Jeddah, 2-3 February 2009

Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished delegates,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the 4th meeting of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts mandated to rationalize the OIC agenda items and resolutions. Within the transformation of the vision, structures and activities of our Organization, this meeting carries a very special significance for me. Without rationalizing and reforming the way we take decision and prepare and conduct our meetings, overall reform efforts would be incomplete. I hope that the active participation and contribution of all delegates in the deliberations would further help to enhance the effectiveness of our Organization in order to better fulfill its role and responsibilities in confronting the challenges of our time.

The new process of rationalization of the OTC begun in 2003 after the Experts Group on the issue was established by a resolution of the 30th CFM session. The Group has so far held three meetings in 2003, 2004 and 2006. I must admit that the Group, during its previous meetings, did a commendable job in reviewing various aspects of the rationalization process. The meetings recommended number of proposals and steps to be taken in order to enhance and increase the effectiveness of the Organization. I must also admit that despite the good job done by the Group and Member States, much remains to be undertaken especially in trimming our documents to avoid unnecessary repetition or overlapping, and instead give more time to focused discussion of new developments, concerns and realities in the Islamic countries and the world. We also need to further adjust the work of the Organization with new changes, particularly after the unanimous adoption of the revised Charter, by reviewing and updating the Rules of Procedure.

Distinguished Participants,

You may tend to agree with me that despite a considerable change in the quality and quantity of our resolutions in the recent years, mainly as a result of rationalization process as well as some other obvious reasons, the agendas of the CFM and Summit Sessions remain overcrowded; There are still some resolutions which are reissued annually without any changes in the text but only with a new and different numbering. At least once every three years, the time lag between CFM and the
Summit may be less than six months. In this case, question arises whether to present the same resolutions to the CFM and Summit for adoption. Here, we need to find ways to avoid repetition or to address the problems facing the implementation of previous decisions made by the Experts Group. The issuance of final communiqué of the CFM meetings needs also to be reconsidered.
On rationalizing the agenda and resolutions of the CFM and Summit Sessions, the Secretariat has proposed to cluster items on the agenda and not to repeat the entire resolutions every year in any meeting except to reflect new developments and the steps which need to be taken for the implementation of the resolution.
Another issue which requires your attention and guidance is the rationalization of the work and outcome of the Annual Coordination Meeting (ACM) of Foreign Ministers held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The ACM is essentially held to examine the issues of interest to the OIC that are included in the agenda of the United Nations General Assembly. We believe that the ACM should be redirected to its original mandate, as it was adopted by Resolution No. 1/30-ORG. In order to promote more focused discussions, a thematic approach could be selected.
These are the main issues that we at the General Secretariat deem critical within the perspective of rationalization. However, I am sure that there are many other aspects which may improve our work and for this we would highly appreciate innovative and practical proposals from the Member States. I believe that this meeting is an important chance that should be utilized towards a more streamlined, effective, powerful and credible organization.
I appeal to all of you to consider the term “rationalization” in the broadest possible meaning and to make effective contribution to this important meeting, knowing that the suggested changes to rationalize our proceedings and the way of doing business are shared by an overwhelming majority of the Member States.
Furthermore, rendering the OIC Ministerial Contact Groups more effective and ensuring better coordination among OIC organs and institutions should also be areas of focus during your deliberations.
In conclusion, I wish, once again, the meeting successful deliberations and urge it to further streamline and rationalize the work and outcomes of the OIC main meetings. I assure you that under the new vision this Secretariat is ready to discharge its tasks effectively in support of the rationalization process.