The 9th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on Women commenced in Islamabad, drawing representatives from all 57 member states. This marks the first time Pakistan has hosted the event, a milestone described as a significant honor by Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar.
Tarar emphasized that the conference aims to evaluate the role of women in development and tackle the challenges they face across OIC countries. The event includes technical sessions held today, with the main ministerial session scheduled for tomorrow.
In a significant development, the conference will conclude with the issuance of the Islamabad Declaration, which will outline key commitments to advancing women’s development and empowerment within the member states.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to deliver the keynote address during the ministerial session. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instrumental in organizing the conference, ensuring smooth coordination and execution.
Among the notable attendees are Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Federal Minister for Women Development Shaza Fatima, alongside a large contingent of women participants. The event also features various technical working groups, while observers and ministerial delegations will join tomorrow’s session.
Tarar announced that the chairmanship of the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women will be officially transferred from Egypt to Pakistan during the proceedings. He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information for their support in facilitating the successful hosting of the conference.