United States and Organization of Islamic Cooperation Strengthen Partnership on Mutual Priorities

Strategic Insights -

The United States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) concluded two days of successful talks in Washington, D.C. on a range of pressing global issues, including climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, human rights, food security, and countering violent extremism. The partnership is built on a foundation of mutual respect for universal human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, and a commitment to joint efforts on critical issues affecting the world's most vulnerable populations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United States and the OIC shared a commitment to increased cooperation on mutually important issues, including building resilience to climate change and ensuring food security for the most vulnerable populations.
  • The United States emphasized the importance of including women and persons with disabilities in decision-making processes, particularly on climate change and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which have disproportionately affected these groups.
  • The two parties emphasized the value of community engagement in countering violent extremism, including the role of education in building resilience to recruitment and radicalization by terrorist organizations like ISIS/Daesh and Al-Qa'ida.
  • The United States and the OIC shared a mutual desire to continue pursuing health equity and ending the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The partnership also involves holding the Taliban accountable for their promises to the Afghan people and the international community.

Statistics:

  • The United States and the OIC shared a mutual understanding that builds on enduring economic, social, cultural, and people-to-people ties.
  • The two parties emphasized the importance of respecting universal human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, which is essential for promoting peace, health, and prosperity.
  • The United States commits to increased cooperation with the OIC and its member states on building resilience to climate change and ensuring food security for the most vulnerable populations.
  • The OIC's 57 member states account for over 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, approximately 25% of the global population.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected women and girls, with many countries reporting significant increases in domestic violence and violence against women during the pandemic.

Sources:

  • United States Department of State press release, "United States and Organization of Islamic Cooperation Conclude Two Days of Talks"