Ana Sayfa DECLARATION

CHAIRMAN’S CONCLUDING DECLARATION OF THE FORUM OF THE THINK TANKS OF THE MEMBER COUNTRIES OF THE OIC ISTANBUL

Saturday, 06 February 2010 16:50
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1 - The Forum of the Think Tanks of the Member Countries of the OIC was held in Istanbul on 28-30 January 2010 in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.

The Forum was organized by the Turkish Asian Center for Strategic Studies (TASAM), with the encouragement and institutional support of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). “Civilization, Peace and Cooperation” was chosen as the main theme. Think tanks from 40 member countries of the OIC, delegates from the OIC observer countries such as Russia, Thailand and Turkish State of Northern Cyprus, General Secretariat of the OIC, representatives of the diplomatic missions of the OIC countries, experts, eight think tank organizations from Turkey and members of the media were among the participants of the Forum. Within the framework of the Forum, the New Vision of the OIC and Ten-Year Action Plan were thoroughly elaborated.

In that regard, “Peace and Civilization”, “The New Vision of the Organization of Islamic Conference”, “Security Problems, Common Security Policies and Perspectives in Islamic Countries”, “Post-September 11 Islamophobia and Islamic World - Western World Relations”, “Conflict Resolution and Peace Building Process in Islamic Countries”, “Democracy in the OIC countries”, “Good Governance, Human Rights and New Security Approaches” and “Cooperation and Institutionalization of the Think Tanks of the Member Countries of the OIC within the Perspective of Public Diplomacy” were the subjects under consideration. Furthermore, an exchange of ideas on fields of cooperation among Islamic countries was held.

2 - During the Forum, think tank organizations of the member countries of the OIC decided to co-work for the common interests of their own countries as well as for the whole Islamic world. It was also unanimously adopted that this decision be brought to the attention of the Secretariat of the OIC, to the first Senior Officials Meeting and the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC and to the next Summit of Heads of State and Government. It was underlined that the support to be given by respective public authorities to this process would be important.

3 - It became evident in the Forum that there is a need for a common action plan to realize efficient cooperation among the think tanks of the member countries of the OIC. Such an action plan would no doubt require, first of all, the establishment of an international platform and a communication network among the think tanks of the member countries of the OIC. In that context, it was decided that a “Platform of Think Tanks of the Member Countries of the OIC”, with the aim of coordination and cooperation, would be established. As such, think tanks of the member countries of the OIC will be able to combine all their information and experience under the same platform umbrella and make good use of both cooperation and communication opportunities. As far as the communication network, it was agreed that an internet platform will be established through the address of www.isttp.org in the official languages of the OIC and in Turkish.

4 - Under the framework of the common platform and action plan, it was suggested to establish working groups on a number of subjects, including an “Eminent Persons Group” and a “Network Contact Group”. Those study groups are to be planned to convene at least once a year and devise necessary actions to be taken; to lead future events; and contribute to the coordination of the “Forum of the Think Thanks of the Member Countries of the OIC”, which is to be held annually.

5 - It was stressed that the process of the think tanks of the member countries of the OIC may assist the decision makers, the OIC and other international organizations. Time planning and the action plan are to be devised with regard to the mutual interaction and the vital importance of sustainable institutionalization.

6 - Against rising risks of international crimes and terrorism, and Islamophobia, it was suggested that collaboration would be required among the think tanks of the member countries of the OIC. Additionally, the importance of mutual collaboration, institutionalization and joint actions was confirmed.

7 - Hosting the subsequent annual meetings of the Forum would be open to all participating institutions and countries. The management of the Platform will be established in Istanbul.

30 January 2010, Istanbul

 

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 28 December 2010 15:24 )  

 

Announcements

“The destiny of Muslims should be decided by Muslims. It should not be decided by those sitting in Washington or Brussels,” said Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed. He was addressing opening session of the 6th Think Tanks Forum of The Islamic Countries addressing ‘Multi-dimensional Security Challenges’, that began in Islamabad at Serena Hotel, on Saturday 7th March 2015.

The Senator further added that we have been unable to create a narrative for the Muslim world and this forum intends to create a platform where leadership issues can be addressed and new ideas and suggestions can be debated to alleviate the problems that the Muslim world faces.

Mr. Suleyman Sensoy, TASAM Chairman, while stressing on the importance of deep cooperation among Muslim States said, “When we started this forum, we intended to overcome our contradictions with self-criticism. To generate constructive criticism and institute the process of critical thinking, think-tanks play an important role.”

Sayed Ali Mohammed Mosavi, Secretary General of D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation was of the view that economic security is intertwined with the conventional notions of security. ‘Safeguarding security is our collective responsibility’ he said.

The panelists urged that the Muslim nations must focus on an intellectual revival in order to bring peace and prosperity to their respective countries and the entire Muslim world. Ambassador (R) Halil Akinci, Advisor to Chairman of Turkic World Council and First Secretary General of the Turkic Council, in his address, emphasized that Muslim countries should improve regional linkages and opt for cooperation, instead of confrontation. The first session at the forum discussed, in great detail, the imperatives of multi-dimensional security. The speakers delved into the political, economic and strategic dimensions of security and articulated their ideas on how to deal with these challenges. The panelists, during the second session discussed the challenges and prospects of cooperative security, while the third session focused on how the Muslim World can help bringing stability to Afghanistan and the entire region.

The Conference was attended by a large number of delegates from across the Muslim World, think-tanks, policy makers and intellectuals.

“The best brains from across the Muslim world have gathered here to discuss the various issues that the Muslim world faces today,” said Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed while addressing the 6th Tank Tanks Forum of Islamic Countries here on Sunday, 8th March 2015. The Senator further added, “The issues being discussed at this forum may be specific to the Muslim world, but to deal with them it is necessary to collaborate with other nations and regions too.” He also announced that the Think-Tanks Forum for Islamic countries would now be renamed to ‘World Islamic Forum’.
On the second day of the conference, Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security delivered the keynote address. He was of the view that out of the many challenges that the Muslim countries face, the issue of intellectual development is of critical importance. Mr. Aziz stressed that the Muslim world faces common challenges, thus they must work in collaboration with each other to overcome these challenges. He further added that it is time that Muslims build resilient scientific, intellectual and academic partnerships with the rest of the world.

The sessions that followed, discussed Non-Traditional Security Threats in Muslim Countries where the speakers examined the issues in great detail and put forth their suggestions to deal with the challenges. They stressed that multilateral cooperation among all Muslim countries is of utmost importance and issues such as terrorism, climate change and human trafficking must be dealt with seriously. The speakers further discussed the opportunities and risks in the defense and space industry and cooperation for nuclear proliferation.

Chairman Senate, Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari, while addressing the closing ceremony of the Forum, underlined “In the wake of newly emerging threats, there was a dire need for Muslim countries to sit together and deliberate on the multi-faceted challenges that they face.”

The 6th Think Tanks Forum of the Islamic Countries also issued the ‘Islamabad Declaration’ to mark the conclusion of the conference. The forum reiterated its resolve to institutionalize the ‘World Islamic Forum’ as the voice of Muslim intellectuals, opinion leaders and thinkers. The Forum would also hold a ‘Muslim Women’s Summit in Kuala Lumpur in 2015, while the next WIF will be hosted by Iran. In addition to that, the regional secretariat would be established in Islamabad, which will be hosted by the Pakistan-China Institute.

The Islamic World “Istanbul Awards”, were given this year for the first time, in order to promote and honor the successful people and institutions which are strengthening the depth and integration of Islamic World’s vision. The Award Ceremony was held at the Islamabad Serena Hotel on 7th March 2105, during the 6th Islamic Think Tanks Forum where President Mamnoon Hussain was the Chief Guest.

Pakistan Army and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif were also given the Istanbul Special Islamic Award for leadership in their struggle against terrorism with clarity, commitment and courage as Chief of Pakistan Army.


Please use the following link for detailed information and program:
http://www.tasam.org/en/Etkinlik/627/6th_think_tanks_forum_of_the_islamic_countries