On the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on 13 October, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joins the international community in expressing solidarity with all victims of natural and human-made disasters around the world.
This year’s theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” highlights the urgent need to invest in resilience-building and preventive measures rather than in post-disaster recovery.
The OIC underscores that disasters continue to impose heavy human and economic costs, severely affecting socio-economic development and posing existential threats to vulnerable communities across many of its Member States.
With several Member States frequently impacted by floods, epidemics, earthquakes, landslides, storms, and droughts, the OIC places high priority on disaster prevention and management, as emphasized in its Ten-Year Program of Action 2025.
Reaffirming its commitment, the OIC calls for stronger partnerships among Member States, international organizations, and local communities to develop effective strategies that enhance preparedness, reduce vulnerabilities, and improve recovery capacities.
“As disasters become more frequent and intense due to climate change and other global challenges, we must act collectively and decisively to build resilience and protect lives,” said H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the OIC. “Investing in prevention today will save countless lives and resources tomorrow.”
The OIC also stresses the need to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, in line with national disaster management strategies and priorities.
A certificate awarding ceremony for 20 imam-khatibs from Uzbekistan who successfully completed a two-week advanced training program was held at the “Al-Azhar” International Academy in Egypt, reports Dunyo IA.
During the training, representatives of the religious sphere deepened their scientific and religious knowledge, became acquainted with the intellectual heritage of “Al-Azhar” and studied its educational experience and teaching methodologies.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Academy Dr. Hassan Al-Saghir emphasized that the program was conducted under the constant attention of the head of the “Al-Azhar” complex, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb. According to him, the Sheikh personally monitored the course of the training and received daily reports, which testifies to the high importance that the “Al-Azhar” leadership attaches to cooperation with religious figures of Uzbekistan.
In addition, the Uzbek delegation was received by Dr. Hasan El-Shafei, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars of “Al-Azhar” and the Council of Muslim Elder. During the meeting, a conversation took place regarding science, religious enlightenment and the responsibility of members of the clergy.
Within the framework of the trip, the imam-khatibs also visited the “Al-Azhar” and Imam Hussein mosques, where they were able to view revered relics, including the blessed sword and other historical monuments.
Following the program, it was noted that the further development of religious and educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and Egypt will contribute to strengthening friendly ties between the two peoples, as well as expanding opportunities for Uzbek youth to receive education at one of the most authoritative Islamic educational centers in the world.