As part of ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation and coordination between the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) and the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the Academy, received H.E. Dr Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs, and his accompanying delegation on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 (5 Rabi’ al-Thani 1448 AH) at the Academy’s headquarters in Jeddah. The meeting focused on consultation and coordination regarding ways to develop and strengthen the Islamic social finance system in OIC Member States.
At the outset of the meeting, the Secretary General of the Academy welcomed the Assistant Secretary-General and his delegation, expressing his pleasure at the visit and commending the initiative to advance Islamic social finance as an effective tool for poverty alleviation in OIC Member States. He emphasised the importance of intensifying the exchange of expertise and experiences and of strengthening cooperation and coordination among OIC institutions and Member States in this field.
For his part, the Assistant Secretary-General thanked the Secretary-General for the warm reception and hospitality. He explained that the purpose of the visit was to consult with the Academy on the mechanisms of Islamic social finance and ways to activate them more effectively to help alleviate poverty, deprivation, and hardship in OIC Member States. He noted that the persistence of high poverty rates, despite the considerable resources and economic potential available in many Member States, calls for greater coordination and the development of an implementation strategy to ensure that Islamic social finance programs reach the most vulnerable individuals and communities.
In this context, the Secretary-General stressed the need for concerted efforts and collective action to combat poverty, stating:
“It is our duty to work collectively and cooperatively to combat the scourge of poverty. Poverty is a man-made problem and can be overcome whenever there is genuine will and effective cooperation.”
He further noted that there are numerous instruments and mechanisms that can be utilized to develop and strengthen the Islamic social finance system.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the participants agreed to prepare a concept paper on the subject, followed by the development of a comprehensive strategy. These efforts are expected to culminate in a ministerial meeting for the adoption of the strategy and the commencement of its implementation.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Mohammed Al-Mundhir Reda Al-Shawk, Director of the Office of the Secretary General and Protocol; Mr. Mohammed Walid Al-Idrissi, Director of the Department of Media and Public Relations; and Dr. Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Director of the Department of Planning and International Cooperation.
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