Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the ninth Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad on Sunday [1].
The summit serves as a primary diplomatic forum for Muslim-majority nations to coordinate policies on gender equality and social development. By hosting the event, Pakistan aims to lead discussions on systemic barriers facing women across the Islamic world.
The conference runs from July 12 to July 13, 2026 [2]. It brings together approximately 190 delegates [3] representing all 57 OIC member states [4]. The gathering focuses on the promotion of women's empowerment, leadership, and education [1].
Delegates are scheduled to discuss cooperation strategies to improve the status of women in various sectors of society. The agenda emphasizes the need for unified action to enhance educational access, and professional leadership opportunities for women across member nations [1].
This iteration of the conference marks the ninth time the OIC has convened this specific ministerial body to address women's issues [2]. The event follows preparations that began earlier this month to ensure the host city could accommodate the international delegations [5].
Prime Minister Sharif opened the proceedings by highlighting the importance of regional cooperation. The two-day event is designed to produce actionable frameworks that member states can implement within their own legal and social systems to support women's rights [1].
“Pakistan hosts the ninth OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad.”
The hosting of the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women positions Pakistan as a central coordinator for gender policy within the Islamic world. By convening all 57 member states, the OIC seeks to standardize the approach to women's education and leadership, potentially creating a multilateral framework that balances traditional values with modern empowerment goals.
