EXPRESSING concern over an increasingly complex and daunting security situation as well as the uncertain global economic outlook that presents the OIC with both challenges and opportunities, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam highlighted the importance of unity and solidarity among member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in upholding justice and peace in the world.
“In keeping with the theme of the 13th Session of the OIC Summit, the need for the OIC member states to stay united is greater than ever,” His Majesty said yesterday in a titah delivered at the first working session of the 13th OIC Summit held at the Istanbul Congress Centre, Republic of Turkey.
The monarch commended the work of the OIC in implementing the Makkah Ten Year Programme, and was pleased that such efforts had led to an increase in intra-OIC trade; greater emphasis on health, education, women and children; and the establishment of the Human Rights Commission.
His Majesty further stressed the need for the Organisation to continue and intensify its work to overcome remaining challenges such as the core issue of Palestine, terrorism, violent extremism, Islamophobia, poverty, pandemic diseases and natural disasters.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at the 13th OIC Summit. – INFOFOTO
Photo shows an overview of the opening session of the 13th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Summit. – INFOFOTO
In that respect, His Majesty underlined the need for the OIC member states to renew their commitment to do more for their people and the world at large. Their approach, whether individually or collectively, should produce a positive impact.
The monarch underscored efforts by the member states to further engage and empower their people, especially the youth by providing them with more opportunities to secure a better future.
His Majesty welcomed the OIC-2025 Programme of Action and expressed support for its adoption. This new blueprint builds upon the OIC’s previous programme and addresses new goals such as climate change and poverty alleviation, as well as promoting inter-faith dialogues and moderation, which are key to addressing concerns on violent extremism and Islamophobia.
Another highlight of His Majesty’s titah was the concern for the Palestinian people, as due to the geopolitical challenges in the Middle East region, they had been denied their rightful participation in meaningful socio-economic development and growth. His Majesty called on the OIC member states to continue to strengthen their efforts through all possible channels to resolve the long-standing issue on Palestine, and reiterated Brunei Darussalam’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for their legitimate rights to self determination.
Concluding the titah, His Majesty called upon all OIC member states to put their hearts and minds together in unity and work hand-in-hand in solidarity, to make the OIC ever more relevant to the people they represent.
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