ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host the 9th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on Women this month that is expected to bring together representatives from 57 member states of the global body, state media reported on Wednesday.
The OIC conference is held approximately every three to four years, featuring ministers from OIC member states who review progress on women’s rights, share national policies and adopt new frameworks.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reviewed preparations for the two-day conference on Wednesday, which is scheduled to be held in Islamabad from July 12-13. Dar, who also serves as Pakistan’s foreign minister, chaired a committee meeting in Islamabad to review the preparations, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
“The Committee discussed measures to ensure the seamless conduct and successful hosting of the Conference, which will bring together 57 OIC Member States to strengthen cooperation on women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable development,” Radio Pakistan said.
Participants of the meeting reviewed the final phase of preparations, the state media said, which included the draft program, conference agenda, protocol, security and logistical arrangements.
The committee also reviewed preparations with regard to the media and communication strategy, inter-ministerial coordination and other organizational matters related to the OIC conference.
Dar directed Pakistani stakeholders to maintain close coordination and ensure the timely completion of the remaining arrangements, the report concluded.
Past OIC ministerial meetings have focused on themes such as women’s economic empowerment, combating gender-based violence, and improving access to education and health care.
