Jeddah (UNA) – In her speech during the ninth annual coordination meeting of the institutions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ms. Latifa Bouabdellaoui, Director General of the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, affirmed that the organization’s affiliated bodies presented a positive outcome of their activities during the year 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the organization’s bodies, Bouabdellaoui explained that the International Fund for the Development of Physical Education and Sport (FIDEPS), the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), and the Sub-Committee on Trade and Investment (TISC) had achieved a very satisfactory implementation rate, with a marked improvement compared to the previous year.
She noted that approximately 75% of the activities have been completed or are underway, covering diverse areas such as poverty reduction, food security, transportation, tourism, trade and investment, in addition to monitoring the implementation of COMCEC decisions. The remaining activities have been postponed or are still pending.
Al-Bouabdallawi reviewed the most prominent challenges that the work of the agencies faced, including the postponement of some programs, lack of funding, and the need to enhance the level of cooperation between the technical agencies in the member states, stressing that these challenges directly affect the implementation of the programs emanating from the decisions of the Council of Foreign Ministers, COMCEC, and the sectoral ministerial meetings.
She added: “In light of this, we recommend strengthening coordination between activities, increasing the participation of member states in the implementation of programs, providing greater support from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for our various programs, in addition to settling outstanding contributions by countries that have not yet done so.”
Speaking about the 2026 plans, Al-Bouabdellawi confirmed that the center, in coordination with the relevant institutions, has prepared an ambitious and integrated program that responds to the needs of member states and contributes to achieving the common goals included in the OIC Action Plan, adding that work efforts during the next phase will focus on strengthening coordination mechanisms to achieve more effective results.
She concluded by emphasizing that achieving these ambitions and meeting the expectations of Member States requires further support from the Secretariat, particularly to address the challenges related to financing activities and mobilizing Member States’ contributions.
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