Pakistan Prepares to Host 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in 2026

Pakistan has officially begun preparations to host the 9th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on Women in 2026, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender equality within the Muslim world. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to initiate inter-ministerial coordination for the event, which is considered one of the bloc’s top policy forums on women’s issues. The conference, typically held every three to four years, brings together ministers from OIC member states to review progress on women’s rights, share national policies, and adopt frameworks for future cooperation.

The 2026 gathering will continue the OIC’s focus on themes such as women’s economic empowerment, combating gender-based violence, and improving access to education and healthcare. Ishaq Dar emphasized the importance of successfully organizing the conference in close coordination with the OIC Secretariat and relevant federal ministries. Senior ministers, secretaries from key divisions, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the OIC, and other officials participated in the meeting to discuss preparatory arrangements and coordination needs.

Hosting the conference is being viewed as a demonstration of Pakistan’s proactive role in advancing gender equality and strengthening cooperation on women’s issues across the Muslim world. While Pakistan has confirmed its role as host, specific dates, venue details, and thematic agenda for the 2026 conference are yet to be announced.

The previous OIC Ministerial Conference on Women was held in Cairo in 2021, focusing on women’s empowerment, protection frameworks, and socio-economic participation. By hosting the next edition, Pakistan aims to provide a platform for member states to share experiences, highlight best practices, and develop actionable strategies for enhancing the status of women in the region.

Officials indicated that the preparatory phase will involve extensive inter-ministerial collaboration to ensure the conference meets international standards and effectively addresses the pressing challenges faced by women in OIC countries. With Pakistan taking the lead, the 2026 conference is expected to strengthen policy coordination, foster regional partnerships, and reinforce the global commitment to gender equality within the OIC framework.

The announcement of Pakistan as host reflects the country’s growing visibility in international forums and its dedication to advancing women’s rights. By providing a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and policy development, the conference is poised to contribute significantly to shaping strategies that empower women and enhance their participation in social, economic, and political spheres across OIC member states.