OIC to Address Afghanistan at Upcoming UN General Assembly Meeting

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has confirmed that a ministerial contact group meeting focused on Afghanistan will take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Afghanistan’s Central Role in the Contact Group Meeting

According to the OIC, Afghanistan will be one of the central topics at the upcoming ministerial contact group meeting. This gathering is set to occur during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The OIC’s secretariat announced that Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the organization’s secretary-general, will send a delegation to participate in the meeting. The group will discuss various issues, particularly the situation in Afghanistan.

Background of the Ministerial Contact Group

The ministerial contact group concerning Afghanistan held its inaugural meeting in September 2025 in New York, coinciding with the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. This group was established following a decision made during the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC in June 2025.

The primary aim of this group is to provide an effective mechanism for implementing the OIC’s decisions and resolutions regarding Afghanistan. Additionally, it seeks to coordinate diplomatic efforts among member countries and assist Afghanistan in dealing with humanitarian, political, and economic challenges.

Ongoing Dialogue with Taliban Officials

The OIC’s secretary-general has emphasized the importance of continuing discussions with Taliban officials on key issues affecting Afghanistan. The establishment of the ministerial contact group was approved in the political resolution of the 51st session of the OIC Foreign Ministers’ Council.

This group includes interested member countries, the special envoy of the secretary-general for Afghanistan, and the OIC secretary-general. Its responsibilities will entail facilitating and coordinating the implementation of resolutions related to Afghanistan and monitoring progress on these matters.