Jeddah (UNA) – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Mr. Hussein Ibrahim Taha, expressed his appreciation for the leadership of Dr. Hadi bin Ali Al-Yami, Executive Director of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission.
In a statement delivered on his behalf by Ambassador Samir Bakr, Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs, at the opening of the High-Level Dialogue on Youth Engagement in Humanitarian Efforts, Peacebuilding, and Post-Conflict Development, held on Monday, December 15, 2025, and organized by the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during its 26th Ordinary Session, he said: “I would like to express my deep appreciation for the leadership of Dr. Hadi bin Ali Al-Yami, Executive Director of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission. The excellent arrangements and meticulous organization of the substantive discussion held yesterday, Sunday, December 14, followed by today’s High-Level Dialogue, reflect an exceptional level of professionalism, vision, and organizational capacity. Despite limited resources, the Commission successfully organized two consecutive major open events with broad participation from stakeholders. This achievement is a testament to Dr. Al-Yami’s competence and commitment. I extend my warmest congratulations to him and his team on this commendable work.”
He stressed that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) places youth at the heart of its vision for peace, development and human dignity, given that OIC member states comprise one of the largest youth populations in the world, many of whom live in conflict-affected or post-conflict areas, so engaging youth effectively is not an option, but an imperative.
He said, “The Organization of Islamic Cooperation firmly believes in the need to view young people not only as victims of conflicts, but as key partners in humanitarian response, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and sustainable development. Empowering young people strengthens social cohesion, rebuilds trust in institutions, and lays the foundations for lasting peace. Therefore, this high-level dialogue is timely and of great importance, as it provides a platform to link policies with implementation, and to coordinate humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts through a rights-based and youth-centered approach, in accordance with the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and international human rights principles.”
The Secretary-General submitted the following recommendations for consideration:
• Institutionalizing youth participation in humanitarian action and post-conflict peacebuilding mechanisms at the national, regional and OIC levels, ensuring that their voices are effectively included in decision-making processes;
- Investing in building the capacities of young people, especially in conflict-affected areas, through education, skills development, leadership training, and providing decent livelihoods;
- Strengthening coordination between OIC institutions, member states, UN agencies and humanitarian partners to develop coherent, youth-focused strategies for post-conflict recovery.
• Ensuring the protection of the rights of young people, especially young women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and those living under occupation or in fragile situations, in accordance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
He added, “We are confident that the deliberations of this high-level dialogue will result in practical recommendations and tangible outcomes that will contribute effectively to the work of the Independent Permanent Commission on Human Rights and Refugees, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and our member states.”
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