Jeddah, Muharram 21, 1439, October 11, 2017, SPA -- Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), called upon Member States, relevant OIC organs, and civil society organizations to intensify their efforts to support girls' education. He asserted that this is the only way to empower them, improve their status, ensure their participation in the development of their respective societies, and activate their role to be able to take responsibility of future generations. He also called for cooperation among international, regional and civil society organizations in OIC Member States to monitor, analyze, and propose solutions to the challenges faced by girls and women in general, especially those living in conflict and crisis areas or under occupation. This comes as part of the international community's celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October each year since 2012. --SPA 21:08 LOCAL TIME 18:08 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w510062