|
RESOLUTIONS ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ADOPTED BY THE TENTH SESSION OF THE ISLAMIC SUMMIT CONFERENCE
(SESSION OF KNOWLEDGE AND MORALITY FOR THE PROGRESS OF UMMAH)
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA
20 TO 21 SHAABAN 1424H (16 TO 17 OCTOBER 2003)
on Environmental problems in the Islamic world including Israeli practices and their effects on the environment in the occupied Palestinian territories, in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and in Occupied South Lebanon and the Western Bekaa formerly under occupation.
on the situation in regions of the Islamic world affected by environmental disasters, in particular in the Basin of the Aral Sea and the region of Semipalatinsk.
on the Role of science and technology in the socio-economic development of the Member States.
on Cooperation among Member States in controlling epidemic diseases affecting man, fauna and the flora.
on Drug and psychotropic substance abuses and their illegal production, processing and trafficking.
on the Environment, sustainable development and ways and means of resolving problems relating to environment and health.
on the Activities of Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH)
on the Implementation of the strategy for development of science and technology in the Islamic Countries.
on activities of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), 1Dhaka.
on the Sixth and Seventh Conferences of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP6).
on Environment from an Islamic Perspective.
on an Advanced Medical Training and Research Center in Bangladesh.
on the Voluntary Establishment of Nations Funds for Development of Science and Technology in the OIC Member States.
on Global Cooperation in Polio Eradication Programme among OIC Member States.
ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD INCLUDING ISRAELI PRACTICES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES, IN THE OCCUPIED SYRIAN GOLAN HEIGHTS AND IN OCCUPIED SOUTHERN LEBANON AND WESTERN BEKAA FORMERLY UNDER OCCUPATION.
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, from 20 to 21 Shaaban 1424H (16-17 October 2003),
Having noted the resolution No. 1/30-ST, and 41/9-E(IS) adopted respectively by the Twenty-ninth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers and the Ninth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
A. ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD
Recalling previous Resolutions on this subject especially Resolutions 2/19-E, 17/21-E, 22/22-E, 29/23-E, 32/24-E, 32/25-E, 35/25-E and 36/26-E, 39/27-E, 40/28-E, 1/29-ST and 1/30-ST of the 19th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th 27th 28th, 29th and 30th Sessions of the Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers respectively;
Deeply concerned at the continuing deterioration of the global environment, including the worsening trends in environmental pollution and the degradation of natural resources;
Stressing again the right of all human beings to enjoy a healthy and non-polluted environment, as a basic human right;
Re-emphasizing the right of States to protect their environment from harmful activities, and to cooperate among themselves to that end;
Noting with concern that the condition of the environment has reached a stage that requires taking effective measures to stop its deterioration;
Noting that while there has been progress in the implementation of Agenda 21, at various levels, particularly at the national level, the lack of fulfilment of international commitments agreed upon at Rio has been very disappointing;
Stressing the commitments of the developed countries envisaged in Agenda 21 and Rio Declaration adopted by UNCED;
Recognizing that environmental degradation both natural and manmade is a major global concern which requires the strengthening of international cooperation and extending effective contributions for the protection of the environment;
Noting with satisfaction the recent developments towards the finalization of the International Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought, which was adopted in Paris in September 1994 and inviting the Member States, which have not ratified all the relevant conventions, including the International Convention on Combating Desertification, to do so, as soon as possible;
Stressing the need for closely and constantly monitoring the global environmental situation and relevant activities and also supporting the establishment of mass-destruction-weapons-free-zones in the Muslim world;
Expressing also its deep concern over the devastating effects of hazardous, toxic and radioactive wastes on humankind and the environment and supporting the establishment of mass-destruction-weapons-free-zones in the whole world.
Strongly condemning the attempts by some developed countries to export their hazardous and radioactive wastes for dumping in developing countries, and appealing to Member States to sign the Basel Convention on Dangerous wastes and the Bamako Convention and relevant international agreements;
Guided by the teachings of Islam which enjoin the Muslim peoples to safeguard the bounties that Allah has granted them on Earth;
Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on this subject,
1. Encourages Member States to continue to incorporate environmental considerations in their developmental policies.
2. Urges Member States to cooperate and coordinate within the existing Desertification Regional Centers for preparation and implementation of NAP and RAP in accordance with article 11 of the CCD.
3. Invites Member States to exchange information and experience in various environmental fields such as desertification, climate change and loss of biological diversity.
4. Urges developed countries to provide new and additional financial resources specially for protection of global environment in general, and loss of biological diversity.
5. Also Urges the Member States which have not ratified all the UN International Agreements on the Environment including the International Convention on Desertification and Drought to do so as soon as possible so that the Convention can come into force.
6. Calls on Member States to mobilise available financial and institutional resources needed for implementing national programs of environmental protection.
7. Emphasizes the commitments of developed countries in transferring environmentally sound technologies and know-how to developing countries in accordance with the provisions of chapter 34 of Agenda 21.
8. Urges the Member States to attach greater importance to the question of the protection of the Environment and Natural Resources and to its relevance to sustainable development.
9. Condemns Israel’s continued rejection to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and carrying out uncontrolled nuclear programs.
10. Requests the international community, particularly relevant United Nations Organs, to conduct active scientific research on the rise in sea levels, and its socio-economic impacts, so as to protect the coastal zones and the wild life in the territories of the Member States.
11. Urges the developed countries to discharge their obligations under prevailing international agreements on the transfer to developing countries of financial resources and environmentally sound technologies.
12. Reaffirms the determination of the Member States to work for the strengthening of international cooperation in seeking solutions to global environmental problems and requests the donor countries and international financial institutions to extend further support to regional networks and national focal points in States stricken by desertification.
13. Stresses that multilateral cooperation for the protection of the environment should include the provision of additional financial resources and access to environmentally sound technologies for the developing countries.
14. Calls for the dissemination of pioneering experiments for the application of environmental development in the Islamic States and the use of the latter’s available expertise in this field, whether through bilateral cooperation or multilateral programs for the exchange of expertise.
15. Requests Member States to promote coordination and cooperation among environment monitoring networks and remote-control sensing Centers and coastal control posts and all other environment protection organs in Islamic States.
16. Urges all Member States to continue consultation and coordination among them at all international meetings including consultations relating to environment protection, especially in the field of biological diversity, climate change, desertification, hazardous and radioactive waste.
17. Rejects the imposition of obligations on developing countries to contain the phenomenon of climate changes in addition to the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol on the UN convention on Climate Changes and calls on Member States to oppose this orientation wherever it deemed necessary.
18. Expresses its satisfaction at the fruitful cooperation between the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the United Nations Environment Program.
19. Calls for the intensification of this cooperation with emphasis on the problem of the remnants of World War II and other wars in the Islamic countries, which impedes development of their societies, and calls on the international community to address the problem immediately and take the necessary measures to remove land mines and war remnants in countries concerned.
20. Appeals to the parties to World War II to expeditiously provide Member States with information, data and maps on mines planted in their territories during the war and commit themselves to extend immediate aid and assistance required for the removal of these mines which still cause huge damage to human lives and obstruct development and construction in vital areas, while taking into consideration the decisions of the UN Conference on the Question of Mines which was held in Geneva in 1996.
21. Calls on Member States to intensify coordination and consultation among themselves in the framework of the UN and others, particularly specialized agencies concerned, on tackling this subject in an effective and meaningful manner.
22. Expresses solidarity with the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya concerning its position on the question of the minefields left on in its territory by World War II, their grave effect on the environment and the accidents and grievous damage they cause to thousands of its citizens. Also appeals to Member States to stand in solidarity with the Jamahiriya in its efforts to overcome this problem and its right to demand compensation for the damage and that the countries responsible for the mine danger, finance mine-hunting operations and produce minefield maps to the Libyan authorities concerned.
B. ISRAELI PRACTICES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES, THE SYRIAN GOLAN HEIGHTS AND IN OCCUPIED SOUTH LEBANON AND THE WESTERN BEKAA FORMERLY UNDER OCCUPATION.
Proceeding from the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference;
Recalling previous OIC and other International Resolutions on this subject;
Recalling also the UNEP GC decision (UNEP/GC.19/107) on environmental situation in occupied Palestine and Arab territories, and expressing deep concern over the continued degradation of the environmental conditions in the occupied Palestine;
Also recalling resolutions 14/11-E and 15/18-E of the UN Environment Program with respect to the environmental conditions in the Palestinian Arab Territories, and the Syrian Golan and Lebanese territories occupied by Israel;
Referring to the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly, Security Council and ECOSOC;
Referring to the decision of the World Conference on sustained development, held in Johannesburg from 16 August to 24 September 2002, concerning foreign occupation as one of the major obstacles to sustainable development,
Reaffirming the rights of mankind to a dignified life enjoying a healthy environment, free of pollution as a basic human and sacred right;
Expressing deep concern over the escalating brutal and expansionist practices of the Israeli occupation authorities which include seizure of land and water-resources, the demolition of houses, the construction of new settlements in the occupied Palestinian and Arab Territories, especially in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and the Syrian Golan, the uprooting of trees, the destruction of crops, the cutting off of irrigation waters, the deforestation of wide expanses of land and the use of toxic gases with the attendant serious effects on the Palestinian and other Arab inhabitants and the economic and social situation in those lands;
Expressing deep concern upon the dumping by Israel of Highly toxic radioactive and chemical wastes in the Mediterranean sea and particularly in the Lebanese regional waters;
Having considered the report of the Secretary General on this issue;
1. Condemns and censures Israel for its aggressive policies, the confiscation of Palestinian lands, the setting of forests on fire, the cutting off of irrigation water and the seizure of water resources and polluting the neighbouring countries’ coasts thereby causing considerable degradation of ecological conditions in occupied Palestine and aggravating the economic and social situation of the citizens.
2. Condemns Israel’s continued occupation of the Arab Palestinian territories, the Syrian Golan, and parts of southern Lebanon, including the Shabaa Farms, as an obstacle to the sustainable development of the Arab citizens of the occupied Arab territories.
3. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and the citizens of the occupied Syrian Golan and other occupied Arab territories, and considers illegal any violation of this right.
4. Urges UNEP to update its report on the environmental situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and submit it to the GC for immediate reaction.
5 Requests the Member States to continue to extend help and assistance to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan and the citizens in the Lebanese territories previously occupied, in drawing up the plans deemed necessary for environmental conservation within these territories and stresses the need to adopt concrete measures for consolidating such plans and taking steps to expose the policies pursued by Israeli occupation authorities which have led to ecological degradation in the occupied Palestinian territories, the occupied Syrian Golan and the previously occupied Lebanese territories.
6. Strongly Condemns Israel’s persistence in changing the legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan and its practices aimed at changing its environmental conditions as well as its geographical, demographic and historical features and at imposing Israeli laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan.
7. Calls for the strengthening of the cooperation among the Member States in the field of earthquake monitoring and establish a mechanism from the Member States on the Read Sea so as to monitor earthquakes in the region and exchange the necessary information on treating this phenomenon.
8. Condemns Israel’s persistent defiance of the will of the international community by refusing to join the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) and to submit its nuclear facilities to the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as well as its implementation of nuclear programs bound to cause a serious hazard to the neighboring Islamic States. It also passionately appeals to the international parties and bodies concerned to take the necessary steps to put an end to such hazards while emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the Member States concerned in the field of monitoring radiation fallout in the area.
9. Opposes the introduction of amendments to annex 7 of the Basle Convention on the prohibition of exporting dangerous wastes from OECD countries to non-OECD member countries until the states signatory to the Convention have approved the provisions of the annex.
10. Strongly emphasizes the need for in-depth studies of crucial issues on the environment affecting Member States so that they can keep abreast of their future development and implications.
11. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this recommendation and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
ON THE SITUATION IN REGIONS OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD AFFECTED BY ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTERS, IN PARTICULAR IN THE BASIN OF THE ARAL SEA AND THE REGION OF SEMIPALATINSK.
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held Putrajaya, Malaysia from 20 to 21 Shaaban 1424H (16-17 October 2003),
Proceeding from the fact that any ecological catastrophes irrespective of the nature of their origin touch the interests of all countries of the world community and reaffirming the need to apply the principles of Islamic solidarity regarding these disasters;
Taking into consideration the extremely difficult situation in the Aral Sea basin where the world community during the last decades practically lost the second largest freshwater lake in the world as well as in Semipalatinsk region which has been the largest nuclear tests site in the world;
Understanding that the dangerous consequences of continuous drying of the Aral Sea influence the change of climate in northern hemisphere especially in the Asian continent;
Realizing the responsibility of the Islamic Ummah for the future of Muslim nations which inhabit the Aral Sea region and Semipalatinsk nuclear test site zone;
Deeply concerned that the catastrophe, which envelopes all spheres of life in the regions of the Aral Sea and Semipalatinsk and has no any national limits, acquires a global character;
Recognizing that ecological imbalance is a major threat for the genetic pool of hundreds of thousands of people living in the Aral Sea and Semipalatinsk regions;
Welcoming the efforts being made by the OIC and Governmental charity organizations of some Islamic countries for financial support and humanitarian aid for the Aral Sea region;
Supporting the participation of international and regional organizations (United Nations, European Union, World Bank) in the programme of rehabilitation of the Aral Sea region;
Noting that Semipalatinsk nuclear site has witnessed nuclear tests on a large scale including high intensity tests on the surface which have been conducted during the last forty years;
Recognizing that the consequences of the nuclear explosions will influence for a long time the environment of the region and the health of many generations of the people living there;
Taking into consideration decisions of the Johannesburg Summit on Sustainable Development as well as principles of the U.N. Millenium Declaration regarding solution of environmental problems, as a component element of Sustainable Development.
1. Supports the efforts aimed at the rehabilitation of the Aral Sea and the ground of Semipalatinsk nuclear site which are undertaken by the Government of Kazakhstan as well as regional, international and charity organizations.
2. Appeals to Member States and also to the international community to provide political, economic and financial support aimed at limitation of the impact of destructive consequences of the said catastrophes and at preventing further spreading of these ecological problems, and requests the Islamic Development Bank and charity foundations of the Muslim countries to explore ways and means to evolve programme providing support to the regions of the Aral Sea and Semipalatinsk coordinated with existing international, regional and national programmes.
3. Decides to include this subject in the Agenda of the Second Islamic Conference on Ministers of Environment due to be convened in the year 2004 by ISESCO.
4. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this recommendation and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
ON THE ROLE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE MEMBER STATES
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 20 to 21 Shaaban 1424H (16-17 October 2003),
Recalling the Resolution 51/39 dated 10 December 1995 of the United Nations General Assembly on the role of science and technology in the field of international security and disarmament as well as resolution No.43/9-E(IS) and No.3/30-ST respectively adopted by the Ninth Islamic Summit and the 30th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Taking into consideration the strategy for Science and Technology Developments in Islamic Countries and its implementation mechanisms as prepared by ISESCO in collaboration with COMSTECH and approved by the Ninth Islamic Summit Conference held in Doha from 12 to 13 November 2000;
Considering that new scientific and technological developments, especially space technology and its applications have extensive and important impacts on the everyday life of all nations and would strengthen the socio-economic development of the Islamic Countries; and that in this respect the UN Third Conference on the Peaceful exploitation and utilization of the Extra-Atmospheric Space (UNISPACE-III) held from 17-30 July, 1999, has set the world general policy to enable the entire humanity to benefit from the possibilities offered by Space Science and Technology,
Considering the need to ensure an effective coordination between the activities carried out by OIC Organs and institutions in the field of Science and Technology in the best interest of the Joint Islamic Action on the subject.
Recognizing that the control regimes in the field of science and technology would increase the gap between developing and the developed countries and also recognizing that transfer of science and technology for peaceful purposes to the developing and Islamic Countries would effectively promote North - South relations;
Recalling the Final Declaration of the 11th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Durban, South Africa, in September 1998 which inter-alia, the heads of States expressed that “the imposition of restrictions on the transfer of technology through Non-Transparent export control regimes with exclusive membership obstruct the socio-economic development of the developing countries”;
Bearing in mind the exclusive and discriminatory character of certain export control regimes which are in contravention with the legal obligations of the Nuclear States and advanced industrial nations parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Biological Weapons Convention and Chemical Weapons Convention;
Emphasizing that multilaterally negotiated guidelines to regulate the transfer of the advanced technology, equipment and materials with dual use would contribute to strengthening international peace and security;
Having considered the report of the Secretary General on the issue,
1. Reaffirms that the exchange of science and technology for peaceful purposes should be made in the interest of mankind and should be aimed to strengthening the socio-economic development of the Islamic Countries.
2. Invites all States, particularly the developed countries, to commence multilateral negotiations with the participation of all interested countries on the universal and non-discriminatory guidelines on transfer of advanced technology, materials and equipment with dual use applications.
3. Requests all advanced industrial states parties to international disarmament and non-proliferation treaties to review their existing national trade regulations and render them consistent with their obligations under those treaties by removing all restrictions beyond those established within the treaties.
4. Encourages the relevant international organizations and agencies to facilitate the transfer of science and technology for peaceful purposes to the developing countries.
5. Takes note with satisfaction for the large scale participation of the OIC Member States in the Third U.N. Conference on the Peaceful Exploitation and Utilization of the Extra-Atmospheric Space (UNISPACE-III) held from 19-30 July 1999 in Vienna to study the appropriate ways and means to promote an effective cooperation between the OIC Member States in the field of Space Science and Technologies for a sustainable development.
6. Requests the Secretary General to examine the best way to ensure an effective coordination between the activities carried out by the various OIC organs and institutions in the field of Science and Technology in order to dynamize and harmonize the Joint Islamic Action on the subject.
7. Thanks the Government of Malaysia for organizing the First Conference on Science and Technology: “Science and Technology for Industrial Development in Islamic Countries - Facing the Challenges of Globalization”, held on 7 – 10 October 2003 in Kuala Lumpur, and adopts the first declaration and resolutions of the Conference.
8. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this recommendation and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
ON COOPERATION AMONG MEMBER STATES IN CONTROLLING EPIDEMIC DISEASES AFFECTING MAN, FAUNA AND THE FLORA
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 20 to 21 Shaaban 1424H (16-17 October 2003),
Recalling resolutions 30/23-E, 33/24-E, 38/25-E, 39/26-E, 42/27-E, 43/28-E, 4/29-ST and 43/9E(IS) adopted respectively by the 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th Sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers and Ninth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Expressing its deep concern over the worldwide spread of infectious diseases affecting human beings, animals and natural life in recent years;
Further expressing its concern over the spread of AIDS as a result of non-adherence to religious values and the slow progress of medical research to prevent and cure it;
Noting the serious threat of malaria to member countries;
Considering the gravity of the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE - Mad Cow Disease) epidemic and its effect on animal and human health as well as on the world economy and international trade;
Lamenting years of continued devastation on human lives caused by malaria in several member states particularly in Africa;
Expressing its appreciation for the preventive and curative health measures taken by Member States during the pilgrimage season in particular;
Further expressing its deep appreciation for the excellent and efficient health services provided by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to pilgrims;
Considering the necessity of promoting cooperation among the Islamic States in the field of health in general;
Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on this subject,
1. Calls for closer coordination between Member States and other countries on the one hand and the World Health Organization on the other hand in order to fight against this danger through the use of new vaccines and immunization schemes against contagious diseases.
2. Calls on member states to coordinate their efforts soon in the context of the WHO to prevent the spread of BSE on their territories.
3. Calls for greater coordination and cooperation among Member States in the area of health through the enforcement of international health regulations, such as vaccination of pilgrims going to the Holy Land, improvement of health conditions in addition to cooperation on health sensitization before pilgrims’ departure through the media in their countries.
4. Calls also on Member States to collectively organize the fight against the expansion of the AIDS pandemic and to seriously uphold medical research efforts in this field at national, regional, and international levels, and invites the Secretary-General and ISESCO’s Director General to constitute an Inter-governmental Experts Group composed of medical and pharmaceutical specialists of Member States to meet and prepare a working program to fight this disease in the member States.
5. Also invites Member States to devote special attention to highlighting the religious moral values in their educational establishments, their media and their Da’wa fora, as those values are the most effective means to prevent the spread of that pandemic.
6. Urges Member States, their relevant national and regional institutions, and international cooperation institutions, in particular the world health Organization (WHO), to set up immediately a mechanism of early warning and control as well as rapid exchange of information on the marketing and import of meat and by-products infected with BSE ( “mad cow” disease) and Rift Valley Fever;
7. Invites Member States to take strict measures against reprehensible practices on the part of certain food importers and industrialists and to grant urgency and priority to supporting scientific and medical research related to developing agricultural and animal produce so as to achieve food self sufficiency;
8. Supports the call for holding a meeting, in the near future, of Member State’s Ministers of Health on the subject of epidemic diseases that affect humans through human beings, animals, plants and the environment and welcomes the kind offer of the Islamic Republic of Iran to host this meeting in Tehran.
9. Decides that the mandate of the said Conference also cover the establishment of Inter-Islamic cooperation in the field of health in general, including pharmaceuticals.
10. Salutes the Federal Republic of Nigeria for having hosted a summit of African Leaders in April 2000 in Abuja and calls for the implementation of its decisions on the scourge of malaria, and appeals to all member states, and regional and international organizations, in particular the WHO, to join in the fight for the control and eradication of the malaria epidemic in Africa.
11. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this recommendation and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
ON DRUG AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE ABUSES AND THEIR ILLEGAL PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND TRAFFICKING
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 20 to 21 Shaaban 1424H (16-17 October 2003),
Recalling the resolutions adopted by the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Session of the Islamic Summit Conferences and by the 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th Sessions of the Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers on the Control of Narcotics and Drug Abuse;
Expressing its concern at the manufacture and illegal trafficking as well as the widespread abuse of drugs which endanger the health of millions, particularly among young people;
Noting with concern the new dimensions of the ever growing narcotics problem which is threatening the social and economic fabric of the afflicted countries;
Taking into consideration the results achieved by the United Nations and its specialized agencies in the field of drug abuse, including the declaration and comprehensive multidisciplinary Outline of Future Activities in drug abuse adopted by the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illegal Trafficking and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances;
Noting with appreciation the Universal Declaration on the Global Programme of Action adopted by the 17th Special Session of the United Nations’ General Assembly held in New York, in February 1990, and the Declaration of the London Conference on Control of Cocaine and restriction of drugs in April 1990;
Reaffirming its conviction of the need to supervise the manufacture, trafficking, import and export of drugs and psychotropic substances, in accordance with the 1961 single convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1988 Convention on Narcotic Drugs against illegal trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances;
Recognizing the importance of taking measures to control drug materials including chemicals and solvents which are used in the manufacture of drugs and psychotropic substances, the availability of which has increased their illicit processing;
Reaffirming the guiding principles of the prevailing conventions on narcotics traffic and psychotropic substances as well as the control system;
Realizing the urgent need for Member States and the relevant international organizations to exert concerted and coordinated efforts to eradicate the problem of abuse, trafficking and smuggling of narcotics and psychotropic substances into Islamic countries;
Reviewing the effects of drug abuse and its illegal production, processing and trafficking on Member States;
Recalling that the teachings of the true Islamic religion categorically forbid the use and trafficking in drugs;
Having considered the Secretary General’s Report on the subject,
1. Requests the Member States to diligently follow up the guidelines contained in the recommendations made by the OIC Expert Group meeting held from 18 to 20 October 1988 in Istanbul, Turkey, on the effective measures to combat the problem of narcotic drugs in all its aspects and dimensions, including illicit production, processing and trafficking.
2. Urges the Member States to coordinate their efforts and harmonize their systems with respect to the licit production and trade of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within the framework of the relevant international organizations.
3. Also urges the Member States to give greater attention to the propagation of religious consciousness and discussion within their respective educational institutions, mass media and Dawa fora on the gravity of the production, use and trafficking in drugs as well as their categorical prohibition from the religious and legal viewpoints.
4. Welcomes the measures taken by some Member States to draw attention to the damaging effect of narcotics and affirms the importance of preventive measures including the need for crop/income substitution and accessibility to international markets for substitution products.
5. Commends the ISESCO programmes and activities in propagating religious, health, and moral awareness on the gravity of drug production, consumption, and trafficking and calls on it to continue its successful efforts in this context.
6. Urges Member States to participate actively in international meetings and symposia in this regard, especially those organized by the United Nations, its Specialized Agencies and Organs and requests the Secretary General to coordinate with Member States in this area and to cooperate with the UNDCP (United Nations International Drug Control Programme) in Vienna and the commission on Narcotic Drugs of the Economic and Social Commission.
7. Requests the Member States to continue to intensify their cooperation and to exchange information and technical expertise to control narcotic drugs.
8. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this recommendation and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
ON ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND WAYS AND MEANS OF RESOLVING PROBLEMS RELATING TO ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia 20 to 21 Shaaban 1424H (16 to 17 October 2003),
Referring to resolutions No. 35/24-E, 44/27-E, 45/28-E, 6/29-ST, 6/30-ST and 46/9-E(IS) adopted respectively by the Twenty-fourth, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth Sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers and the Ninth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Acknowledging the close interdisciplinary relationship between the Environment and other developmental sectors including Health;
Considering the importance for Member States to preserve the basic necessities of sustainable development and to continuously assess and monitor their environmental problems and issues including Health;
Affirming that the Member States have to continue their economic growth in order to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development and healthy societies;
Recalling the importance of effective cooperation between OIC and relevant international organization such as UNEP and World Health Organization in the field of “environment and health”;
Noting with appreciation the Member States awareness of Environmental issues and active role during and after the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and 19th UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGAS);
Stressing that sustainable development will be achieved only through international cooperation and in particular by implementation of technological and financial commitments of the developed countries envisaged in Agenda 21;
Conscious of the urgent need for the Member States to avail themselves of objectives, independent and unbiased information on their environmental situation and possible remedies that would best serve their interests;
Appreciative of the efforts made by the Secretariat of the OIC, its Subsidiary Organs and the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH);
Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;
Having examined the “Tunis declaration” and the recommendations of the “Governmental Experts” Meeting held in Tunis from 27 to 30 March, 2001, in order to make a comprehensive study on the inter-related issues on environment, health and sustained development that serve, in an optimum way, the interests of the Member States, thus establishing closer co-operation between them and the related institutions under the Organization of the Islamic Conference and other international organizations;
1. Adopts the “Tunis Declaration” and the recommendations of the “Governmental Experts” Meeting on Environment, Health and Sustained Development, held in Tunis from 27 to 30 March, 2001.
2. Extends its most sincere thanks and gratitude to the Tunisian Republic for having kindly accepted to host the Governmental Experts’ Meeting on Environment, Health and Sustainable Development. It further commends the pioneering experience of the Tunisian Republic and its achievements in the fields of environment, health and sustainable development, which confirm the relevant and sound choices made by President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali in the social, economic, political and human arenas.
3. Expresses its utmost appreciation for the efforts exerted by ISESCO in collaboration with the International Experts Group to prepare and adopt a comprehensive study on environment, health and sustainable development in the Islamic States.
4. Requests the Secretary-General to identify the ways and means to ensure an effective cooperation between OIC, ISESCO, and WHO and active participation of the Organization in WHO’s meetings and conferences, follow the implementation of these recommendations and report thereon to the 30th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
5. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this recommendation and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION (COMSTECH)
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 20 to 21 Shaaban 1424H (16 to 17 October 2003),
Recalling resolution No.13/3-P (IS) of the Third Islamic Summit Conference held at Makkah Al-Mukarramah/Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 19-22 Rabi-ul-Awal, 1401H, corresponding to 25-28 January 1981, establishing a Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation and all subsequent resolutions of the Islamic Summit Conferences pertaining to COMSTECH;
Further recalling the resolution No.7/30-ST of the Thirtieth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 27-29 Rabiul Awwal 1424H (28-30 May, 2003), and resolution 47/9E(IS) of the Ninth Islamic Summit,
Having considered the report of the Secretary General on the subject,
1. Notes with appreciation the ongoing programmes and activities of the COMSTECH for increasing the capability of OIC Member States in the fields of Science and Technology.
2. Appeals to Member States and institutions concerned to provide financial support for COMSTECH’s programmes and activities by prompt and generous voluntary contributions.
3. Encourages and supports the cooperation between the COMSTECH and the Islamic Development Bank for the promotion of Science and Technology in Member States. Expresses appreciation to countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Malaysia and Pakistan for the generous voluntary contributions.
4. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this recommendation and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE ISLAMIC COUNTRIES
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 20 to 21 Shaaban 1424H (16 to 17 October 2003),
Taking note of Resolutions No.33/8-C (IS), and 48/9E(IS) adopted by the Eighth and Ninth Islamic Summit Conferences related to the ratification of the Strategy for Developing Science and Technology in the Islamic Countries;
Having considered resolution 8/30-ST on the implementation of the strategy for the development of science and technology in Islamic Countries adopted at the Thirtieth, Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Tehran from 28-30 May, 2003;
Having considered also the final report and the resolutions of the Second Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research held by ISESCO in Tripoli, Great Jamahiriyyah from 6-9 October, 2003, and the final communiqué of the Second Consultative Council for the implementation of the strategy for the development of science and technology in Islamic countries and having heard the report of ISESCO representative on the above-mentioned conference and meeting;
1. Urges the implementation of the Strategy for Developing Science and Technology in the Islamic States, and the revised version of the implementing mmechanisms in accordance with the resolutions of the First Islamic Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Riyadh, 15-18 October 2000),
2. Welcomes the decision of the Second Islamic Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research to entrust ISESCO with supervising and seeing to the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of Science and Technology in the Islamic countries, and the follow-up of its implementation with the authorities in Member States.
3. Highly appreciates the successful efforts of ISESCO and COMSTECH in preparing the final document of the implementation mechanisms of the strategy for the development of science and technology in Islamic Countries.
4. Calls on Member States to adopt the general directions of the Strategy for the Development of Science and Technology in the Islamic Countries and to take the necessary organizational measures regarding implementation of the Strategy within the framework of their national policies in the fields of science and technology.
5. Stresses the importance of implementing the Strategy for the Development of Science and Technology in the Islamic Countries and its mechanisms for the benefit of, renaissance and advancement of the Muslim Ummah.
6. Reiterates the importance of building cooperation in the field of research among Islamic countries, and the importance of acquiring knowledge and skills in the fields of information, communication and technology in order to be abreast of progress and changes in the fields of science and technology.
7. Urges Member States and relevant specialized institutions in the Organization of the Islamic Conference to prepare programmes and projects aiming at utilization of exchanged knowledge and the establishment of partnerships in order to enhance scientific research and develop technology in the Islamic countries.
8. Expresses its appreciation for the important role being played by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) in cooperation with UNESCO in preparation for the Arab-Islamic Mobile Exhibition for Science and Technology during March 2004 in order to bring into focus the contributions of Arab-Islamic Civilization to Western and human civilization in general and to the building of a lasting culture of peace and dialogue, calls upon all Member States and Islamic Institutions to give their support to ensure the success of this International event.
9. Appreciates the holding by ISESCO of the Second meeting of Consultative Council on the implementation of the strategy for the development of science and technology in Islamic Countries, approves the resolutions and recommendations of the Meeting, and invites the Islamic Development Bank to participate in the work of the Council and to finance the scientific technological projects approved by the Council and which would contribute to the realization of comprehensive development in Member States.
10. Appreciates the outstanding efforts of the Director and his successful contacts to secure the approval of the Great Socialist Peoples Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to host the 2nd Islamic Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Tripoli, 6-9 September 2003).
11. Presents sincere appreciation to the Great Socialist Peoples Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for its kind acceptance of ISESCO’s request to hold the 2nd Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Tripoli, 6-9 September 2003).
12. Invites Member States and Arab and Islamic Organisations to double their partnership efforts and to diversify their coordination and consultation mechanisms with ISESCO in the areas of supporting educational programmes and for promoting scientific research in the Islamic world, ratifies the establishment of the ISESCO Centre for the Promotion of Scientific Research, and urges all Member States to extend all forms of material and technical support to this centre so that it can perform its functions properly and realize its objectives.
13. Urges Member States to institute comprehensive and integrated legislative and legal systems to respect the moral controls and the strong foundations in the field of science and technology and their applications as well as efforts to develop and modernize these systems and follow up the implementation of their contents and relevant experiments in accordance with Islamic teachings and international laws and conventions, and endorses the establishment of an Islamic Body for Morality in Science and Technology.
14. Considers with appreciation and endorses the two strategic projects on water resources management in the Islamic countries and the strategy to develop a renewal culture and their implementation mechanisms, and calls on Member States and relevant institutions to cooperate with ISESCO and extend material and technical support for their implementation.
15. Requests the Secretary General to take necessary steps to implement these recommendations and present a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
ON ACTIVITIES OF THE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (IUT), DHAKA
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 20 to 21 Shaaban 1424H (16 to 17 October 2003),
Recalling the resolution No. 9/30-ST of the Thirtieth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 27-29 Rabiul Awwal 1423H (28-30 May 2003), and resolution No. 49/9E(IS) of the Ninth Islamic Summit Conference held in Doha, State of Qatar;
Also recalling the recommendations of the Twenty-seventh Meeting of the Governing Board of the University held in Dhaka, Bangladesh;
Having taken note of the activities report submitted by the Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT);
1. Welcomes the august presence during the 17th convocation ceremony of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) by H.E. Begum Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and expresses thanks and gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh for extending continuous support to the University in order to fulfil its mandated tasks.
2. Appreciates the role which the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Dhaka is playing for human resources development in the field of Engineering and Technology and Technical and Vocational Education.
3. Encourages the member states for sending their students and trainees to the university that offers long regular courses both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and organizes knowledge and skill upgrading and updating short and special courses, regional and international seminars, workshops, etc. along with technological and industrial research.
4. Urges the University to intensify its endeavour to offer courses in the fields of emerging and frontier technologies to equip the youth of the Ummah to face the challenges of the 21st Century matching the needs and demands of the job markets of the Member countries.
5. Appeals to Member States to make voluntary contributions, in addition to mandatory ones, to help further deepen and widen its activities so as to achieve further heights of success in the days ahead and serve the Ummah better.
6. Calls upon IUT to contact the Ministries of Higher Education of the Member States to disseminate information regarding the admission and other opportunities available in the University among their potential students.
7. Encourages the university to further strengthen its efforts to expend bilateral cooperation with higher seats of learning around the world and interact actively with national, regional, and international educational organizations and associations.
8. Requests the Secretary General to take the necessary steps to implement these recommendations and present a report thereon to the Islamic Summit Conference at its next Session.
ON THE SIXTH AND SEVENTH CONFERENCES OF PARTIES TO THE UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE (COP6)
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 20 to 21Shaaban 1424H (16 to 17 October 2003),
Recalling resolution 50/9E(IS) of the Ninth Summit, held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 16 to 17 Shaban 1421H (12 – 13 November 2000), and resolution No. 10/30-ST of the Thirtieth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 27 to 29 Rabiul Awwal 1424H (28-30 May 2003),
Taking note of the surprising and preoccupying decision of the United States of America as to leaving the Kyoto Protocol on Climatic Changes after having signed it;
Expresses its deep concern for the questioning by the United States of America of the great accomplishment for the protection of the environment against the detrimental effects against green effects ensued by the Kyoto Protocol.
Expressing its concern for the deterioration of the world environment including increasing environmental pollution and the depletion of natural resources;
Reaffirming the right of every individual to enjoy a healthy unpolluted environment;
Referring to the 1992 Agreement on Climatic Change adopted in New York and the 1998 Kyoto Protocol adopted in Japan;
Noting the importance of the negotiations which took place during the Sixth and Seventh Conferences of Parties to the Framework on Convention Climate Change, as well as their impact on Islamic States;
1. Again, urges industrial countries to honour their obligations under the convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol..
2. Emphasizes the importance of effective participation of Islamic States in conferences and meetings related to the convention on Climate Change with delegations comprising specialists in all areas relevant to such conference.
3. Emphasizes the need to reiterate the demand for unanimity in adopting fundamental matters.
4. Emphasizes the need for the Eighth Conference of Parties to the Convention to adopt effective measures on implementing paras 8 and 9 of Article 4 of the Convention and Para 14 of Article 3 of the Kyoto Protocol with a mandatory and not optional status. To that end, it is necessary to adopt the following measures (which have been adopted by the G77 and China):
(a) For industrial countries to restructure their tax systems to reflect levels of green house effect for all sources of gas emission, in addition to abolishing assistance to a number of energy sources, such as coal in industrial countries.
(b) For industrial countries not to encourage increased local and regional production of fossil fuels, including oil, as such increases in production would be at the expense of their related imports from our developing countries.
(c) To remove all obstacles standing in the way of oil use and imports, particularly in the field of electrical energy generation.
(d) To assist our developing countries, including those whose national revenues depend to a large extent on oil exports, to diversify their economies by encouraging investment, the transfer of modern technologies, and the compensation of developing countries adversely affected by environmental policies adopted by industrial countries.
5. Emphasizes that the Conference of Parties to the Protocol should monitor the implementation by the industrial countries of these measures through an annual review of their national reports, which must cover progress made on the application of the above-mentioned points. This has been stipulated in Article 7 of the Protocol on reports and Article 8 on Report Reviews.
6. Stresses the need not to agree to an amalgamation of Paras 8 and 9 of Article 4 of the Agreement with para 14 of Article 3 of the Protocol into one resolution. The two resolutions must be kept separate because of the different nature of each of the Articles in terms of mandatory status and the responsibility of industrial countries described in Appendix I of the Agreement within the context of para 14 of Article 3; and because the process and mechanisms for implementing the agreement are different from those for implementing the Protocol.
7. Emphasizes the need not to subject developing countries to new obligations related to limiting their emissions, whether on a mandatory or voluntary basis and not to determine a time schedule for any negotiations regarding such obligations.
8. Supports the demands related to providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries and creating distinct funds for the purpose, in addition to existing financial means. It calls for a commitment from industrial countries to allocate specific financial sums to these funds on a regular basis.
9. Calls for the implementation of all the items in the 1998 Buenos Aires Plan of Action through effective, mandatory measures attached to each item.
10. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this recommendation and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
ON THE ENVIRONMENT FROM AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 20 to 21 Shaaban 1424H (16 to 17 October 2003),
Recalling resolution 51/9E(IS) of the Ninth Summit, held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 16 to 17 Shaban 1421H (12 – 13 November 2000), and resolution 11/30-ST of the Thirtieth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 27 to 29 Rabiul Awwal 1424H (28-30 May 2003);
Having taken note, with satisfaction, of the results of the First International Forum on the Environment From an Islamic Perspective held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 26 - 28 Rajab 1421H (23-25 October 2000);
Having considered the Jeddah Declaration on the Environment from an Islamic Perspective adopted by the Forum.;
Having considered and adopted the Islamic Declaration on Sustainable Development issued by the First Islamic Conference of Environment,
Having considered the report by the representative of ISESCO on its participation at the Summit Conference on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa from 26 August to 4 September 2002;
1. Highly appreciates the outstanding participation of ISESCO in the proceedings of the Summit Conference on Sustainable Development, characterized by the Organisation of Meetings and specialized scientific elements and the putting up of an International Exhibition on Renewable Energy, launched by the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Director General of ISESCO.
2. Commends the initiative by ISESCO to publish a reference book on environmental conditions and Sustainable Development in the Islamic World (Peculiarities, Challenges and Obligations), adopted as part of the official documents of the Johannesburg Conference, also commends the contents of the book and its distribution by ISESCO to leaders of the Islamic world, concerned bodies in Member States, and/relevant international, regional and Islamic Organisations.
3. Invites the organizers of the First International Forum on the Environment from an Islamic Perspective to hold such from on a regular basis and to adopt the appropriate mechanisms to that end.
4. Expresses appreciation of the efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its specialized institutions, the UNEP and the ISESCO for convening, preparing and organizing the First International Forum on the Environment from an Islamic Perspective.
5. Expresses its profound gratitude and appreciation to ISESCO for successfully preparing an integrative work programme and an Islamic Declaration on sustainable Development in South Africa in 2002 as working document representing the Arab-Islamic perspective on the environment and development, within the framework of Jeddah and Abu Dhabi Declarations on the environment and the Islamic Declaration on Sustainable Development, and commends its coordination with the OIC General Secretariat, the League of Arab States, the UNEP Regional Bureau in Bahrain and the Department of Meteorology and Protection of the Environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards the preparation of this programme.
6. Highly appreciates the contacts made by the Director General of ISESCO with Member States to secure their hosting of the 2nd International Forum on the Environment from an Islamic Perspective in 2004.
7. Thanks the Islamic Republic of Iran for gracefully accepting to host the second International Forum on the Environment from an Islamic Perspective in 2004.
8. Commissions ISESCO to continue to make the necessary contacts with the competent authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran to determine the final date of the Second International Forum on the Environment from an Islamic Perspective, during 2004 to make the final arrangements for the forum
9. Expresses deep appreciation for the successful efforts made by the Director General of ISESCO and the Director General of the Department of Meteorology and Environmental Protection to hold the First Islamic Conference of Environment Ministers hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Jeddah 10-12 June 2002) and commends the excellent organization of the Conference and the excellent quality of its working documents.
10. Adopts the Islamic Declaration on Sustainable Development and the Final communiqué and resolutions of the Conference and the general framework of the Islamic Work Programme on Sustainable Development and entrusts ISESCO with following up the implementation of the resolutions and recommendations of the First Islamic Conference of Environment Ministers.
11. Appreciates the successful efforts made by the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Director General of ISESCO and the Chairman of the First Islamic Conference of Ministers of Environment to stimulate the efforts of Member States and to coordinate and enhance the participation of the Islamic World in the International Summit Conference on Sustainable Development (26 August 4 September 2002), in conjunction with the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), efforts which have enabled the inclusion of the Jeddah Declaration and the general framework of the Islamic Work Programme on Sustainable Development in the documents of the Johannesburg Summit.
12. Welcomes Resolution No.265/57 adopted by the Fifty-seventh Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on the creation of an International Solidarity Fund for Combating Poverty and fostering human development in developing countries, an initiative of H.E. President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, President of the Republic of Tunisia and Calls the UN to implement this resolution, the Fund being a mechanism for eradication of poverty in countries mostly in need;
13. Expresses its gratitude to the Great Jamahiriyah for its kind offer to host the Second Islamic Conference for Ministers of Environment, in April 2004 and mandates ISESCO to hold the Conference in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the OIC.
14. Expresses thanks and deep gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, His Highness Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Emir Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, His Highness Emir Abdulrahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Defence and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, and His Highness Emir Turki Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Director General of the Department of Meteorology and Environmental Protection for the successful hosting of the First Islamic Conference of Environment Ministers by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
15. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this recommendation and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
ON AN ADVANCED MEDICAL TRAINING AND RESEARCH CENTER IN BANGLADESH
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 20 to 21 Shaaban 1424H (16 to 17 October 2003),
Recalling resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit and resolution No.12/30-ST of the Thirtieth Session of the Foreign Ministers held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, in particular of the Ninth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recognizing the need for the Muslim Ummah to have an Advanced Medical Training and Research Centre;
Having considered the report submitted by the Secretary General on this subject;
1. Has studied the proposal for an Advanced Medical Training and Research Center in Bangladesh.
2. Has not been able to reach consensus on the proposed Center.
3. Requests the Secretary General to follow‑up this matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
ON THE VOLUNTARY ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL FUNDS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE OIC MEMBER STATES
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah), held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, from 20 to 21 Shaban, 1424H (16-17 October 2003),
Having considered the proposal of His Excellency President Pervez Musharraf, Chairman COMSTECH, to set up Pan Islamic Fund for the Development of Science and Technology in the Muslim World;
Recalling resolution 15 of the COMSTECH General Assembly held during 16-18 February 2002 calling for the establishment of this Fund;
Taking into account the Islamic Summit and ICFM resolutions on the subjects related to S&T, especially the resolutions 1/30-S&T, 2/30-S&T, 3/30-S&T, 4/30-S&T, 5/30-S&T, 6/30-S&T, 7/30-S&T, 8/30-S&T, 9/30-S&T, 10/26-S&T and 11/30-S&T;
Having examined the COMSTECH document describing Pan Islamic Fund for the Development of Science and Technology in the Muslim World;
Prompted by strong desire to give a fresh impetus to the development of Science and Technology infrastructure in the OIC Member States;
Calls upon the OIC Member States to voluntarily establish major national funds in their respective countries for the following objectives:
1. To strengthen the national science and technology programmes in various important fields.
2. To strengthen collaboration among Islamic countries in various fields of science and technology including the establishment of Centres of Excellence in their respective countries in collaboration with COMSTECH.
3. To continue to examine the possibility of establishing a voluntary Pan-Islamic Fund as proposed by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
4. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this recommendation and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
ON GLOBAL COOPERATION IN POLIO ERADICATION PROGRAMME AMONG OIC MEMBER STATES
The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah), held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, from 20 to 21 Shaban, 1424H (16-17 October 2003),
Recalling the Resolution adopted by the Islamic Summit and other Islamic Conferences, in particular the Ninth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling the principles stipulated on Child Care and Protection in the Islamic World as adopted by the Thirtieth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers under Res. 13/30-C;
Recognizing that millions of children in the Islamic countries suffer as a result of diseases from which they may be protected;
Acknowledging that the world is on the verge of eradicating polio, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, since 1998, has succeeded in reducing the number of annual polio cases by 99 percent;
Recognizing the significant progress made by the OIC Member States to eradicate polio within their countries;
Noting with appreciation that almost all the OIC Member States are polio-free;
Observing that a few Member States are still to eradicate the polio virus;
Noting with concern that the polio virus may be imported to polio-free States;
Strongly affirms its commitment to the eradication of polio from all OIC Member States so that they can contribute effectively to the goal of Global Polio Eradication.
Urges all OIC Member States to allocate the necessary domestic resources to ensure that all children are protected from this crippling disease.
3. Calls on the international community, Member States and Philanthropic organizations including in particular those in the Islamic world to provide the resources necessary to eradicate polio from all OIC Member States by 2005;
4. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this recommendation and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
