The Organization of the Islamic Conference: How Muslim Nations Cooperate with the World at Large

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states over four continents. The OIC is the collective voice of the Muslim world and ensuring to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world. The Organization was established at a historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on 25 September 1969. The present Charter of the Organization was adopted by the Eleventh Islamic Summit held in Dakar on 13-14 March 2008 which laid down the objectives and principles of the organization and fundamental purposes to strengthen the solidarity and cooperation among the Member States. Over the last 38 years, the membership has grown from its founding members of 30 to 57 states. The Organization has consultative and cooperative relations with the UN and other inter-governmental organizations to protect the vital interests of the Muslims and to work for the settlement of conflicts and disputes involving Member States. In June 2007, President George W. Bush announced that he would be sending the first US envoy to the OIC. After the inauguration of President Barack Obama, OIC Sec Gen Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu of Turkey sent a letter of congratulations to the President, which was run in the NYT and IHT. In his response, President Obama recognized the importance of the OIC and the need for a strong bond and relationship between the US and the OIC. Joining us today to discuss the OIC, its mission, and its future is Ambassador Abdul Wahab, Permanent Observer of the Organization of the Islamic Conference to the United Nations.