ISLAMABAD, Saturday, July 11, 2026 (WNP): Pakistan is set to host the 9th Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) from July 12 to 13, bringing together nearly 190 delegates from the OIC’s 57 member states, including ministers, senior government officials, policymakers and prominent women leaders to advance cooperation on women’s empowerment and inclusive development across the Muslim world.

The two-day ministerial conference will provide a high-level platform for member states to strengthen collaboration on enhancing women’s social, economic, political and professional participation while promoting sustainable and inclusive development throughout OIC countries.

According to official details, the conference will focus on expanding women’s access to economic opportunities, entrepreneurship, financial services, technology and digital platforms, while addressing the digital gender divide and advancing financial inclusion as key drivers of economic empowerment.

Delegates will also deliberate on strategies to increase women’s participation in decision-making processes, review progress made on commitments adopted during previous OIC ministerial conferences, and exchange experiences and best practices aimed at strengthening women’s rights and socio-economic development across member states.

The conference agenda further includes discussions on improving women’s access to quality education and healthcare, promoting gender-responsive public policies, and enhancing cooperation among OIC countries to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Building on the outcomes of the Eighth OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, held in Cairo in 2021, participants are expected to review progress on earlier commitments relating to women’s empowerment, protection frameworks, economic participation and social inclusion while identifying new avenues for collaborative action.

As the host nation, Pakistan is expected to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening cooperation among OIC member states in promoting gender-inclusive development, expanding opportunities for women across diverse sectors and fostering policies that contribute to sustainable socio-economic progress throughout the Muslim world.

The conference is also expected to adopt recommendations aimed at enhancing collective efforts among OIC member states to advance women’s empowerment, promote inclusive economic growth and strengthen regional cooperation in addressing shared development challenges.