Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): History 57 Member States And Objectives

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

History Of OIC 57 Member States, Objectives, Structure and Role

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is an intergovernmental organization representing 57 member states across four continents. It was established in 1969 following the Rabat Islamic Summit and has developed into a permanent framework for political, economic, cultural, humanitarian, scientific and social cooperation among its member countries. The OIC describes itself as the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations by membership.

The organization is headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and operates through the Islamic Summit, Council of Foreign Ministers, General Secretariat, standing committees, specialized institutions, subsidiary organs and affiliated institutions. Its three official languages are Arabic, English and French.

The OIC’s present institutional framework is based on the OIC Charter adopted in Dakar, Senegal, in March 2008, which replaced the organization’s earlier charter and provides the legal and organizational framework for its activities.

What Is the OIC?

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, abbreviated as OIC, is an international intergovernmental organization whose membership consists of 57 states from Asia, Africa, Europe and South America.

The organization provides a platform through which its member states can consult and cooperate on matters affecting their shared interests. Its work covers political affairs, economic development, trade, science and technology, culture, humanitarian assistance, social development, education, information and other areas.

The OIC is not a single-state government or a supranational authority. Its member states remain sovereign countries and participate in the organization through diplomatic, ministerial and summit-level mechanisms.

OIC Full Form

OIC stands for Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The organization was formerly known as the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Its name was changed to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in 2011, reflecting the organization’s broader emphasis on cooperation among its member states.

The organization is sometimes referred to simply as the Islamic Cooperation Organization in translations, but Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is its official English name.

When Was the OIC Founded?

The OIC was established on 25 September 1969 at the Islamic Summit held in Rabat, Morocco.

The founding decision followed the 21 August 1969 arson attack at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The Rabat meeting brought together leaders from Muslim-majority and other Muslim countries to establish a framework for collective cooperation.

The first meeting of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers took place in Jeddah in 1970. That meeting decided to establish a permanent General Secretariat in Jeddah.

Why Was the OIC Created?

The establishment of the OIC was closely connected with the desire of participating Muslim countries to develop a permanent mechanism for consultation and cooperation.

The founding organization was intended to strengthen solidarity among member states and coordinate action on issues of common concern.

Important factors in its establishment included:

• The 1969 Al-Aqsa Mosque fire
• The Palestinian question
• The need for greater cooperation among Muslim countries
• Protection of shared religious and cultural interests
• Political consultation among member states
• Economic and social cooperation
• Promotion of international peace and cooperation

The OIC’s historical account identifies the 1969 Rabat Summit as the founding moment of the organization.

OIC Founding Members

The OIC was founded by 30 states participating in its initial formation. Over subsequent decades, membership expanded to 57 states.

The founding membership included countries from Africa, Asia and the Arab world, creating the geographical foundation for the organization’s later expansion.

The original membership was considerably smaller than today’s 57-member organization.

OIC Member Countries

The OIC currently has 57 member states. Its membership stretches across four continents: Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

OIC Member States by Region

The OIC’s official member list records 57 member states and their dates of accession.

Complete OIC Member Countries and Joining Years

The official OIC member-state database should be used as the authoritative reference for membership and accession dates.

OIC Member Countries by Continent

OIC Countries in Africa

Africa contains the largest concentration of OIC member states. Members extend from North Africa and the Sahel to West, Central and East Africa.

African OIC members include Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana?

Note: Ghana is not an OIC member and should not be included in an OIC member-country table.

The complete official list should therefore be checked against the OIC membership database when publishing country tables.

OIC Countries in Asia

Asian membership includes some of the world’s largest Muslim-majority countries and extends from the Middle East to South and Southeast Asia and Central Asia.

Asian members include:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Brunei Darussalam
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Tajikistan
• Türkiye
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan
• Yemen
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Palestine
• Syria
• Azerbaijan

OIC Countries in Europe

The OIC’s official membership currently includes Albania as a European member state.

Türkiye also spans Europe and Asia geographically and is an OIC member.

OIC Countries in South America

Two South American states are members of the OIC:

• Guyana
• Suriname

Their membership gives the organization a formal presence in South America and contributes to the OIC’s four-continent geographical reach.

OIC Observer States and Organizations

The OIC also maintains observer relationships in addition to its 57 full member states.

The organization’s official observer list includes:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Central African Republic
• Thailand
• Russian Federation
• Turkish Cypriot State

It also lists observer relationships involving organizations and institutions, including the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, League of Arab States and African Union.

Observer status should not be confused with full OIC membership.

OIC Headquarters

The OIC’s permanent headquarters is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The General Secretariat was established in Jeddah following the first Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in 1970.

The organization’s official contact information identifies the General Secretariat in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

OIC Official Languages

The OIC has three official languages:

1. Arabic
2. English
3. French

These languages are established in Article 38 of the OIC Charter.

Arabic is particularly important because of the organization’s Islamic and Arab institutional heritage, while English and French facilitate communication among member states across Asia, Africa and other regions.

OIC Charter

The OIC Charter provides the organization’s institutional and legal framework.

The original charter was adopted in 1972 at the third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. As the organization expanded and its activities developed, the charter was revised.

The current Charter was adopted at the Eleventh Islamic Summit Conference in Dakar, Senegal, on 13–14 March 2008.

The revised Charter defines the principles, objectives, institutions and working arrangements of the organization.

Objectives of the OIC

The OIC Charter establishes objectives covering political, economic, social, cultural, scientific and humanitarian cooperation.

Major objectives include:

• Strengthening Islamic solidarity among member states
• Protecting common interests
• Promoting cooperation among member countries
• Supporting international peace and security
• Encouraging dialogue among civilizations
• Promoting economic and trade cooperation
• Developing science and technology
• Supporting humanitarian cooperation
• Promoting cultural cooperation
• Protecting Islamic heritage
• Supporting development in member states

The organization’s stated objectives and activities are grounded in the OIC Charter.

Principles of the OIC

The OIC Charter establishes principles intended to guide relations between member states.

These include respect for:

• Sovereignty
• Independence
• Territorial integrity
• Non-interference
• Peaceful settlement of disputes
• International cooperation
• Equality among member states

The Charter provides the foundation for cooperation while recognizing the sovereignty of individual member countries.

Main Bodies of the OIC

The OIC has several principal institutions.

The major bodies include:

1. Islamic Summit
2. Council of Foreign Ministers
3. General Secretariat
4. Al-Quds Committee
5. Standing committees
6. Specialized institutions
7. Subsidiary organs
8. Affiliated institutions

The OIC identifies the Islamic Summit, Council of Foreign Ministers and General Secretariat among its principal organs.

Islamic Summit

The Islamic Summit is the highest-level decision-making forum of the OIC.

It brings together heads of state or government from member countries.

Summits provide an opportunity for member states to discuss major political, economic, humanitarian and security issues and to adopt declarations, resolutions and strategic frameworks.

The summit is particularly important for establishing broad political priorities for the organization.

Council of Foreign Ministers

The Council of Foreign Ministers, commonly known as the CFM, is another central institution of the OIC.

Foreign ministers and representatives of member states meet to discuss organizational affairs and international issues.

The Council reviews:

• OIC programmes
• Political developments
• Economic cooperation
• Social and cultural matters
• Institutional issues
• Resolutions
• Budgets
• Implementation of summit decisions

The OIC has held regular Council of Foreign Ministers sessions since its early years.

General Secretariat

The General Secretariat is the permanent administrative structure of the OIC.

It was established in Jeddah in 1970. The Secretary-General serves as the chief administrative officer of the organization.

The General Secretariat follows up decisions adopted by the Islamic Summit and Council of Foreign Ministers and coordinates work across the organization’s departments and institutions.

OIC Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is elected by the Council of Foreign Ministers for a five-year term, renewable once, according to the OIC’s institutional framework.

As of September 2026, the OIC Secretary-General is Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed of Mauritania. He was elected on 27 August 2026 and succeeded Hissein Brahim Taha.

His election marked a change in leadership after Taha’s tenure.

Previous OIC Secretary-Generals

The office of Secretary-General has been held by representatives from several member states.

The official OIC record lists:

The OIC’s official General Secretariat record documents the historical succession of Secretary-Generals, while the organization’s 2026 announcements document the election and assumption of office of Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.

OIC Standing Committees

The OIC operates several standing committees that focus on important areas of cooperation.

These include committees concerned with:

• Science and technology
• Economic and commercial cooperation
• Information and cultural affairs
• Palestine and Al-Quds affairs

The standing committees help member states coordinate policies and programmes within specific fields.

OIC and Palestine

The Palestinian question and Al-Quds have been central subjects in OIC activities since the organization’s establishment.

The OIC has maintained institutional mechanisms devoted to Palestine and Jerusalem, including the Al-Quds Committee.

The organization’s 2025 Istanbul Declaration reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause within OIC priorities.

The OIC also maintains a dedicated department dealing with Palestine and Al-Quds affairs.

OIC and Al-Quds

Al-Quds, or Jerusalem, occupies a significant place in the OIC’s institutional agenda.

The organization was established following the 1969 fire at Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Jerusalem-related issues have remained among its major areas of diplomatic activity.

The OIC maintains a dedicated institutional focus on Palestine and Al-Quds.

OIC Political Cooperation

Political cooperation is one of the organization’s major fields of activity.

Member states use OIC meetings to exchange views on international developments and coordinate positions on matters considered to affect common interests.

The General Secretariat supports communication and consultation among member states and follows up decisions adopted by the organization’s principal bodies.

OIC Economic Cooperation

Economic cooperation is another major part of OIC activities.

The organization promotes cooperation in areas including:

• Trade
• Investment
• Finance
• Infrastructure
• Development
• Food security
• Tourism
• Agriculture
• Industry
• Private-sector cooperation

Several OIC institutions contribute to economic development and statistical research among member states.

OIC Trade Cooperation

The OIC supports efforts to expand trade and economic links among member countries.

The Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) is one of the specialized institutions associated with the OIC framework and works in areas related to trade and economic cooperation.

The OIC also uses ministerial and institutional mechanisms to discuss trade barriers, investment and economic integration.

OIC Science and Technology Cooperation

Science and technology are identified among the organization’s major cooperation areas.

The OIC has developed programmes and institutions dealing with:

• Scientific research
• Innovation
• Technology
• Education
• Research cooperation
• Capacity building
• Knowledge exchange

Science and technology were also included among the priority areas of the OIC’s long-term programmes.

OIC Humanitarian Cooperation

Humanitarian affairs form another important part of OIC activities.

The organization and its associated institutions address issues such as:

• Humanitarian emergencies
• Food security
• Poverty
• Refugees
• Displacement
• Natural disasters
• Health emergencies
• Humanitarian assistance

The OIC maintains a dedicated Humanitarian Affairs department within the General Secretariat.

OIC Cultural Cooperation

Cultural cooperation aims to strengthen exchanges among societies and preserve Islamic and historical heritage.

The OIC’s cultural activities include:

• Heritage preservation
• Cultural exchange
• Education
• Intercultural dialogue
• Islamic heritage
• Arts and literature
• Knowledge sharing

The OIC identifies cultural diversity, knowledge, heritage preservation and dialogue as important areas of its cultural work.

OIC Social Cooperation

The OIC also works on social and family-related issues.

Its institutional structure includes a Cultural, Social and Family Affairs department dealing with matters involving social development and related areas.

The organization has also convened ministerial meetings on issues involving women, youth, family and social development.

OIC and Women

Women’s participation and empowerment are included among the organization’s programme areas.

OIC member states hold ministerial-level meetings addressing women’s issues, social development and related subjects.

In July 2026, the OIC held its Ninth Session of the Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad, Pakistan.

OIC and Youth

Youth development is another area of cooperation.

The organization and affiliated institutions support programmes involving:

• Youth participation
• Education
• Leadership
• Cultural exchange
• Entrepreneurship
• Sports
• International cooperation

The OIC maintains a Youth and Sports Department within its General Secretariat.

OIC and Education

Education has long been included within the OIC’s cooperation agenda.

The organization promotes:

• Educational cooperation
• Academic exchanges
• Scientific research
• Knowledge development
• Capacity building
• Cultural education

Specialized OIC institutions also operate in educational, scientific and cultural fields.

OIC and Islamic Development Bank

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is one of the specialized institutions associated with the OIC system.

It supports economic and social development projects in member countries and works in areas including infrastructure, education, health, finance and sustainable development.

The OIC identifies the Islamic Development Bank among its specialized institutions.

OIC and SESRIC

The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries, commonly known as SESRIC, is an OIC subsidiary organ.

It produces research and statistical material concerning member countries and supports training and institutional cooperation.

SESRIC was established to contribute to economic and social research and capacity building among OIC member states.

OIC and IRCICA

The Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture, known as IRCICA, is another OIC subsidiary institution.

It focuses on Islamic history, art, culture, heritage and related research.

IRCICA is based in Istanbul, Türkiye.

OIC and COMCEC

The Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, commonly called COMCEC, is an important OIC economic cooperation mechanism.

It works on economic and commercial cooperation among member states.

Its areas include trade, investment, finance, agriculture, tourism and other sectors connected with economic development.

OIC Institutions and Organizations

The OIC operates through a broad institutional network.

Examples include:

• Islamic Development Bank
• SESRIC
• IRCICA
• Islamic Centre for Development of Trade
• COMCEC
• Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development
• Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries
• Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum
• Other subsidiary and affiliated institutions

The OIC’s institutional system distinguishes between principal organs, specialized institutions, subsidiary organs and affiliated institutions.

OIC Departments

The OIC General Secretariat includes departments dealing with numerous policy areas.

Its official departmental structure includes:

• Cabinet of the Secretary-General
• Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs
• Political Affairs
• Economic Affairs
• Science and Technology
• Humanitarian Affairs
• Cultural, Social and Family Affairs
• Information
• Protocol and Public Relations
• Legal Affairs
• Conference Affairs
• Information Technology
• Administration and Finance
• Youth and Sports
• Information Resources

OIC and the United Nations

The OIC maintains consultative and cooperative relations with the United Nations.

The OIC’s history page states that the organization works with the UN and other intergovernmental organizations on issues involving the interests of its member states and international peace and conflict resolution.

The United Nations is also listed by the OIC as an observer organization.

OIC and International Organizations

The OIC maintains relationships with numerous international and regional organizations.

Its official observer list includes:

• United Nations
• African Union
• League of Arab States
• Non-Aligned Movement
• Economic Cooperation Organization

These relationships provide channels for diplomatic coordination and international cooperation.

OIC Regional Groups

The OIC’s member states are broadly organized into regional groups reflecting their geographic locations.

The three main regional groupings are:

• Arab Group
• African Group
• Asian Group

This arrangement reflects the geographical diversity of the OIC membership and supports coordination within the organization’s institutional framework.

OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action

In December 2005, the Third Extraordinary Islamic Summit in Makkah adopted a Ten-Year Programme of Action designed to address challenges facing OIC member states.

The programme covered areas including:

• Political cooperation
• Economic development
• Science and technology
• Education
• Social development
• Humanitarian affairs
• Counter-terrorism
• Culture
• Institutional reform

The programme was followed by the OIC-2025 Programme of Action.

OIC-2025 Programme of Action

The OIC-2025 Programme of Action established a broad framework covering 18 priority areas and 107 goals.

Its areas included:

• Peace and security
• Palestine and Al-Quds
• Poverty reduction
• Counter-terrorism
• Investment and finance
• Food security
• Science and technology
• Climate change
• Sustainability
• Moderation
• Culture
• Interfaith harmony
• Women’s empowerment
• Humanitarian cooperation
• Human rights
• Good governance

OIC and Counter-Terrorism

Counter-terrorism is among the areas included in OIC programmes.

The organization works through political cooperation, declarations, resolutions and institutional activities addressing terrorism and violent extremism.

The OIC’s programme framework has included counter-terrorism alongside peace, security and international cooperation.

OIC and Human Rights

Human rights are included within the OIC’s institutional agenda.

The organization addresses human-rights issues through its charter, ministerial resolutions, diplomatic activities and specialized institutional mechanisms.

The OIC-2025 Programme of Action included human rights and good governance among its priority areas.

OIC and Islamophobia

The OIC has addressed discrimination and negative stereotyping affecting Muslims as part of its international activities.

The organization’s historical materials describe efforts to address discrimination against Muslims and misperceptions concerning Islam.

The organization also maintains information and diplomatic mechanisms dealing with international public discourse concerning Islam and Muslim communities.

OIC and Religious Minorities

The OIC’s activities include attention to Muslim communities outside member states.

Its institutional and diplomatic work has addressed issues concerning Muslim minorities, discrimination, religious freedom and social inclusion.

The organization has also used its international relationships to raise issues concerning Muslim communities in different parts of the world.

OIC and Cultural Heritage

Preservation of Islamic cultural and historical heritage is part of OIC cultural cooperation.

The organization’s cultural institutions support research and preservation involving:

• Islamic architecture
• Manuscripts
• Historical sites
• Art
• Literature
• Scientific heritage
• Museums
• Cultural traditions

IRCICA is one of the OIC institutions working specifically in Islamic history, art and culture.

OIC Economic and Development Institutions

The OIC’s institutional network extends well beyond political diplomacy.

Its economic and development-related institutions contribute to:

• Development financing
• Trade promotion
• Statistical research
• Economic studies
• Investment
• Standards
• Private-sector cooperation
• Food security

This institutional structure allows OIC cooperation to continue between major summits and ministerial meetings.

OIC and Food Security

Food security is an important development issue for many OIC countries because the membership includes states with different agricultural environments, income levels and food-import requirements.

OIC programmes have identified food security as one of the major areas requiring cooperation among member states.

Cooperation can include agricultural development, food trade, investment, research and humanitarian assistance.

OIC and Climate Change

Climate change and sustainability have also become part of the organization’s development agenda.

OIC member states include countries exposed to:

• Drought
• Desertification
• Flooding
• Rising temperatures
• Water scarcity
• Coastal risks
• Food-security pressures

Climate change was included among the priority areas of the OIC-2025 Programme of Action.

OIC and Science and Innovation

Scientific cooperation is intended to strengthen research capacity and knowledge exchange among member states.

The OIC framework promotes cooperation in:

• Scientific research
• Higher education
• Innovation
• Technology
• Research institutions
• Digital development
• Technical training

The organization’s science and technology structures are part of its broader development agenda.

OIC and Information Cooperation

Information and communication are important because the OIC operates across 57 countries with different languages, media environments and political systems.

The organization maintains an Information Department and works through conferences, publications, statements and other communication mechanisms.

OIC and International Diplomacy

The OIC provides a multilateral diplomatic platform for its member states.

Through summits, foreign-minister meetings, specialized conferences and international representation, member states can exchange views and coordinate positions on matters of common interest.

The organization therefore operates as both a diplomatic forum and a framework for sectoral cooperation.

OIC’s Role in the Muslim World

The OIC describes itself as a collective voice of the Muslim world.

Its membership includes countries with different political systems, economies, cultures, languages and geographic conditions.

Rather than functioning as a single political government, the organization provides an intergovernmental framework through which member countries coordinate on selected areas.

OIC’s Geographical Reach

The OIC is geographically diverse.

Its members extend:

• From West Africa to East Africa
• Across North Africa
• From the Middle East to Central Asia
• Across South Asia
• Into Southeast Asia
• Into Europe
• To South America

The official OIC history describes its 57 members as being spread across four continents.

OIC Timeline

The historical milestones are based primarily on official OIC historical, charter and institutional records.

OIC and Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the founding members of the OIC, having joined in 1969.

Pakistan has hosted important OIC meetings, including sessions of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

The OIC’s official records identify Pakistan as a member since 1969.

Pakistan has also participated in OIC initiatives concerning political affairs, economic cooperation, science, education, humanitarian issues and the Palestinian question.

OIC and Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a founding member of the OIC and hosts the organization’s permanent headquarters in Jeddah.

The General Secretariat has operated from Jeddah since its establishment in 1970.

Saudi Arabia has also hosted major Islamic Summit and ministerial-level meetings.

OIC and Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the OIC’s founding members.

As the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, Indonesia represents a major Southeast Asian member of the organization.

Indonesia has participated in OIC political, economic, cultural and development activities since 1969.

OIC and Türkiye

Türkiye is a founding OIC member.

It has hosted important OIC institutions and meetings, including organizations located in Istanbul such as SESRIC and IRCICA, while COMCEC also operates from Türkiye.

Türkiye joined the organization in 1969 according to the official OIC member database.

OIC and Africa

Africa has a large OIC membership encompassing North, West, Central and East African states.

African members participate in OIC cooperation covering:

• Development
• Trade
• Food security
• Education
• Science
• Humanitarian affairs
• Political coordination
• Cultural cooperation

The large African membership is one reason the OIC has a broad geographical and economic scope.

OIC and Asia

Asia is another major center of OIC membership.

Asian OIC countries include states from:

• Central Asia
• South Asia
• Southeast Asia
• The Middle East
• The Caucasus

This geographical spread gives the organization substantial diversity in economic systems, cultures, languages and development levels.

OIC and South America

Guyana and Suriname are OIC members in South America.

Their membership demonstrates that OIC participation is not limited geographically to the traditional Muslim-majority regions of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Both countries are listed as full members in the organization’s official membership database.

OIC Membership and Sovereignty

The OIC is an intergovernmental organization.

Its member countries retain their national sovereignty and independent governments.

OIC decisions are adopted through the organization’s institutional procedures, but implementation generally depends on the member states and the relevant OIC organs.

This distinguishes the OIC from a federal or supranational political union.

How Does the OIC Make Decisions?

The OIC uses several levels of decision-making.

The major levels include:

1. Islamic Summit
2. Council of Foreign Ministers
3. Ministerial conferences
4. Permanent committees
5. General Secretariat
6. Specialized and subsidiary institutions

Major strategic and political issues can be addressed at summit level, while ministers and specialized institutions handle more specific areas.

OIC Meetings and Conferences

The organization conducts numerous meetings throughout the year.

These include:

• Islamic Summits
• Council of Foreign Ministers
• Extraordinary ministerial meetings
• Specialized ministerial conferences
• Expert meetings
• Standing committee meetings
• Institutional coordination meetings

The OIC’s official conference archive provides records of its ministerial and summit meetings.

OIC’s Role in International Peace

The OIC’s Charter includes international peace and cooperation among its objectives.

The organization uses diplomatic consultation, resolutions, statements and international engagement to address conflicts and crises affecting its member states and other areas of concern.

OIC and Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is part of the organization’s wider diplomatic role.

The OIC can provide a platform for:

• Diplomatic consultation
• Mediation efforts
• Joint statements
• International advocacy
• Humanitarian coordination
• Support for peaceful settlement

Its ability to act depends on decisions made by its member states and the mandates provided through its institutions.

OIC’s Role in International Forums

The OIC engages with international organizations and forums through its General Secretariat and member-state delegations.

It seeks to coordinate positions on issues where members have common interests.

Its relationships with the United Nations, African Union, Arab League and other organizations are part of this broader diplomatic framework.

OIC and Interfaith Dialogue

The OIC includes dialogue and cultural understanding among its areas of cooperation.

Its cultural work emphasizes moderation, tolerance, respect for diversity and dialogue among cultures.

Interfaith and intercultural dialogue therefore form part of the organization’s broader cultural and international cooperation activities.

OIC and Islamic Heritage

The OIC supports the preservation and study of Islamic heritage.

This includes historical, cultural, artistic and intellectual traditions developed across Muslim societies.

Institutions such as IRCICA contribute research and documentation in Islamic history, art and culture.

OIC’s Institutional Network

One of the defining characteristics of the modern OIC is the size of its institutional network.

The organization includes:

• Principal organs
• Subsidiary organs
• Specialized institutions
• Affiliated institutions
• Permanent committees
• Specialized departments
• Overseas offices

The official OIC structure includes overseas offices in locations such as New York, Geneva, Brussels, Baghdad, Kabul, Somalia, Niger and Ramallah.

OIC Overseas Offices

The organization maintains offices outside its headquarters to support its international activities.

These include offices in:

• New York
• Geneva
• Brussels
• Baghdad
• Kabul
• Somalia
• Niger
• Ramallah

These offices support communication and representation in different international and regional environments.

OIC Membership Expansion

The OIC expanded substantially after its establishment.

Its membership grew from 30 founding members to 57 member states.

New members joined from different parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

This expansion transformed the organization from a relatively small group of states into a large intergovernmental organization with worldwide geographical reach.

OIC Current Leadership

As of September 2026:

Secretary-General: Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed
Nationality: Mauritanian
Elected: 27 August 2026
Assumed office: August 2026
Predecessor: Hissein Brahim Taha

The OIC officially announced his election and subsequent assumption of office in August 2026.

OIC Facts at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions About the OIC

What does OIC stand for?

OIC stands for Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

When was the OIC founded?

The OIC was established on 25 September 1969 at the Rabat Summit in Morocco.

How many countries are members of the OIC?

The OIC has 57 member states.

Where is the OIC headquarters?

The OIC headquarters is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Who is the current OIC Secretary-General?

As of September 2026, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed of Mauritania is the Secretary-General of the OIC. He was elected on 27 August 2026.

What are the official languages of the OIC?

The three official languages are Arabic, English and French.

Why was the OIC created?

The organization was established following the 1969 Rabat Summit, which took place after the fire at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Its broader purpose is to strengthen cooperation and solidarity among member states.

Is the OIC a military alliance?

No. The OIC is an intergovernmental organization whose activities include political, economic, cultural, scientific, humanitarian and social cooperation.

Is the OIC part of the United Nations?

No. The OIC and United Nations are separate international organizations. However, the OIC maintains consultative and cooperative relations with the UN.

How many continents have OIC member countries?

OIC membership extends across four continents: Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

Which South American countries are members of the OIC?

Guyana and Suriname are OIC member states.

Is Pakistan a founding member of the OIC?

Yes. Pakistan is listed by the OIC as a member since 1969, the year the organization was established.

Is Indonesia a founding member of the OIC?

Yes. Indonesia is listed as an OIC member since 1969.

Is Türkiye a member of the OIC?

Yes. Türkiye has been an OIC member since 1969.

Is Albania an OIC member?

Yes. Albania joined the OIC in 1992.

How many OIC member states are in Africa?

The OIC has a large African membership. The exact number can be derived from the organization’s current official member list, which should be used when publishing statistical tables because membership classifications and official country naming can change.

What is the OIC Charter?

The OIC Charter is the organization’s principal constitutional document. The current Charter was adopted in Dakar, Senegal, in March 2008.

When was the first OIC Charter adopted?

The first OIC Charter was adopted in 1972 at the third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

What are the main organs of the OIC?

The principal institutional bodies include the Islamic Summit, Council of Foreign Ministers and General Secretariat, alongside committees and other specialized, subsidiary and affiliated institutions.

What is the Islamic Summit?

The Islamic Summit is the highest-level gathering of OIC member states, bringing together heads of state or government to discuss major issues and establish broad organizational priorities.

What is the Council of Foreign Ministers?

The Council of Foreign Ministers is a central OIC decision-making and coordination body where foreign ministers and representatives of member states discuss political, economic and organizational matters.

What does the OIC do?

The OIC facilitates cooperation among its member states in political, economic, humanitarian, cultural, scientific, social and other areas.

What is the OIC’s position on Palestine?

The Palestinian question and Al-Quds have been central to OIC activities since its establishment, and Palestine and Al-Quds remain major areas of institutional and diplomatic work.

Key Takeaways

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was established in Rabat, Morocco, on 25 September 1969. It began with 30 founding states and has grown to 57 member countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

The organization’s permanent headquarters is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, while its three official languages are Arabic, English and French. Its current Charter was adopted in Dakar in 2008.

The OIC works through the Islamic Summit, Council of Foreign Ministers, General Secretariat, standing committees and a network of specialized, subsidiary and affiliated institutions.

Its areas of work include political cooperation, Palestine and Al-Quds affairs, economic development, trade, science and technology, humanitarian assistance, culture, education, social development, women’s empowerment, youth affairs, food security and international cooperation.

As of September 2026, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed of Mauritania serves as Secretary-General after being elected on 27 August 2026.

Official Sources

• OIC Official Website
• OIC Member States
• OIC History
• OIC Charter
• OIC Charter — Full Document
• OIC General Secretariat
• OIC Departments
• OIC Observer States and Organizations
• OIC Secretary-General — Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed
• OIC — Election of the Secretary-General, August 2026