On behalf of Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, I am honoured to have this opportunity to address you on a number of pressing issues on the shared agenda for the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

I thank all OIC members for your important contributions to our work on peace and security, climate change, the Millennium Development Goals, and the post-2015 agenda.

I call for your support in mobilizing all actors as we work for a life of dignity for all, a life in security and well-being.

This is essential to development – and it is the foundation of peace.

Poverty and insecurity breed extremism and terrorism.

Terrorism cannot and must not be associated with any religion, nationality or ethnic group.  I call on members of the OIC and people of all faiths to continue to speak out for diversity, tolerance and pluralism.  We ask you to denounce those who commit crimes in the name of God.  We ask you to respond strongly to the extreme, fanatical voices of hate and division.

I know that the OIC will continue to stand as a model of the millenarian Islamic tradition that promotes inclusivity and embraces our common humanity.

The United Nations welcomes the building of a broad international coalition to deal with and confront Da’ish, who is calling itself ISIS and ISIL.

However, it seems clear to me – and today also stated by the Chair of this meeting – that this group has nothing to do with the values and principles of Islam.  And it certainly does not represent a state. 

The rise of this movement as well as Al-Qaeda affiliated groups is a consequence – not a cause – of the horrific conflict in Syria.  Such organizations will continue to thrive unless the Syrian conflict is resolved through a credible and comprehensive political process.  It is essential to respect the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for democracy, human rights and prosperity.

In Iraq, we have welcomed the formation of a new government.  It now needs to act swiftly to address many pressing challenges, including the threat of Da’ish and advancing development for all Iraqi people.

A priority is to address the demands of disenfranchised segments of the population.  There is reason to be seriously concerned about the gross violations of human rights affecting Iraqis, particularly minorities.  We have a collective duty to protect these groups, several of whom have been living in Iraq for thousands of years.  Their history is a part of our common heritage.

Iraq’s fight against terrorism requires the collaboration of all in the region.  I encourage OIC member states to provide political, humanitarian and other support to the new Iraqi Government as it works to restore peace and security on an inclusive basis.

At this time of turmoil in other parts of the Middle East, we must not lose focus on the Palestinian issue.  The latest violent tragedy in Gaza was a stark reminder of how unsustainable the situation is at present.  There should be no return to the status quo ante.

The parties must restore the prospects for a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security.  The occupation must cease.  And Gaza must be brought back under one united Palestinian Government.

The closure of Gaza must end.  Israel’s legitimate security concerns must be addressed.  Unilateral steps, including illegal settlement activity, must not be taken.  The United Nations will spare no effort to help achieve these goals.  We count on close cooperation with the OIC.

Afghanistan goes through a crucial period of transition.  Regional cooperation and the building of trust are essential to ensuring a peaceful and stable future.  I welcome the OIC’s consistent support for moderation and dialogue.  I commend initiatives such as the International Ulama Conference on Islam and Peace convened last year in Kabul.  We welcome the power-sharing arrangements after the election between the two presidential candidates.

On Myanmar, the UN remains deeply concerned about the polarized communal situation.  If the underlying causes are left unresolved, Myanmar’s reform process could slide back.  We will continue to offer our assistance to the national efforts aimed at alleviating problems prevailing in Rakhine and in other parts of the country, including the challenges around the Rohingya situation.  We will do this while taking into account the interests and sensitivities of all concerned.

In the Central African Republic, the security, human rights and humanitarian situation remains worrisome.  We recently saw the transfer of authority from the African-led MISCA to the UN’s mission, MINUSCA.  Its mandate aims to restore security and protection.  The next steps in the political process should be taken by the country’s government and people – with the support of the international community.

The Secretary-General is convening a high-level meeting today on the Central African Republic.  We are grateful that OIC Secretary General Madani will participate.

In Mali, the start of peace negotiations is a positive step.  We are encouraged to see Mali’s neighbours, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, the OIC and other regional organizations working together under Algeria’s leadership to produce a roadmap for the ongoing negotiations.  We must continue to coordinate our support for this process.

Our partnership is also crucial in maintaining peace and security in Darfur, Sudan.  I commend the OIC’s invaluable contribution to the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur brokered by Qatar.  I also welcome the OIC’s growing humanitarian work, demonstrated by its reconstruction programs.  Our focus should be on areas where our two organizations share goals with complementary strengths:  that is, mediation, conflict prevention and resolution as well as post-conflict rehabilitation.

In Somalia, the United Nations is supporting the Federal Government in an ambitious process of national reconciliation and democratic transformation.  This historic effort continues to be undermined by the threat of Al-Shabaab.  Terrorist attacks, carried out in the name of Islam, often against Muslims themselves, cannot be tolerated.  I urge OIC Members to continue to denounce and to marginalize Al-Shabaab, and to help cut off its financial sources.

We also seek the support of the OIC and OIC members for stabilization efforts in the framework of the Somali Compact.  It’s especially important to offer alternatives to young people, and those at risk of recruitment by Al-Shabaab.

In closing, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has a solid record of collaborating with the United Nations to achieve our common goals.

We look forward to joining forces with you to heal divisions, to promote understanding and to usher in a more peaceful world.

Thank you.