OIC Continues Deliberations on New Humanitarian Funds Statute

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened the fourth meeting of its open-membership Intergovernmental Group of Experts in Jeddah on February 4, 2025, to continue deliberations on the draft statute establishing OIC humanitarian funds. The meeting, announced by the Saudi Press Agency, reflects ongoing efforts to enhance collective humanitarian response across the Islamic world amid worsening crises and declining international support.

Context and Background

The OIC, headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has long sought to strengthen its humanitarian mechanisms. The proposed funds aim to provide a structured, sustainable framework for coordinating aid to member states facing natural disasters, conflict, and displacement. This fourth expert meeting builds on previous sessions that have worked to refine the statute’s operational and financial provisions.

Key Details

Speaking on behalf of OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha, Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural, and Social Affairs Tariq Ali Bakhit emphasized the urgency of the initiative. He noted that many OIC member states are experiencing severe humanitarian crises compounded by a decline in international funding. Bakhit stressed that unified efforts and collective action are essential to mitigate suffering and prevent instability. He expressed hope that the meeting would finalize the statute, reform work mechanisms, and secure necessary financial resources for the funds to fully serve OIC humanitarian priorities.

International and Regional Implications

The establishment of dedicated OIC humanitarian funds would enhance the organization’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to emergencies across the Muslim world. It would also reduce reliance on external donors and align with broader trends of regional self-sufficiency. For Saudi Arabia, a leading OIC member and host of the organization’s headquarters, this initiative reinforces its role as a central humanitarian actor and advocate for Islamic solidarity.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative directly supports Saudi Vision 2030‘s goal of positioning the Kingdom as a global humanitarian hub. By championing efficient, transparent humanitarian mechanisms within the OIC, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development. The successful implementation of these funds will not only alleviate suffering but also contribute to regional stability and economic resilience, key pillars of the Vision 2030 framework.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the purpose of the OIC humanitarian funds?

A1. The funds aim to provide a structured and sustainable framework for coordinating humanitarian aid to OIC member states facing crises such as natural disasters, conflict, and displacement.

Q2. Who is leading the discussions on the draft statute?

A2. The discussions are led by the OIC’s open-membership Intergovernmental Group of Experts, with support from the Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural, and Social Affairs.

Q3. Where did the fourth meeting take place?

A3. The fourth meeting was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the headquarters city of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Q4. Why is the OIC focusing on humanitarian funds now?

A4. Many OIC member states face worsening humanitarian crises, while international humanitarian support has declined due to funding challenges, making unified action urgent.

Q5. What did Assistant Secretary General Tariq Ali Bakhit stress in his speech?

A5. He stressed the need for collective action to mitigate crises and alleviate humanitarian hardships, warning that failure could prolong suffering and lead to instability.

Q6. How does this initiative align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A6. It supports Vision 2030’s goal of positioning Saudi Arabia as a global humanitarian hub and demonstrates commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development.

Q7. What are the main components of the draft statute?

A7. The statute outlines the funds’ governance, operational mechanisms, and financial resources to ensure effective humanitarian response across the Islamic world.

Q8. How many meetings have been held on the draft statute?

A8. The fourth meeting of the open-membership Intergovernmental Group of Experts was held, indicating ongoing progress toward finalizing the statute.

Q9. Who attended the fourth meeting?

A9. Delegates from OIC member states, experts, and senior officials participated in the meeting to discuss and refine the draft statute.

Q10. What challenges does the OIC face in humanitarian funding?

A10. The OIC faces a decline in international humanitarian support and funding challenges, which compound crises in member states and hinder effective response.

Q11. What reforms are being considered for the funds’ work mechanism?

A11. Reforms include improving efficiency, transparency, and coordination to ensure the funds can fully address the humanitarian needs of OIC member states.

Q12. How will the funds help stabilize affected regions?

A12. By providing timely and coordinated aid, the funds can alleviate suffering, reduce displacement, and address root causes of instability in crisis-affected areas.

Q13. What is the role of Saudi Arabia in this initiative?

A13. As the OIC’s host country and a leading member, Saudi Arabia supports the initiative through diplomatic leadership and potential financial contributions.

Q14. When is the statute expected to be finalized?

A14. No specific deadline has been announced, but the fourth meeting indicates steady progress toward an agreement among member states.

Q15. How does this initiative reflect Islamic solidarity?

A15. It embodies the principle of collective responsibility among Muslim nations to support those in need, strengthening unity and cooperation within the OIC.

Q16. What types of humanitarian crises are covered?

A16. The funds address a range of crises, including natural disasters, armed conflicts, refugee influxes, and public health emergencies affecting OIC member states.

Q17. How will the funds be financed?

A17. Financing will come from contributions by OIC member states, with potential support from international partners and private donors, subject to the final statute.

Q18. What impact will the funds have on international aid?

A18. They may reduce dependence on non-OIC donors and enhance the autonomy and speed of humanitarian response within the Islamic world.

Q19. How does the OIC ensure transparency in fund management?

A19. The draft statute includes provisions for accountability, regular reporting, and audits to ensure funds are used effectively and reach intended beneficiaries.

Q20. What is the next step after the statute is finalized?

A20. Once finalized, the statute will be submitted to the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers for approval and subsequent implementation by member states.

---