Jeddah: Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet and Senior Advisor and Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Khalid Khalifa have signed a new strategic action plan for the next five years. The agreement, spanning from 2026 to 2030, is designed to enhance the collaboration between the two organizations.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the plan highlights the depth of cooperation and international partnerships between OIC and UNHCR. It builds on a legacy of collaboration that dates back to a 1988 agreement, aligning efforts to address pressing humanitarian challenges. The action plan is structured to sustain and further develop this partnership by focusing on several key areas.
The agreement emphasizes field support programs, provision of effective and sustainable humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced persons, and the exchange of technical expertise. It aims to improve the efficiency of humanitarian personnel from both organizations. Additionally, it seeks to unify visions and priorities to ensure a faster and more impactful response to humanitarian crises.
Both parties have highlighted that this plan represents a significant shift in joint action, combining OIC's extensive reach across the Islamic world with UNHCR's international expertise. This integration is expected to enhance their ability to deliver innovative and comprehensive humanitarian solutions.