Islamabad hosts OIC women's conference with delegates from 57 nations
Technical sessions under way ahead of main ministerial conference tomorrow: PM Shehbaz to address opening ceremony on Monday: Islamabad Declaration to be issued at conclusion of conference: More than 190 delegates from OIC member states attending two-day summit: Conference focuses on women's socio-economic and political empowerment: Discussions include digital inclusion, leadership, economic opportunities for women
The 9th Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) began on Sunday at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, bringing together ministers, senior government officials and women leaders from across the Muslim world to discuss policies aimed at advancing women's empowerment.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the two-day conference, taking place on July 12 and 13, is being hosted by Pakistan's Ministry of Human Rights. More than 190 delegates from 57 OIC member states are participating in the event, including regional ministers, senior officials and representatives of leading development partners.
The OIC Ministerial Conference on Women began in Islamabad on Sunday with technical sessions, while the main ministerial meeting will be held on Monday under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to address the conference's opening ceremony on Monday. Tarar said delegates from all 57 OIC member states were participating in the conference. He also confirmed that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would attend the inaugural session.
Tarar described Pakistan's hosting of the OIC Women's Ministerial Conference as a matter of national honour. He said the conference would promote women's rights and provide an opportunity to review the role and progress of women across OIC member countries.
The federal minister also confirmed that an 'Islamabad Declaration' would be issued at the conclusion of the conference, outlining the outcomes and agreed commitments of the participating member states.
Delegates are expected to discuss a wide range of issues affecting women across OIC member states, including expanding access to financial services, promoting entrepreneurship, increasing participation in digital platforms and reducing the digital gender gap.
The conference will also examine ways to strengthen women's representation in leadership and decision-making roles.
Participants will review progress made since previous OIC ministerial meetings, including commitments adopted during the 2021 Cairo conference, and consider practical measures to advance women's social, economic and political rights throughout the Muslim world.
As the current chair of the ministerial conference, Pakistan is leading discussions aimed at building consensus on sustainable policies that promote greater opportunities and inclusion for women across OIC member countries.