DAKAR: The 12th session of the Standing Committee on Information and Cultural Affairs (COMIAC) was held in Dakar, Senegal, running from October 16 to 18, 2023, with the prominent theme, “What role for Muslim youth in promoting the Islamic values of peace, solidarity, and tolerance?”
The distinguished opening ceremony was chaired by Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, and graced by Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural, and Social Affairs, along with ministers, senior officials, representatives, and heads of diplomatic missions based in Dakar, as well as relevant OIC institutions and esteemed guests.
In his address, President Macky Sall lauded COMIAC’s significant role in fostering collaboration and unity among OIC Member States within the realms of information and culture. He emphasized the vital role of Muslim youth as catalysts for development and champions of intercultural dialogue. The President stressed the collective responsibility to tackle common challenges, including religious extremism, Islamophobia, and misinformation. He underscored the importance of addressing these issues through the lens of Islamic values, characterized by peace, brotherhood, and tolerance.
Ambassador Tarig, representing the OIC Secretary-General, expressed gratitude to Senegal for its gracious hospitality and steadfast commitment to Islamic causes. He acknowledged COMIAC’s accomplishments since its inception in 1981 and lauded the General Secretariat’s efforts in promoting a positive image of Islam and the Muslim community. The Assistant Secretary-General emphasized the vast opportunities presented by modern information and communication technologies, offering enhanced collaboration and information sharing among media and cultural stakeholders in OIC Member States. Ambassador Tarig called for a more significant engagement of Muslim youth in COMIAC’s initiatives and support for projects aimed at preserving the rich cultural heritage of Islam on a global scale.
President Macky Sall Opens the 12th Session of the COMIAC on the Theme "What Role for Muslim #Youth in Promoting Islamic Values of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance?” Read more: https://t.co/iCckZMcBvL pic.twitter.com/Ff5qUw6df8
— OIC (@OIC_OCI) October 17, 2023
COMIAC, OIC Representative Condemns Israeli Aggression in Gaza
Both President Macky Sall and Ambassador Tarig addressed the urgent humanitarian crisis in Palestine, particularly condemning the ongoing Israeli military aggression in Gaza.
Over the course of the two-day assembly, participants engaged in a thorough review of the activity reports from the COMIAC General Secretariat and the Coordination Office, focusing on information and culture. Discussions also encompassed key topics such as the issue of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and Palestine, as well as the preservation and protection of Islamic holy sites. The event proved to be a significant step forward in promoting unity and dialogue within the Islamic world.
