At the kind invitation of UNICEF’s regional office in Nepal, Dr. Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Head of International Cooperation and External Relations, represented the Academy at the “Regional Workshop on Religious Organizations Advocating for Child Rights and Protection” between 26 and 28 Muharam 1445, corresponding to August 13-15, 2023, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

This meeting follows the South Asia Regional Consultative Group for the Faith and Positive Change for Children, Families and Communities (FPCC) initiative, which was organized by the Nepal Regional Forum for Religious Participation in Kathmandu in 2022, and brought together religious leaders, stakeholders, and UNICEF representatives from eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Dr. Alhagi Manta Drammeh delivered a speech in which he expressed his appreciation and thanks on behalf of the Secretary General of the Academy for the kind invitation and conveyed to them His Excellency’s greetings and best wishes. He also gave them an overview of the Academy, one of the most important bodies of the OIC, established in 1981 to be the main reference for OIC member states and Muslim communities regarding Sharia rulings on emerging issues and matters of concern to Muslims worldwide. He also spoke about the Academy’s important resolutions and declarations concerning women in Islam, peaceful coexistence, and education.

The opening remarks were followed by workshops focusing on the national context, highlighting the role that religious actors can play in promoting the rights and well-being of children through child-centered counseling and educational programs, and the establishment of psychosocial service systems.

Over sixty delegates from eight South Asian countries and UNICEF representatives attended the meeting. It should be noted that this event was organized by UNICEF in partnership with Religions for Peace and the Mutual Learning Initiative on Beliefs and local Communities.