BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 9. Speaker of the
Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova has met with the permanent
representatives of the member states of the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New
York as part of her working visit to the U.S.


This was reported by the Press and Public Relations Department
of the Milli Majlis (Parliament of Azerbaijan).


Speaking at the meeting, Gafarova said that Azerbaijan is an
active member of the OIC, and the Azerbaijani Parliament currently
chairs the Parliamentary Union of the OIC member states.


Noting that the OIC brings together 57 countries across Africa,
Asia, the Middle East, Europe and America, the speech pointed out a
huge human, cultural and economic potential of the Islamic world.
In the speech, it was emphasized that this geography has a young
population, historical educational centers, major trade routes,
important resources, and deep traditions of community and
solidarity. In addition, it was noted that many OIC member
countries are experiencing conflict and forced displacement,
poverty, food and water insecurity, climate change are putting
additional pressure on our societies, and terrorism, extremism and
Islamophobia are creating fear and distrust. These challenges
require the expression of solidarity among member countries through
coordinated action, strong institutions and practical support.


According to the speaker, parliamentary diplomacy can support
this work by coordinating international negotiations with national
parliaments.


The meeting also reviewed issues of joint cooperation in
international parliamentary organizations, and held an exchange of
views on the activities of international parliamentary
organizations. Pointing out in this context the importance of
closer cooperation between the UN and the Inter-Parliamentary Union
(IPU), Gafarova said that it connects international decision-making
with national parliamentary activities and helps to turn agreements
into results for people.


The speaker emphasized that the principles of multilateralism
lose their authority when they are applied selectively, when
obligations are not fulfilled or when some voices are considered
more important than others. Rebuilding trust requires equal
respect, consistent action and real participation. According to
him, when official relations become difficult, parliamentarians can
still communicate, reduce misunderstandings and maintain
opportunities for dialogue.


The speech noted that the IPU should cooperate more closely with
regional parliamentary organizations, including the Parliamentary
Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC). This collaboration can bring
OIC priorities to the global debate and strengthen our response to
Islamophobia, racism and religious hatred.


The speaker highlighted that many OIC countries have
difficulties in obtaining finance and technology. Parliaments can
support this work through better laws, economic oversight,
investment in education and innovation, strong social protection
and fair use of public resources. Many countries facing the
consequences of climate change have the fewest resources to respond
to these challenges. Climate finance must therefore be predictable,
sustainable and accessible.


She also said that the parliamentary dimension of this call was
observed at COP29 in Baku. In that framework, the Azerbaijani
Parliament and IPU brought together hundreds of parliamentarians to
discuss how global climate commitments can be translated into
national action.


In conclusion, Gafarova noted that parliamentarians should
exchange experience, prevent repetitions and bring regional
priorities to global discussions.