Amid growing geopolitical complexity, cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) remains indispensable for maintaining international peace and security, the Security Council heard today, as it agreed on a presidential statement acknowledging the valuable role of the bloc mostly representing Muslim-majority countries. 

In the consensus text (to be issued as document S/PRST/2025/8), the Council recognized the value of close cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to enhance the implementation of its resolutions in a coherent, efficient and effective manner.

Reaffirming its commitment to the pacific settlement of disputes, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, in particular Chapter VI, the Council noted the interest of utilizing the existing and potential capabilities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation by encouraging its member countries to resolve differences peacefully through dialogue, reconciliation, consultation, negotiation, good offices, mediation, and judicial settlement of disputes.

Also by the text, the 15-member organ noted that the sharing of information between the UN and OIC is relevant for advancing conflict prevention and resolution, as well as peacebuilding, and encouraged exploring further cooperation in this area.

The Council further requested the Secretary-General to include in his next biannual report recommendations on ways to further enhance such cooperation.

Khaled Khiari, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific at the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, underscored that, as implementation of the Pact for the Future progresses, the UN-OIC partnership will remain “essential” to diffusing tensions, advancing sustainable peace, strengthening multilateral norms and principles, and promoting equitable and enduring development.

Bringing together 57 Member States, the OIC represents a vital political, economic, cultural and religious constituency, whose voice carries considerable weight in some of the world’s conflict-affected situations. 

Islamic Bloc’s Engagements in Middle East, Asia, Africa

In the Middle East, the UN and the OIC have long shared common objectives in seeking a lasting resolution to the question of Palestine, he said, pointing to the annual joint Conference on the question of Jerusalem, held in Dakar on 9 July.  He also spotlighted the Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza, endorsed by the OIC and the League of Arab States through their Joint Ministerial Committee, as well as the upcoming Ministerial Meeting — co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia — to support the two-State solution.

Amid recent regional tensions, the OIC’s consistent political backing for Lebanon has proven “particularly valuable”, he observed. In Afghanistan, the OIC is a key partner in the UN’s efforts to engage with the de facto authorities in the framework of the UN-convened Doha Process and in supporting the human rights of Afghan women and girls.  The OIC is also a vital leading voice in support of the Rohingya, underscoring the need to address the root causes of their displacement and to create conditions for their safe, voluntary, dignified return, including the right to citizenship. 

In Sudan, the OIC’s support to international mediation efforts remains highly valuable as efforts continue to find a resolution that will prevent further disaster and return the country to “a path of peace”, he stressed.  Urging both Israel and Iran to adhere to a ceasefire, he cited the OIC’s recent resolution on Iran — to establish an open-ended Ministerial Contact Group on De-escalation — as “a valuable contribution to international and UN efforts”.

At a time when the international community seeks effective responses to mounting challenges, armed conflicts and geopolitical tensions, the UN-OIC cooperation across political, cultural, and scientific domains remains pivotal, echoed Yousef M. Al-Dobeay, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the OIC.

“The Palestinian cause remains a fundamental pillar of fruitful cooperation between our two organizations,” he stated, underscoring the need to reach a ceasefire, promote a two-State solution, put an end to the Israeli settlements and occupation, restore the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and implement the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). 

Addressing the situation in Afghanistan, he noted the OIC’s constructive engagement with the de facto authorities on issues such as women’s rights and the fight against terrorism.  Still, he emphasized the need for stronger cooperation with the international community to help the country overcome its pressing challenges.

Calling for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transitional process, he urged the international community to step up its efforts to resolve the worsening humanitarian crisis.  The Council must call on Israel “to put an end to its repeated aggression against Syria”, he asserted.  Reaffirming the OIC’s unwavering support for Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, he firmly rejected any interference in the country's internal affairs.

Expressing deep concern over the armed conflict in Sudan, he stressed the need to safeguard its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.  “The Sudanese people have to make decisions about their own future,” he stated, underscoring the imperative of achieving a peaceful resolution.

Turning to broader security challenges, he emphasized the critical importance of international cooperation in pursuing a nuclear weapons-free zone and advancing efforts under the auspices of the United Nations towards that goal.

Countering Islamophobia

“The OIC has consistently served as a bridge — connecting the global with regional efforts, and aligning political with the humanitarian priorities,” observed Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Council President for July.

Whether in championing the rights of the Palestinian people for freedom and statehood, advocating for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for self-determination, or supporting peace efforts across Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and the Sahel and beyond, the OIC — the second largest intergovernmental organization after the UN representing over 1.9 billion people — has been “an indispensable interlocutor for the United Nations”, he stressed.

“The urgency for coordinated and principled action has never been greater”, he stated, underscoring the need for a strengthened partnership between the two organizations.  Noting that “this engagement must transcend and evolve into operational synergy”, he called for early warning systems informed by ground realities, joint mediation frameworks, and sustained political and technical collaboration.  Nowhere is this cooperation more necessary than in countering the rising tide of extremism, he said, citing his country’s initiative that led to the designation of 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and the subsequent adoption of a resolution that led to the appointment of a UN Special Envoy on Islamophobia — both of which he described as key “milestones”.

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