As global tensions rise following Israel’s escalating strikes on Gaza and Iran, Istanbul becomes the epicenter of high-level diplomacy. On June 21–22, the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) commenced under the theme “The OIC in a Changing World.†Hosted at the Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center, the summit positions Türkiye once more at the forefront of efforts to unite the Muslim world.
The OIC: A Legacy Born of Crisis
Formed in response to the 1969 arson attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the OIC has evolved into a powerful collective of 57 member states. It stands as the second-largest intergovernmental body after the United Nations, representing nearly two billion Muslims across four continents.
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The current summit reminds the world of the grave conditions still plaguing many Muslim nations. Despite holding two-thirds of the world’s oil and 60% of global gas reserves, OIC countries contribute only a modest percentage to global production and trade. With humanitarian catastrophes ongoing in Gaza, and mounting tensions in Iran, unity and collective action are more urgent than ever.
President Erdoğan: ‘We Must Rise Together as One Force’
Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan, in his keynote address, issued a strong call to action:
“We will never allow another Sykes-Picot to divide us. The Muslim world, with its population nearing two billion, must rise as one powerful, united bloc. A new era is upon us—and we must lead, not follow.â€
His words struck a chord as he emphasized the need for shared political will, economic integration, and coordinated diplomacy.
A Pivotal Gathering with Record Participation
With roughly 1,000 participants, including delegations from 43 countries led by foreign ministers, this session is set to be among the most impactful in OIC history. High-ranking attendees from 30 international organizations—including the UN, Arab League, GCC, D-8, and World Trade Organization—are also present.
Adding historic weight, this marks the first time an extraordinary session of the Arab League’s Council of Ministers is being held in Türkiye, signaling stronger regional cooperation.
Over 200 journalists, both local and international, are covering the summit, further elevating its global visibility.
Türkiye’s Strategic Role in the OIC
This is the fourth time Türkiye has hosted the CFM, having done so previously in 1976, 1991, and 2004. Türkiye also holds a unique position as the first country to establish a permanent mission to the OIC in Jeddah and hosted the 13th Islamic Summit in 2016 at the heads-of-state level.
President Erdoğan chaired the COMCEC (Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation) from 2016 to 2019 and oversaw two emergency summits during Türkiye’s rotating presidency—one in 2017 and another in 2018—focused on Palestine.
Today, Türkiye is home to eight OIC-related institutions, second only to Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the organization’s mission.
The OIC’s Youthful Power and Untapped Potential
One of the OIC’s greatest strengths is its demographics. Nearly 60% of the population in member countries is under 24 years old, forming a dynamic and capable base for future development.
Yet, youth alone cannot bring progress. Without a unified vision, resource wealth, and potential will remain dormant. The time has come for the Islamic world to move from reactive to proactive—transforming its moral authority into strategic power.
A New Vision for the Islamic World
The Istanbul summit calls for a radical rethinking of the Muslim world’s global role. The recurring tragedies in Gaza and the strikes on Iran expose vulnerabilities that can no longer be ignored. Unity is not just a dream—it is a strategic necessity.
Through focused collaboration, economic alliances, and unified foreign policy, the nearly two-billion-strong Muslim population can emerge as a singular global voice—a force not just of resistance, but of leadership and peace.
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point in Islamic Unity
As the 51st OIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting unfolds, the world watches to see if this will be remembered as a ceremonial gathering or a genuine turning point.
Türkiye’s leadership, President Erdoğan’s compelling rhetoric, and the unprecedented scale of participation all signal one clear message: The era of fragmentation must end. The time for unity is now.