From Jakarta, OIC Member Parliaments Agree on Governance Agenda and Collective Climate Action
Jakarta – The 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), held at the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta, brought together over 500 delegates from 37 OIC member countries. The forum carried the overarching theme “Good Governance and Strong Institutions as Pillars of Resilience,” in response to the evolving global challenges.
Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) of the DPR RI, Mardani Ali Sera, emphasized that this theme is highly relevant in strengthening the foundations of global resilience, particularly through institutional development and good governance in PUIC member states.
“This moment reflects Indonesia’s strategic role as a center for parliamentary diplomacy in the Islamic world and reaffirms the DPR’s commitment to promoting good governance and strong institutions as the key pillars of global resilience,” said Mardani.
During the Standing Committee meeting that opened the conference, delegates agreed on the main agenda items, including enhancing parliamentary transparency and accountability, as well as building institutional capacity to better respond to public needs.
Mardani also highlighted the importance of cross-border solidarity in addressing modern-day challenges.
“From protracted conflicts and climate change to economic inequality and a growing public distrust in state institutions,” he explained.
On the specific issue of climate change, Mardani stressed that this cannot be ignored by the parliaments of Islamic countries. He asserted that climate adaptation must be part of national legislative and policy agendas to protect vulnerable groups and ensure sustainable development.
“The DPR raised critical issues, including the importance of collaboration in tackling climate change, strengthening socio-economic resilience, and placing people at the center of all parliamentary policies and actions,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the Somali Parliament, Abdullahi Omar Abshir, echoed similar views on the importance of institutional strengthening and good governance as the foundation of national progress. He welcomed the conference’s theme and urged that discussions focus on building strong and responsive systems.
“If we have good governance and strong institutions, every organ of government can function optimally,” said Abdullahi in an interview on the sidelines of the conference.
He explained that parliaments play a vital role in safeguarding democracy and ensuring that enacted policies serve the people.
“Parliament is the backbone of a nation. If it is strong, other branches of government—such as the cabinet and presidency—will stand firm, supported by a healthy democratic foundation,” he said.
Abdullahi also underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a bridge to enhance cooperation across cultures and languages among PUIC member countries.
“If we share the same principles, goals, and vision, any gap can be bridged through inclusive dialogue,” he affirmed.
The 19th PUIC Conference is expected to produce strategic agreements to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation and collectively address the various challenges facing the Islamic world today.
