The ninth session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Conference of Ministers of Women's Affairs opened in Islamabad on Monday, bringing together senior officials and ministers from across the Islamic world to discuss strategies for advancing women's social, economic, and political empowerment.

The conference is being jointly organized by the OIC and Pakistan's Ministry of Human Rights under the theme, "The Social, Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in OIC Member States: Challenges and the Way Forward."

The high-level gathering has attracted ministers responsible for women's and family affairs, along with heads of delegations from OIC member states, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and coordinating policies to promote women's empowerment across the Islamic world.

The meeting builds on the outcomes of previous ministerial conferences, including the eighth session held in Cairo in 2021, and seeks to further advance initiatives launched since the inaugural conference in 2006.

The opening procedural session began with remarks by Amal Ammar, President of Egypt's National Council for Women and chair of the conference's eighth session, who reviewed progress achieved since the previous meeting.

Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights, Azam Nazir Tarar, then welcomed delegates and outlined Islamabad's priorities for the current session, emphasizing Pakistan's commitment to promoting women's participation in national development.

In a message delivered by Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs Ambassador Dr. Tareg Ali Bakheet, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha expressed appreciation to both Egypt and Pakistan for hosting the eighth and ninth ministerial sessions.

The secretary-general reaffirmed that women's empowerment remains a central pillar of joint Islamic cooperation and one of the organization's strategic priorities.

He stressed the importance of expanding women's participation in shaping economic, social, and environmental policies throughout OIC member states.

Addressing the conference, Pakistan Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, who serves as patron of the ninth session, said empowering women is consistent with the principles of Islam and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen women's role in society.

Gilani also highlighted Pakistan's experience in promoting women's political participation and expressed his country's readiness to share its expertise with other OIC member states.

During the conference, delegates are expected to elect new members to the OIC Women's Advisory Council and adopt a comprehensive resolution that will guide the organization's future policies and programs related to women's empowerment.

The meeting is scheduled to conclude with the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration on Women's Empowerment, a document expected to emphasize cooperation, integration, and collective action as essential elements for achieving sustainable development across OIC member states. (ILKHA)

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