OIC Calls for Inclusive, Data-Driven Climate Policies at COP31

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) participated in a high-level event titled “Accelerating the Use of Disaggregated Demographic Data in Climate Policy Frameworks” on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 14, 2026. The event, organized in partnership with the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), underscored the critical need to integrate detailed population data into climate strategies to ensure that no one is left behind. The OIC’s engagement at COP31 highlights its commitment to inclusive climate action that protects the most vulnerable, including women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.

Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Science and Technology, delivered a compelling address at the event, emphasizing that effective climate policies must be rooted in a nuanced understanding of demographic realities. He outlined three key priorities: placing people at the center of climate planning, strengthening institutional cooperation to translate demographic data into effective policies, and improving the allocation and effectiveness of climate finance. The OIC reaffirmed its dedication to supporting member states in strengthening statistical capacities, promoting international cooperation, and advancing people-centered climate policies that align with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. This intervention comes at a pivotal moment as nations worldwide grapple with the escalating impacts of climate change and the urgent need for equitable solutions.

Context and Background

Why does disaggregated demographic data hold the key to unlocking truly inclusive climate action? Disaggregated data refers to information broken down by characteristics such as age, gender, disability, income, and geographic location. In the context of climate policy, such data enables governments and international organizations to identify which populations are most at risk from climate-related disasters, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation. Without this granular insight, climate interventions risk being one-size-fits-all, inadvertently overlooking the specific needs of marginalized groups. The OIC, representing 57 member states across four continents, has long recognized that climate change disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable, making disaggregated data an indispensable tool for crafting targeted and effective responses.

The event at COP31 builds on a growing global consensus that climate action must be people-centered. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has been a leading advocate for integrating population dynamics into climate strategies, noting that demographic trends such as urbanization, migration, and aging populations significantly influence both vulnerability and adaptive capacity. SESRIC, the OIC’s statistical arm, has been instrumental in enhancing the statistical capabilities of member states, many of which face data gaps that hinder informed policymaking. By partnering with these institutions, the OIC is leveraging specialized expertise to bridge the data divide and ensure that climate policies are grounded in evidence. This collaboration reflects a broader shift in international climate governance toward more inclusive and data-driven approaches, as exemplified by the Glasgow Climate Pact and subsequent COP decisions that call for enhanced adaptation efforts and support for vulnerable communities.

Furthermore, the OIC’s participation at COP31 underscores the organization’s proactive role in global climate diplomacy. As the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, the OIC represents a significant bloc of developing nations that are often on the front lines of climate impacts. By championing disaggregated data, the OIC is advocating for a more equitable distribution of climate finance and resources, ensuring that those who contribute least to global emissions but suffer most from climate change receive the support they need. This aligns with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, a cornerstone of international climate agreements. The OIC’s efforts also complement Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental sustainability and social inclusion as key pillars of national development.

Key Details of the OIC’s Intervention

What specific priorities did Ambassador Khokher outline to drive inclusive climate policies? In his address, Ambassador Khokher articulated three interconnected priorities that form the backbone of the OIC’s approach. First, he stressed the imperative of placing people at the center of climate planning. This means designing policies that account for the diverse needs and capacities of different demographic groups, ensuring that climate action is not only effective but also equitable. Second, he called for strengthened institutional cooperation to translate demographic data into actionable policies. This involves enhancing collaboration between statistical agencies, climate ministries, and international partners to ensure that data collection, analysis, and dissemination are aligned with policy cycles. Third, he highlighted the need to improve the allocation and effectiveness of climate finance, directing resources toward data-driven interventions that deliver measurable benefits for vulnerable populations.

The event also served as a platform for the OIC to reaffirm its commitment to supporting member states in strengthening their statistical capacities. Many OIC member states lack the infrastructure and resources to collect and analyze disaggregated data, which hampers their ability to design targeted climate policies. Through SESRIC, the OIC provides training, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing platforms to help countries build robust statistical systems. This capacity-building effort is essential for ensuring that climate policies are based on accurate, timely, and relevant data. Moreover, the OIC’s partnership with UNFPA brings additional expertise in population dynamics, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of how demographic factors intersect with climate vulnerability.

The high-level event also facilitated dialogue among policymakers, practitioners, and researchers, fostering an exchange of best practices and innovative solutions. Participants discussed case studies from various regions, highlighting how disaggregated data has been used to improve early warning systems, target social protection programs, and enhance adaptive capacity in vulnerable communities. For instance, in some OIC member states, gender-disaggregated data has revealed that women face higher risks during climate-induced disasters due to limited access to resources and decision-making processes. Such insights have led to gender-responsive climate policies that address these disparities. The OIC’s emphasis on disaggregated data thus represents a practical step toward operationalizing the leave-no-one-behind principle enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

International and Regional Impact

How will the OIC’s advocacy for disaggregated data influence global climate negotiations and regional cooperation? The OIC’s stance at COP31 is likely to resonate beyond its member states, contributing to a broader international movement toward data-driven climate governance. As countries prepare to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, the demand for disaggregated data will only grow. The OIC’s call for improved data collection and use can help shape the global methodology for assessing vulnerability and adaptation needs, ensuring that climate finance is directed where it is most needed. This is particularly important for small island developing states and least developed countries, many of which are OIC members and face existential threats from rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Regionally, the OIC’s initiative can catalyze cooperation among member states in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. By sharing data and best practices, countries can develop joint strategies to address transboundary climate challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, and food insecurity. The OIC’s existing platforms, such as the Islamic Conference of Environment Ministers, provide a ready framework for such collaboration. Moreover, the OIC’s focus on disaggregated data aligns with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, which aim to combat climate change through regional cooperation and sustainable development. Saudi Arabia, as a leading OIC member, has consistently supported these efforts, leveraging its presidency of the G20 in 2020 to advance circular carbon economy approaches and climate finance.

The OIC’s intervention also sends a strong signal to the international community that Muslim-majority countries are active and constructive partners in the fight against climate change. By championing inclusive policies, the OIC reinforces the message that climate action must be rooted in social justice and human rights. This aligns with the principles of the Charter of the OIC, which emphasizes the promotion of human rights, good governance, and sustainable development. As the world moves toward the implementation of the Global Stocktake outcomes and the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance, the OIC’s emphasis on disaggregated data will be crucial for ensuring that no community is left behind.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why is the integration of disaggregated demographic data into climate policy not just a moral imperative but also an economic and strategic necessity? Climate change poses significant economic risks, from damage to infrastructure and agricultural losses to increased health expenditures and displaced populations. For OIC member states, many of which are developing economies with limited fiscal space, the cost of inaction is high. By using disaggregated data to target climate investments more effectively, governments can maximize the return on every dollar spent, reducing waste and enhancing resilience. For example, data on disability prevalence can inform the design of accessible early warning systems and evacuation plans, while age-disaggregated data can help tailor social protection programs for older persons during heatwaves.

Strategically, the OIC’s push for data-driven climate policies strengthens the organization’s position in global negotiations. By presenting a unified front on the importance of disaggregated data, OIC member states can advocate for increased international support for statistical capacity-building and climate finance. This can lead to more favorable terms in climate finance agreements and greater access to technology transfer and capacity-building resources. Furthermore, the OIC’s collaboration with UNFPA and SESRIC enhances its credibility as a knowledge broker, enabling it to influence global norms and standards. For Saudi Arabia, this aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying the economy and promoting sustainable development, as well as its broader leadership role in the Islamic world and beyond.

The economic benefits of disaggregated data extend beyond climate adaptation to mitigation. By understanding energy consumption patterns across different demographic groups, policymakers can design more effective incentives for renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, data on household energy use has informed the National Energy Efficiency Program, which aims to reduce energy intensity. Similarly, disaggregated data can support the development of green jobs and skills training programs tailored to youth and women, fostering inclusive economic growth. Thus, the OIC’s call for data-driven climate policies is not only about protecting the vulnerable but also about unlocking new opportunities for sustainable development and economic diversification.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the OIC’s advocacy at COP31 reflect the broader objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030? Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, is a comprehensive plan to transform Saudi Arabia into a diversified, innovative, and sustainable economy. Among its key themes are environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and global engagement. The OIC’s emphasis on disaggregated demographic data for climate policy directly supports these themes by promoting evidence-based policymaking, protecting vulnerable groups, and enhancing international cooperation. Saudi Arabia has already demonstrated its commitment to these principles through initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees and reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030.

Moreover, the OIC’s work at COP31 complements Saudi Arabia’s efforts to advance the circular carbon economy, a framework endorsed by the G20 under Saudi presidency in 2020. The circular carbon economy focuses on reducing, reusing, recycling, and removing carbon emissions, and it requires robust data to track progress and identify opportunities. By supporting the OIC’s data-driven approach, Saudi Arabia reinforces its role as a global leader in climate action and sustainable development. This is particularly important as the Kingdom prepares to host major international events, such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which will showcase its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. In the long term, the OIC’s initiative will help build a more resilient and equitable world, in line with the aspirations of Vision 2030 and the shared goals of the international community.

In conclusion, the OIC’s participation in the high-level event at COP31 marks a significant step toward inclusive, data-driven climate policies that leave no one behind. By prioritizing people, strengthening institutions, and improving climate finance, the OIC is setting a standard for how international organizations can leverage data to drive equitable climate action. As the world confronts the escalating climate crisis, such initiatives are not only timely but essential. Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030 and its active role in the OIC, remains at the forefront of these efforts, demonstrating that sustainable development and social justice go hand in hand. The path forward requires continued collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did the OIC participate in at COP31?

A1. The OIC participated in a high-level event titled “Accelerating the Use of Disaggregated Demographic Data in Climate Policy Frameworks” on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 14, 2026.

Q2. Who organized the event alongside the OIC?

A2. The event was organized in partnership with the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Q3. Who represented the OIC at the event?

A3. Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Science and Technology, represented the OIC and delivered a keynote address.

Q4. What are the three key priorities outlined by Ambassador Khokher?

A4. The priorities are: placing people at the center of climate planning, strengthening institutional cooperation to translate demographic data into effective policies, and improving the allocation and effectiveness of climate finance.

Q5. Why is disaggregated demographic data important for climate policy?

A5. Disaggregated data breaks down information by age, gender, disability, and other factors, enabling policymakers to identify vulnerable groups and design targeted, equitable climate interventions.

Q6. Which vulnerable populations did Ambassador Khokher specifically mention?

A6. He mentioned women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities as groups that require particular attention in climate action.

Q7. How does the OIC support its member states in strengthening statistical capacities?

A7. Through SESRIC, the OIC provides training, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing platforms to help member states build robust statistical systems for data collection and analysis.

Q8. What is the role of UNFPA in this partnership?

A8. UNFPA brings expertise in population dynamics, helping to integrate demographic trends such as urbanization and aging into climate vulnerability assessments and policy design.

Q9. How does the OIC’s initiative align with the Paris Agreement?

A9. It supports the Paris Agreement’s call for enhanced adaptation efforts and inclusive climate action, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future.

Q10. What is the significance of the OIC’s engagement at COP31 for its member states?

A10. It strengthens the OIC’s negotiating position, promotes regional cooperation, and helps member states access climate finance and technical support for data-driven policies.

Q11. How can disaggregated data improve climate finance allocation?

A11. By identifying which populations are most at risk and which interventions are most effective, disaggregated data ensures that climate funds are directed where they can have the greatest impact.

Q12. What are some examples of how disaggregated data has been used in OIC member states?

A12. Examples include gender-responsive disaster risk reduction, age-sensitive social protection during heatwaves, and disability-inclusive early warning systems.

Q13. How does the OIC’s work at COP31 relate to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A13. It aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and global engagement, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in climate action.

Q14. What is the Saudi Green Initiative?

A14. The Saudi Green Initiative is a national effort to combat climate change, aiming to plant 10 billion trees and reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030.

Q15. How does the circular carbon economy framework support the OIC’s objectives?

A15. The circular carbon economy promotes reducing, reusing, recycling, and removing carbon emissions, requiring robust data to track progress and identify opportunities, which aligns with the OIC’s data-driven approach.

Q16. What are the economic benefits of integrating disaggregated data into climate policy?

A16. It maximizes the return on climate investments, reduces waste, enhances resilience, and supports inclusive economic growth through targeted interventions and green job creation.

Q17. How does the OIC’s initiative contribute to global climate governance?

A17. It promotes evidence-based policymaking, sets a standard for inclusive climate action, and influences global norms on data collection and climate finance allocation.

Q18. What challenges do OIC member states face in collecting disaggregated data?

A18. Many member states lack infrastructure, resources, and technical capacity, which hampers their ability to collect and analyze disaggregated data effectively.

Q19. What is the expected outcome of the OIC’s advocacy at COP31?

A19. The expected outcome is increased recognition of the importance of disaggregated data in climate policy, leading to more inclusive and effective climate action globally.

Q20. How can international organizations collaborate with the OIC to advance this agenda?

A20. International organizations can partner with the OIC and SESRIC to provide technical assistance, share best practices, and co-fund statistical capacity-building programs in member states.