Indonesia leads the group of Heads of Representatives of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Canberra to hold OIC Day for the first time.

"Through this event, we want to increase public understanding in Australia about the OIC as an organization, and the OIC HoM Group in Canberra. The OIC is a collective voice of the Muslim world to safeguard and protect the interests of the Ummah, promote international peace and harmony among various communities in the world," Ambassador H.E.Y. Kristiarto S. Legowo said at the commemoration of the first OIC Day in Australia.

The reception which was held at Balai Kartini, the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, on October 7, 2020, began with an opening speech from the host, H.E. Y. Kristiarto S. Legowo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia and also Chairman of the Group, who raised the role of the OIC as the second largest international organization in the world after the United Nations to promote peace and harmony in international relations.

"The OIC HoM Group in Canberra, which was founded in 2015 aims to increase understanding of Islam in the wider Australian society and strengthen cooperation between OIC member countries and Australia," said Ambassador Legowo.

Guest of Honor for the event, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Harinder Sidhu, who is also the Chief Operating Officer of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), welcomed the OIC's contribution to efforts to achieve lasting peace and emphasized its relevance to the multicultural character of Australian society.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sidhu reiterated Australia's commitment to tackling violence based on religion and belief by referring to the Human Rights Council Resolution on 19 January 2015.

"Combating intolerance, negative stereotypes and stigmatization, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against people based on religion and belief," he said.

The OIC Day reception was held in collaboration with 24 Representatives of OIC member countries in Canberra from 57 OIC member countries. Among the invited guests who attended were representatives from the Australian Government, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) State Government, the Diplomatic Corps, Academics, Think Tank, and journalists.

The OIC Day Reception is the first joint OIC event by the Group in Canberra to commemorate the 51st Anniversary of the OIC, which was established on 25 September 1969. (RRI)