๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐: The Republic of The Gambia is actively engaging in the third Intergovernmental Expert Group Meeting on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Programme of Action (POA) 2026 to 2035, which commenced today at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is expected to last until 20th November 2025. Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, Permanent Secretary II of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, led the Gambian delegation, alongside other senior government officials.
In her remarks, PS Jobe commended the OIC General Secretariat and Member States for developing an ambitious and comprehensive plan for the next 10 years. โThe Draft Programme of Action embodies our collective hopes for peace, justice, prosperity, and solidarity throughout the Muslim Ummah,โ stated PS Jobe. โIt covers key issues including Palestine, peace and security, efforts to combat Islamophobia, human rights, socio-economic development, and institutional reform.โ
The Permanent Secretary also welcomed the POAโs focus on poverty reduction, trade, health, education, youth and womenโs empowerment, and climate resilience, noting that these are crucial for a stable and prosperous Ummah. To enhance the impact and ensure the successful implementation of the POA, The Gambia proposed key recommendations: establishing transparent implementation mechanisms, strengthening support for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and improving coordination among OIC institutions.
The meeting brought together experts and senior officials from OIC Member States to finalise the draft Programme of Action, which is expected to guide the OIC development agenda for the period 2026 to 2035.
