Cairo, July 8, 2021, SPA -- The Arab Republic of Egypt hosted on 8 July, 2021, the eighth session of the Ministerial Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for Women, under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Addressing the opening ceremony, OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen commended the unprecedented attention and time given to women issues in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, unlocking their full potential as a driving force for development across all areas of Saudi Vision 2030. He expressed thanks and appreciation to the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting this session, adding that this speaks volumes for Egypt’s high level of commitment and dedication to help the OIC achieve its overriding objectives of promoting joint Islamic action for women’s empowerment and participation in all spheres of society. The Conference is taking place at a time when the world imperatively needs increased women’s participation in political, economic, social and cultural spheres, Dr. Al-Othaimeen pointed out, explaining that great hopes are pinned on this event to adopt conclusions and recommendations tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by women. He also stated that the Conference demonstrates the pursuit of the OIC to send out a message to the wider Muslim community and the world at large that Islam, in its pristine and pure form, dignifies the status of women and treats them as an essential partner in all realms. On the follow-up to the implementation of the resolutions of the Conference’s seventh session (Ouagadougou, 2018), Dr. Al-Othaimeen said that despite faltering coronavirus-induced challenges, and with the support of the Member States and coordination of the OIC relevant organs and institutions, the General Secretariat succeeded in conducting a fine record of related training sessions and workshops, along with preparing relevant studies and reports. --SPA 15:42 LOCAL TIME 12:42 GMT 0016 www.spa.gov.sa/w1582568