Sheikh Ahmed: Kuwait is a Key Partner in Joint Efforts

The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, affirmed that Kuwait is a key partner in the journey of joint Islamic action and in transforming Islamic solidarity into tangible stances, initiatives, and results. In his first press conference since his election as Secretary-General, which he dedicated to KUNA, Ould Cheikh Ahmed stated that Kuwait’s role in diplomacy, mediation, and humanitarian work, along with its track record in these fields, adds significant value to the Organization’s progress, particularly at this stage where there is a growing need for dialogue, consensus, and solidarity among member states.

He added that the upcoming phase offers an opportunity for both sides to enhance cooperation in key areas, including humanitarian action, crisis response, mediation, and preventive diplomacy, alongside supporting sustainable development, food security, and water security.

Highlighting Kuwait’s contributions, he pointed to the potential to build upon Kuwait’s strong record in humanitarian work to develop joint institutional initiatives and activate coordination in international forums. This, he noted, would strengthen a unified Islamic stance on priority issues and challenges, helping to transform existing cooperation into more effective and sustainable partnerships that serve the interests of member states and enhance the presence of the Islamic world on the international stage.

In this regard, he expressed his desire to visit Kuwait to enhance consultations and coordination with Kuwaiti officials on issues concerning the Islamic world.

Regarding the priorities he will place at the top of the Organization’s agenda, Ould Cheikh Ahmed said the next phase requires genuine reform of the OIC to shift it from crisis management to initiative creation, and from issuing decisions to implementing them.

He outlined his strategic vision, which rests on six pillars: institutional reform to enhance the Organization’s efficiency; strengthening unity and solidarity among member states; supporting security and stability; resolving conflicts; building economic, scientific, and technological partnerships; and investing in youth, women, and human capital, while enhancing the Organization’s presence and international influence.

He emphasized the importance of establishing clear mechanisms for implementation, follow-up, and accountability, so that the Organization’s decisions translate into concrete programs and results. This would make the OIC more cohesive and effective, ensuring that Islamic solidarity is manifested in joint action rather than limited to statements and declarations.

Noting that leading an organization comprising 57 diverse countries with varying priorities and circumstances is a significant responsibility, he explained that diversity can be a source of strength if differences are managed well and consensus is built. He stressed the importance of prioritizing common issues and interests, activating mediation mechanisms to bridge viewpoints and avoid polarization, and translating consensus into joint action through initiatives and projects in the fields of economy, development, security, science, and technology.

On his extensive diplomatic experience and how he intends to leverage it for the Organization, Ould Cheikh Ahmed said that expertise in international diplomacy and UN work represents a valuable asset for enhancing the OIC’s political and diplomatic presence. This can be achieved by expanding its partnerships with countries and international and regional organizations, and by strengthening coordination with the United Nations and multilateral institutions.

He affirmed the possibility of utilizing his experience to support preventive diplomacy, mediation, and consensus-building, shifting from reactive responses to proactive measures by proposing practical initiatives and building international alliances that serve the priority issues of the Islamic world.

When asked about the priority of the Palestinian issue within the Organization’s agenda, he stated that the Palestinian cause remains the central issue, topping the OIC’s interests and work agenda. The Organization prioritizes continuing diplomatic efforts to strengthen partnerships with international organizations to mobilize international support for the two-state solution, expose Israeli violations in the media, and support legal efforts to hold the Israeli occupation accountable for crimes committed against the Palestinian people, their land, and their holy sites.

Regarding the need for the OIC to develop its crisis management mechanisms and implement reforms, he stressed the importance of enhancing the Organization’s crisis response capabilities. Institutional reform has become an urgent necessity driven by rapid changes in the international system. In his view, this reform extends from enhancing political and diplomatic performance to activating cooperation and development among member states.

In this context, he viewed the convening of an OIC economic summit as a significant step toward translating this direction into practical programs and projects by mobilizing resources, encouraging joint investments, supporting less-developed member states, enhancing intra-organization trade, and building economic partnerships that serve common interests.

He stated that the desired reform is comprehensive, making the Organization more effective, flexible, and influential, and better equipped to handle and anticipate crises while enhancing political, economic, and developmental cooperation to serve the interests of member states and the issues of the Islamic world.

He added that the success of any vision for the upcoming phase cannot be achieved by the Secretariat alone; it requires genuine partnership and shared commitment from all member states. The Secretariat is merely a tool for implementing the will of member states, and the greater the consensus and political support, the greater the capacity for achievement.

He expressed his hope that member states will enhance unity and solidarity, coordinate positions, and support the Organization’s initiatives and stances in international forums, as well as participate in implementing its projects and initiatives, particularly in economic and developmental fields.

When asked about the Islamic Court of Justice affiliated with the Organization, which has not yet been fully operationalized, Ould Cheikh Ahmed said that consultations with member states would be intensified in the coming days to support efforts to complete the legal and institutional process for the Court. This would enable it to move from the establishment phase to exercising its actual role, serving as a qualitative addition to the joint Islamic action system and enhancing justice, the rule of law, and the protection of rights.

He clarified that the Court is an institutional project that strengthens the justice and legal framework in the Islamic world, praising Kuwait’s role in hosting its headquarters.

He affirmed that the Organization’s success depends on the ability to work with a spirit of consensus and solidarity, transforming principles and decisions into practical steps and tangible results. He pledged to work in the coming years to enhance Islamic unity, develop consultation and coordination mechanisms, and commit to strengthening the Organization’s presence and effectiveness in international forums and developing partnerships with regional and international organizations.

Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed is the 13th Secretary-General of the OIC, elected in late August last year, succeeding former Secretary-General Hisham Taha. He relies on a diplomatic and UN career spanning decades. Ould Cheikh Ahmed has held several high-ranking positions, most notably as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Yemen from 2015 to 2018. He also held senior roles at the UN, including work in Libya, head of the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response, resident coordinator and humanitarian coordinator in Syria and Yemen. Additionally, he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation with Mauritians Abroad from 2018 to 2022, alongside other governmental and diplomatic posts.