Saudi OIC Envoy Meets SESRIC Chief in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Suhaibani, received the Director General of the Statistical, Economic, and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah on July 5, 2024. The meeting reviewed SESRIC’s efforts as an OIC subsidiary and its important role in carrying out studies, research, and publishing statistics, and socio-economic information on the OIC Member States for their use.

Context and Background

The OIC is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, with 57 member states. SESRIC, based in Ankara, Turkey, was established in 1978 as a subsidiary organ of the OIC. It operates as a center for research and training, focusing on statistical, economic, and social development issues in member states. The meeting in Jeddah underscores Saudi Arabia’s active role in supporting OIC institutions and fostering cooperation among Islamic countries.

Key Details

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Suhaibani and Director General Selçuk discussed SESRIC’s efforts in conducting research on economic and social development in member states and transferring successful experiences to help develop proposals to initiate and strengthen cooperation among them. They also explored ways to upgrade the efforts of the center and other agencies to meet the expectations placed on them and enhance their role in developing joint Islamic action. SESRIC aims to organize and support training programs that meet the needs expressed by member states, and to assist them in training their administrative and technical staff in relevant fields.

Implications and Impact

The meeting highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening OIC institutions and promoting collaboration among member states. By supporting SESRIC’s research and training initiatives, Saudi Arabia contributes to building capacities in Islamic countries and fostering sustainable development. This aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to enhance joint Islamic action and address common challenges. The discussions also reflect the importance of data-driven policy-making and knowledge sharing in achieving socio-economic progress across the OIC region.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development. The meeting between Dr. Al-Suhaibani and Director General Selçuk exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to these principles, as it works to empower OIC institutions and promote prosperity among member states. By facilitating such dialogues, Saudi Arabia reinforces its leadership role in the Islamic world and contributes to the achievement of shared goals, in line with Vision 2030’s objectives of enhancing global engagement and supporting development initiatives.

20 Questions

Q1. Who is the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the OIC?

A1. Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Suhaibani is the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He plays a key role in representing Saudi Arabia’s interests and fostering cooperation among OIC member states.

Q2. Who is the Director General of SESRIC?

A2. Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk is the Director General of the Statistical, Economic, and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC). She leads the center’s efforts in research, training, and statistical capacity-building for OIC member states.

Q3. What is SESRIC?

A3. SESRIC is the Statistical, Economic, and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries. It is a subsidiary organ of the OIC, established in 1978, and based in Ankara, Turkey. It conducts research and provides training to support development in member states.

Q4. Where did the meeting take place?

A4. The meeting took place at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is home to the OIC’s general secretariat and serves as a hub for diplomatic activities related to Islamic cooperation.

Q5. When did the meeting occur?

A5. The meeting occurred on July 5, 2024. It was reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), highlighting the ongoing engagement between Saudi Arabia and OIC institutions.

Q6. What was the main purpose of the meeting?

A6. The main purpose was to review SESRIC’s efforts as an OIC subsidiary and discuss ways to enhance its role in developing joint Islamic action. The meeting also explored cooperation to strengthen research and training programs for member states.

Q7. What role does SESRIC play in the OIC?

A7. SESRIC serves as a research and training center for OIC member states. It conducts studies, publishes statistics, and organizes training programs to support socio-economic development and capacity-building across the Islamic world.

Q8. What areas does SESRIC focus on?

A8. SESRIC focuses on statistical, economic, and social research and training. It provides data and analysis to help member states make informed policies and facilitates the exchange of successful development experiences among them.

Q9. How does Saudi Arabia support SESRIC?

A9. Saudi Arabia supports SESRIC through diplomatic engagement and collaboration. As the host of the OIC headquarters, the Kingdom facilitates meetings and initiatives that strengthen SESRIC’s ability to serve member states effectively.

Q10. What is the significance of this meeting for OIC member states?

A10. The meeting underscores the importance of collaboration among OIC member states in addressing socio-economic challenges. It reinforces the role of SESRIC in providing research and training that can lead to improved policies and development outcomes.

Q11. What are some of SESRIC’s key activities?

A11. SESRIC conducts research on economic and social development, publishes statistical data, and organizes training programs. It also facilitates the transfer of successful experiences among member states to enhance cooperation and development.

Q12. How does SESRIC assist member states in training?

A12. SESRIC organizes and supports training programs tailored to the needs expressed by member states. It helps train administrative and technical staff in relevant fields, building capacity and promoting self-reliance.

Q13. What is the OIC and what is its role?

A13. The OIC is the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the UN. It aims to promote solidarity and cooperation among its 57 member states in political, economic, and social spheres.

Q14. How does this meeting align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A14. The meeting aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its global engagement and supporting initiatives that benefit the Islamic world.

Q15. What does ‘joint Islamic action’ refer to?

A15. ‘Joint Islamic action’ refers to collaborative efforts among OIC member states to address common challenges and achieve shared goals. It involves cooperation in areas such as economic development, social progress, and cultural exchange.

Q16. How does SESRIC gather and use statistics?

A16. SESRIC collects statistical data from member states and other sources to produce reports and analyses. This information is used to inform policy recommendations and support evidence-based decision-making in member countries.

Q17. What are the expected outcomes of this meeting?

A17. The meeting is expected to strengthen cooperation between Saudi Arabia and SESRIC, leading to enhanced research and training initiatives. It may also result in concrete proposals to improve SESRIC’s services to member states.

Q18. How does SESRIC contribute to economic development in OIC countries?

A18. SESRIC contributes by conducting research on economic issues, providing policy recommendations, and facilitating the exchange of best practices. Its training programs also help build human capital, which is essential for sustainable economic growth.

Q19. What is the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the OIC?

A19. Saudi Arabia is a founding member of the OIC and hosts its headquarters in Jeddah. The Kingdom plays a leading role in the organization, supporting its initiatives and promoting unity among member states.

Q20. How can other OIC member states benefit from SESRIC’s work?

A20. OIC member states can benefit from SESRIC’s research, statistics, and training programs. By utilizing these resources, they can improve their policies, enhance capacity, and foster sustainable development in line with their national priorities.

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