OIC Secretary-General Opens Panel on Greening Urban Mobility

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed opened a high-level panel discussion on greening urban mobility in OIC member states on the sidelines of the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 15, 2026. The event, titled “Greening Urban Mobility in OIC Member States: Towards More Sustainable Cities,” was organized by the OIC’s Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) and brought together policymakers, urban planners, and development finance experts to chart a more sustainable path for transport across the Islamic world. In a region where rapidly growing cities face mounting climate pressures, the panel underscored a simple but urgent truth: the decisions made today about how people move will determine the livability, resilience, and economic vitality of cities for generations to come. The Secretary-General’s remarks set a clear direction for the coming decade, emphasizing integration, clean technology, and innovative financing as the pillars of a greener urban future.

The high-level panel reflects the OIC’s growing focus on sustainable development as a core component of its mission to promote cooperation among its 57 member states. As urban populations swell and extreme weather events become more frequent, the need for coordinated action on urban mobility has never been more pressing. The Secretary-General’s participation signals that the OIC is elevating this issue to the highest levels of its agenda, recognizing that transport is not merely an infrastructural concern but a determinant of public health, social equity, and economic opportunity. The event also highlighted the role of partnerships—among OIC institutions, international financial bodies, and municipal authorities—in translating ambitious goals into tangible improvements on the ground.

Context and Background

Why does urban mobility matter so much for the future of OIC member states? The answer lies in the sheer scale of urbanization across the Islamic world. Many OIC countries are experiencing some of the fastest urban growth rates globally, with cities expanding rapidly to accommodate rising populations. This growth brings opportunities for economic development but also strains existing transport infrastructure, leading to congestion, air pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. In many cities, inadequate public transport systems force residents to rely on private vehicles, exacerbating these challenges. The panel’s focus on “greening” mobility addresses both the environmental imperative to reduce emissions and the social imperative to ensure that all citizens—regardless of income or ability—have access to safe, affordable, and efficient transport.

The Secretary-General pointed to disparities in progress among member states, noting that many countries, particularly the least developed, face significant hurdles. Limited budgets, difficulties securing long-term financing, and insufficient technical capacity within municipal administrations are common obstacles. These challenges are compounded by the fact that many OIC cities are located in regions vulnerable to extreme heat, flooding, and other climate impacts, which can damage transport infrastructure and disrupt services. In this context, the panel aimed to identify practical solutions and share best practices that can be adapted to different national and local contexts. The presence of SESRIC, the OIC’s Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), and the Islamic Development Bank Group underscored the multi-institutional approach needed to tackle such a complex issue.

Why is COP31 a fitting venue for this discussion? The climate summit provides a global platform for highlighting the specific vulnerabilities and contributions of OIC member states. By hosting a side event on urban mobility, the OIC is not only showcasing its commitment to climate action but also advocating for the needs of its members in international negotiations. The timing is particularly significant as countries prepare to implement the OIC Programme of Action for 2026–2035, a comprehensive framework that includes sustainable urban development as a key priority. The panel thus served as both a strategic planning session and a signal to the international community that OIC members are serious about transitioning to low-carbon, resilient urban transport systems.

Key Details of the Panel

In his opening remarks, Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed thanked Türkiye for its hospitality and stressed that decisions made on urban mobility at present would shape cities for decades to come, directly affecting quality of life, access to services, and infrastructure resilience in the face of extreme weather. He outlined three guiding principles for the coming decade: integrating transport and urban planning to meet the needs of all population groups; transitioning to cleaner fleets capable of withstanding heatwaves and floods; and promoting the exchange of expertise while mobilizing sustainable financing. These principles are intended to provide a roadmap for member states as they develop their own national strategies.

How can these principles be translated into action? The Secretary-General underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among OIC institutions, including SESRIC, COMCEC, and the Islamic Development Bank Group. He highlighted the potential of Islamic finance instruments, including green sukuk, to support municipalities. Green sukuk are Sharia-compliant bonds specifically designed to fund environmentally sustainable projects, and they have already been used in several countries to finance renewable energy and clean transport initiatives. By tapping into this growing market, municipalities can access long-term financing without overburdening public budgets. The Secretary-General called on member states and municipal authorities to implement the OIC Programme of Action for 2026–2035 and strengthen cooperation in designing future transport systems.

The panel also featured discussions on specific challenges faced by different regions. For example, coastal cities in Southeast Asia grapple with rising sea levels and flooding, while cities in the Sahel face extreme heat and dust storms. These varying conditions require tailored solutions, but the common thread is the need for robust planning, adequate funding, and capacity building. Participants exchanged views on successful projects, such as bus rapid transit systems in Indonesia, electric rickshaws in Bangladesh, and light rail in Morocco. These examples demonstrate that progress is possible even in resource-constrained settings when there is political will and international support. The Secretary-General’s emphasis on knowledge exchange aims to scale up such successes across the OIC community.

International and Regional Impact

What does this panel mean for the broader international effort to combat climate change? The OIC represents a diverse group of countries, many of which are on the front lines of climate impacts. By advancing sustainable urban mobility, OIC member states can contribute significantly to global emission reductions while improving local air quality and public health. The panel’s outcomes will feed into the OIC’s engagement in global climate negotiations, reinforcing the message that developing countries need enhanced financial and technical support to transition to green transport. Moreover, the focus on Islamic finance instruments offers a unique avenue for South-South cooperation, allowing wealthier OIC members to invest in sustainable infrastructure in less developed ones.

Regionally, the initiative could spur greater integration of transport networks, facilitating trade and people-to-people exchanges. Improved urban mobility is also a prerequisite for achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those on health, energy, and sustainable cities. For Saudi Arabia, which has been actively promoting sustainability through Vision 2030, the panel aligns with its domestic efforts to modernize transport and reduce emissions. The Kingdom’s experience with large-scale projects like the Riyadh Metro and the NEOM smart city could serve as a model for other OIC members. The Secretary-General’s call for cooperation thus resonates with Saudi Arabia’s own commitment to lead by example in the region.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why is urban mobility a strategic economic issue? Efficient transport systems are essential for economic productivity, enabling the smooth movement of goods and people. Congestion costs cities billions of dollars annually in lost time and fuel, while poor road safety imposes a heavy human and economic toll. By investing in sustainable mobility, OIC member states can unlock economic benefits, including job creation in green industries, reduced healthcare costs from air pollution, and increased attractiveness for foreign investment. The panel’s emphasis on integrating transport and urban planning also highlights the need to align mobility strategies with broader urban development goals, such as affordable housing and access to education and employment centers.

The strategic use of Islamic finance, particularly green sukuk, is a game-changer for municipalities that lack access to conventional capital markets. Green sukuk have gained traction globally, with issuances from countries like Indonesia and Malaysia demonstrating their viability. For OIC cities, these instruments can provide the long-term, affordable funding needed for large infrastructure projects. The Islamic Development Bank Group has already been active in supporting such initiatives, and its involvement in the panel signals a commitment to scaling up. By mobilizing domestic and international resources, OIC member states can reduce their reliance on volatile oil revenues and build more resilient economies. This aligns with the diversification goals of many OIC countries, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does this initiative connect to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030? The Kingdom has placed sustainability and quality of life at the heart of its reform agenda, with significant investments in public transport, renewable energy, and smart city technologies. The Riyadh Metro, for instance, is one of the largest urban transport projects in the world and is expected to reduce car dependency and emissions. NEOM, the futuristic city under development, is designed to be car-free and powered entirely by clean energy. These projects exemplify the principles outlined by the OIC Secretary-General: integration, clean technology, and innovation. By sharing its expertise and supporting OIC-wide efforts, Saudi Arabia can reinforce its role as a regional leader and a catalyst for sustainable development across the Islamic world.

Furthermore, the OIC Programme of Action for 2026–2035 provides a framework for collective action that complements Vision 2030’s international dimensions. Saudi Arabia has consistently used its influence in multilateral forums to advocate for developing countries’ needs, and its support for the OIC’s urban mobility agenda is a natural extension of that role. As the world accelerates towards a green transition, the Kingdom’s ability to finance and implement sustainable projects positions it as a key partner for other OIC members. The panel in Antalya thus represents not just a discussion but a call to action—one that Saudi Arabia is well-prepared to answer, in line with its long-term vision of a prosperous, sustainable, and globally engaged nation.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did the OIC Secretary-General open in Antalya?

A1. He opened a high-level panel discussion titled “Greening Urban Mobility in OIC Member States: Towards More Sustainable Cities,” organized by SESRIC on the sidelines of the COP31 climate summit.

Q2. When and where did the panel take place?

A2. The panel took place on November 15, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye, during the COP31 climate summit.

Q3. Who is the OIC Secretary-General?

A3. The OIC Secretary-General is Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who delivered the opening remarks at the panel.

Q4. What is SESRIC and what role did it play?

A4. SESRIC is the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries, an OIC subsidiary organ that organized the panel discussion.

Q5. What are the three guiding principles outlined by the Secretary-General?

A5. The principles are: integrating transport and urban planning for all groups; transitioning to cleaner fleets resilient to extreme weather; and promoting expertise exchange while mobilizing sustainable financing.

Q6. Why is urban mobility important for OIC member states?

A6. It affects quality of life, access to services, and infrastructure resilience, and is crucial for sustainable urban development amid rapid urbanization and climate challenges.

Q7. What challenges do least developed OIC countries face in urban mobility?

A7. They face limited budgets, difficulties securing long-term financing, and insufficient technical capacity within municipal administrations.

Q8. How can Islamic finance instruments help?

A8. Instruments like green sukuk can provide Sharia-compliant, long-term financing for sustainable urban transport projects, reducing reliance on strained public budgets.

Q9. What is the OIC Programme of Action for 2026–2035?

A9. It is a comprehensive framework that includes sustainable urban development as a key priority, which the Secretary-General urged member states to implement.

Q10. Which OIC institutions were highlighted for cooperation?

A10. SESRIC, the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), and the Islamic Development Bank Group were specifically mentioned.

Q11. How does this panel relate to COP31?

A11. It was a side event at COP31, showcasing OIC members’ commitment to climate action and advocating for their needs in global negotiations.

Q12. What examples of successful sustainable transport were mentioned?

A12. Examples include bus rapid transit in Indonesia, electric rickshaws in Bangladesh, and light rail in Morocco, demonstrating progress in diverse contexts.

Q13. How can Saudi Arabia contribute to this initiative?

A13. Saudi Arabia can share expertise from projects like the Riyadh Metro and NEOM, and support OIC efforts through its Vision 2030 sustainability agenda and financial resources.

Q14. What are green sukuk?

A14. Green sukuk are Sharia-compliant bonds specifically designed to fund environmentally sustainable projects, such as clean transport and renewable energy.

Q15. Why is integrating transport and urban planning important?

A15. It ensures that mobility solutions meet the needs of all population groups, including low-income and vulnerable communities, and align with broader urban development goals.

Q16. What role does the Islamic Development Bank Group play?

A16. It supports sustainable infrastructure projects in OIC member states, including through financing and technical assistance for urban mobility initiatives.

Q17. How does urban mobility affect public health?

A17. Sustainable mobility reduces air pollution and promotes active transport like walking and cycling, leading to better respiratory health and reduced healthcare costs.

Q18. What is the significance of the panel for OIC cooperation?

A18. It strengthens collaboration among OIC institutions and member states, fostering knowledge exchange and joint efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.

Q19. What are the expected outcomes of the panel?

A19. The panel aims to guide member states in implementing the OIC Programme of Action, mobilize financing, and promote best practices in green urban mobility.

Q20. How does this align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A20. Vision 2030 prioritizes sustainability and quality of life, and Saudi projects like the Riyadh Metro and NEOM exemplify the principles discussed, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in green mobility.