Secretary General of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Hissein Brahim Taha has emphasised that the inauguration of the OIC Labour Center, a new specialised institution, is a momentous event and represents an important milestone in the collective efforts to enhance socio-economic cooperation among the member States of the organisation.

During his statement at the Inaugural General Assembly held in Baku, Azerbaijan on Tuesday (22 November), Taha further highlighted that the new institution would effectively complement the ongoing cooperation activities of the OIC General Secretariat in the areas of trade and investment, agriculture, and food security, tourism, education, science and technology, and health, among others.

He commended the leadership and foresight of Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, for proposing the establishment of the Centre during his address at the 2nd Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 25-26 April 2013.

The inaugural session also featured an address by Sahil Babayev, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan.

During the session, candidates were elected for various key positions within the OIC Labour Centre, including the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, and Members of the Executive Board.

The meeting also elected Azar Bayramov, as the Director-General of the OIC Labour Center.

The session also approved the Interim Organisational Structure and the budget for the Secretariat of the Centre for the period of 2023-2026.

Azerbaijan generously contributed $1 million as a voluntary donation to the budget of the new center.