Sheikh Hamdan to open OICC conference

The three-day conference will be attended by over 300 delegates from 141 capitals and cities of 54 Islamic countries across four continents of Asia, Africa, Europe and South America. The Administrative Council of the Organisation of Islamic Capitals and Cities (OICC) has, meanwhile, chosen the Dubai Municipality Director General, Qassim Sultan, as chairman for its new term.

This was announced by Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Husein, the outgoing chairman of the body, who noted that election of the new chairman came during the annual meeting of the council Saturday at the Dubai International Convention Centre, where the 10th general session of the OICC will begin Sunday with attending. Al Husein noted that the OICC could play an outstanding role in reviving the Islamic society from the crisis it faces at present on different fronts.

"What we need at present is a brainstorming and an honest return to our glorious heritage. In the process, we must pick up what is good for the community, that can solve our problems with the much-needed transparency," he said.

Addressing the council members, Qassim Sultan, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: "The UAE and Dubai were happy to host the 24th session of the Administrative Council and the 10th General Conference of the OICC which would help accomplish the broad ambitions and hopes of people of the member nations."

"The OICC Administrative Council has had an influential role in effectively implementing decisions of the organisation and organising its various activities during the past term. Your recommendations for deliberations at this conference will undoubtedly be of much significance to the members," he said.

Apart from Sheikh Hamdan, the opening session of the OICC conference on Sunday will also be addressed by Engineer Omar Abdullah Qadi, Secretary General, OICC, and Dr. AbdulRahim Shihatah, Mayor of Cairo who was chairman of the 9th General Conference. An exhibition, showcasing projects of the organisation in the Islamic world as well as achievements of the municipalities of the member cities and capitals, will be opened by Sheikh Hamdan. Sunday's programmes also include a seminar under the title: "Sustainable Urban Development: Lessons Learned."

A lecture will be delivered by Dr. Mohammed Al Siouf, of the UN Habitat, and experts will discuss the topic in detail. Dubai Municipality will present five papers during the conference, focusing on its experience in the fields of urban management, urban planning, e-government, public transport and air quality monitoring.

The conference seeks to get the members work towards preserving the identity and heritage of the Islamic capitals and cities as well as introducing and developing the criteria, systems, and comprehensive urban plans that can serve their progress and prosperity and better their economical, social, cultural and environmental conditions. It will also find common grounds for economic and developmental cooperation.