed regular political consultations between the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the OIC General Secretariat. There is also growing cooperation between parliamentarians in education, science and culture, including joint projects with various OIC structures such as the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art, and Culture and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. We would like to highlight the successful implementation of joint initiatives to study the cultural heritage of Muslim peoples in Russia. Young people from Islamic countries are currently studying at Russian universities and religious academies. In turn, students from Russia are studying at the educational institutions of OIC countries. There is fruitful interaction between institutions dealing with human rights is­ sues. We are also expanding cooperation on such issues as ensuring the safety of fa­ cilities in earthquake-prone areas and developing artificial intelligence technologies. On a separate note, we would like to thank the Pakistani delegation for the efforts it undertook to facilitate the adoption of a presidential statement on United Nations- OIC cooperation (S/PRST/2025/5). We support the adoption of the document. We hope that reaffirming the importance of cooperation between the two organizations will give additional impetus to collective efforts to maintain international peace and security, including in the hot spots of the Middle East region. Russia remains

Allow me to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to the Pakistani presidency for convening this meeting and for the thoughtful decision to place the vital partnership between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the centre of the Council’s agenda today. I would also like to thank our briefers, Mr. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, and Mr. Yousef Al-Dobeay, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, for their valuable insights and assessments. As a founding member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, my delegation attaches great importance to the enduring partnership between the United Nations and the OIC. Over the years, this relationship has proven itself to be a valuable asset in our collective efforts to maintain international peace and security. Drawing on the OIC’s regional legitimacy and the global mandate of the United Nations, together we have addressed a range of challenges, from conflict prevention and mediation to humanitarian aid delivery and post-conflict recovery. Collaborative work in regions such as the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel has demonstrated the practical value of this partnership. Yet we live in a world where threats are evolving rapidly, conflicts can ignite overnight and narratives of division can spread in an instant. To remain effective, this partnership must not only continue but be revitalized and reimagined. I wish to offer three points for consideration as we seek to further strengthen this cooperation. First, there is scope to enhance joint preventive diplomacy. The United Nations and the OIC can work jointly on addressing the root causes of conflicts and improve conflict- prevention efforts, including strengthening early-warning systems and supporting mediation. Leveraging the OIC’s regional knowledge and expertise with the global reach of the United Nations makes early intervention more proactive and effective. Secondly, institutionalizing collaboration should be a priority. Continuing to work towards stronger relationships, such as through joint working groups, capacity- building programmes and coordinated approaches to peacekeeping, will create a more systematic and sustained partnership. Thirdly, we must continue to promote intercultural and interfaith dialogue, leveraging innovation and technology to broaden our reach and deepen our impact. Harnessing artificial intelligence, digital communication platforms and innovative educational tools can counter divisive narratives more effectively. In addition, adopting technological solutions to bridge cultural and religious divides can reinforce the foundation of lasting peace and inclusivity at all levels of society. In conclusion, the United Nations and the OIC share a commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. My delegation remains committed to strengthening the partnership between the United Nations and the OIC and to meeting the challenges ahead more effectively as we advance our shared aspirations for peace and security around the world.

After consultations among Council members, I have been authorized to make the following statement on their behalf. “The Security Council recalls the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirms its primary responsibility under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security and in this regard, the Security Council reiterates that cooperation between the United Nations and “The Security Council recalls its previous relevant resolutions and statements of its President which underscore the importance of developing effective partnerships between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant statutes of the regional and subregional organizations. “The Security Council expresses its appreciation for the briefings of the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Khaled Khiari, and the Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Mr. Yousef M. Al-Dobeay. “The Security Council takes note of the 16th biennial general meeting of the organizations and agencies of the United Nations system and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its subsidiary organs and specialized and affiliated institutions, held in Astana from 22 to 24 July 2024 to review and appraise the level of cooperation between the two organizations and acknowledges the value of further strengthening cooperation in areas of common interest. “The Security Council notes that the United Nations and the regional and subregional organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation work in promoting and facilitating the resolution of conflicts, and stressed the need for this work to be consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. “The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the pacific settlement of disputes, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, in particular Chapter VI. The Security Council notes the interest of utilizing the existing and potential capabilities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in this regard, including through encouraging its member countries to resolve differences peacefully through dialogue, reconciliation, consultation, negotiation, good offices, mediation, and judicial settlement of disputes. “The Security Council recognizes the important role of the good offices of the Secretary-General and encourages the Secretary-General to continue to use mediation as often as possible to help resolve conflicts peacefully, working in close coordination with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in that regard, as appropriate. “The Security Council welcomes the efforts of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which have been undertaken in coordination with the United Nations, in strengthening its role in conflict prevention, confidence-building, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation, mediation and preventive diplomacy, and stresses the need for this work to be consistent with the United Nations Charter and relevant resolutions of the Council. The Security Council recognizes the importance of interaction and cooperation, where appropriate, between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in support of nationally owned and inclusive peacebuilding efforts. The Council commends the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for their ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping and peacebuilding, including through the contribution of troops to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. “The Security Council recognizes the value of close cooperation, as appropriate, with regional and subregional organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in order to enhance the implementation of “The Security Council notes that sharing of information and analysis between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is relevant for advancing their shared concerns on conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, and encourages exploring further cooperation in this area. “The Security Council commends the commitment of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to building its capacity in the field of conflict prevention and resolution, mediation and preventive diplomacy. “The Security Council recognizes the relevance of enhancing cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security and expresses its intention to hold regular Briefings of the Security Council, as appropriate, in this regard. “The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to include in his next biannual report to the Security Council and the General Assembly on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations, recommendations on ways to further enhance cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.” This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2025/5.