VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Islamic Cooperation Organization, OIC, this year has entered the age of 50 years. The 50th anniversary of the OIC which was originally called the Organization of the Islamic Conference, was held in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Governor of the Mecca Region, Prince Khalid al Faisal delivered a speech representing the Arab Group, the African group and the Asian Group.

Since its establishment in Rabbat Morocco on September 25, 1969, the Organization's members have continued to grow. This increase certainly reflects the hope that Islamic state organizations can play an active role in solving various problems that exist in Islamic countries. The commemoration theme of United for Peace and Development is actually relevant to the situation in a number of member states.

The Middle East conflict that occurred in Syria still shows that unity and peace must still be fought for. Disputes and differences in political lines between countries that are members of the OIC are one of the causes of the ongoing civil war which has not destroyed Syria and caused the suffering of the people. The poverty that still befalls the people of a number of OIC member states, makes the development diction which is the theme of the birth of the OIC this year reflecting the desire to overcome the remaining problems.

This OIC anniversary will be an introduction to the holding of the OIC state high level conference on 8 to 9 December 2019 in Istanbul Turkey. As reported by the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet Daily News, the summit will raise the theme of Investment for Solidarity and Development. From that theme, there is hope that OIC countries will be able to concentrate on economic development. Entrepreneurs from leading companies in the banking, construction, tourism and trade sectors operating in the OKI geography will attend the conference. Also of course 56 OIC member states, as well as five observer countries and international organizations
This is very important so that Islamic countries with better economic conditions can support the economies of poor and developing countries through mutual investment.

It is hoped that the 50th anniversary of the Islamic Cooperation Organization which will be followed by this summit conference can be a momentum for efforts to make the organization provide better benefits. Especially for members who are involved in conflict and civil war, and hit by poverty.