The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is launching an International Islamic Encyclopedia of Tolerance, the main objective of which is to increase understanding of the place of tolerance in Islam, presenting the true message of Islam, dispelling erroneous claims of Islamophobia, and countering intolerance and extremism.
Speaking at the first meeting of the Advisory Committee for the encyclopedia, held at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, on 26 June 2019, OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen, described the project as an original initiative, adding that “it is rooted in the importance the OIC places on building a proper knowledge of Islam and clearing misconceptions about it.”
He added, “The OIC welcomes the encyclopedia’s kickoff meeting, designed to establish a unified stance to advance the joint project of promoting tolerance and moderation, and to compile a comprehensive encyclopedia to highlight the role of Islam as a magnanimous religion with a universal message of peace and moderation.”
Scientific and technical advisory committees will be established, along with research groups, to develop necessary regulatory frameworks. The encyclopedia, to be translated into several languages, will be arranged in entries, including digital and print, covering Quranic chapters, Prophetic sayings and traditions.
Source: https://www.oic-oci.org/topic/?t_id=21899&t_ref=12820&lan=en
The Islamic Chamber Research & Information Center shall undertake studies and researches in the areas such as:
- To identify and analyze challenges and opportunities in the domain of trade, investment, information technology and E-commerce.
- To assist small and medium size enterprises in Islamic countries.
- To organize seminars, workshops and training programs on changes related to new trends in the world trade system.
- To design training programs for ICCI in different sectors based on the actual needs and requirements of member states.
- To collect, compile, analyze and disseminate trade data among Islamic Countries in order to set up an economic data bank in all fields related to economies.
- To develop and consolidate the relationship between the Center and training institution, consultancy centers, universities and other relevant institutions in member Countries.
- To publish and disseminate reports, booklets and books.
- To study and analyze rules of Membership in WTO and active participation in relevant discussions in order to take a unified strategy among OIC and other developing countries.
- To perform assignments suggested by Islamic Chamber of Commerce and industry.
- To undertake studies, project sponsors and entrepreneurs in OIC Countries for implementation of their joint venture projects by inter-alia, preparing the necessary documents and feasibility studies in conformity with guidelines of IDB.
- To undertake studies and research projects on the strategies for establishment of the Islamic Common Market.
- To contribute to the potential areas for development of cooperation in the area of tourism in Islamic Countries.
- To prepare studies on proposals in order to apply modern research methods to tackle economic problems in OIC Countries and provide solution thereto.
- To help entrepreneurs through ICCI, to be equipped with technical skills and knowledge on marketing in different fields on industry.
- To conduct surveys to determine potential areas of competitive advantage in different sectors in OIC countries for contributing to socio – economic growth of Islamic Countries.
- To publish and disseminate the outcomes of the Center research in OIC Countries. The Venter shall establish close linkages with economic organs of Islamic Countries to further its objectives.
- To research, develop and collect information about the Halal issues in Muslim and Non-Muslim countries and supporting and cooperating with the Halal centers in the world.
From the very beginning, the Islamic Chamber has devoted its every effort to strengthen closer collaboration among OIC countries in the field of trade, insurance, shipping, banking and promotion of joint ventures.
In order to promote intra-organizational and regional convergences among Member States of Islamic Chamber and in conformity with decisions made in the 8th Session of Heads of OIC countries held in 1997, in Tehran, and following the Doha deliberations held in Qatar on the creation of an Islamic Common Market, “The Islamic Chamber Research and Information Center (ICRIC) was established in 2003 to collect, compile and disseminate trade data among OIC countries; to analyze economic and technical implications of WTO rules for OIC countries; to contribute to efforts on the establishment of Islamic Common Market; to research on OIC intra trade; to plan capacity building programs for OIC SMEs; to assist OIC entrepreneurs on marketing and new knowhow ; to work on the competitive advantage in different sectors in OIC countries; to design training programs for the ICCI in different sectors; to organize seminars, workshops and training programs on economic issues;; to develop relations with other training and research institutions; to undertake studies for project sponsors and entrepreneurs in OIC countries ; to implement studies on the promotion of intra-OIC tourism;; to focus on research activities on the development issues and finally to establish close linkages with the economic organs of OIC countries and OIC organizations to further its objectives.
In the Twenty First Meeting of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and in the Forty Second Meeting of the General Assembly of the Chamber, held in Abu-Dhabi on 20 December 2004, the General Assembly appointed Mr. Khamushi as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Aqeel Jassem as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors and Dr. Mohammad Nahavandian as the Vice-Chairman and General Director of ICRIC along with six representatives from chambers of Iran , Egypt , Jordan and Malaysia to comprise the nine-member Board of Directors of the center.
The same team was reelected in 2008 for a second Term, being Dr. Nahavandian nominated both as Chairman and Director General , because of his election as the President of Iran Chamber of commerce, Industries and Mines .
After the engagement of Dr. Mohammad Nahavandian in presidential office in 2013, another election was held on the 1st December 2013; Engineer Gholam Hossein Shafe’i was elected and took charge of the chairmanship of ICRIC.
# | Name | Position | Country |
1 | Eng. Gholam Hossein Shafei | Chairman of the Board | Iran |
2 | Dr.Yusuf Hassan Khalawi | First Vice Chairman | Saudi Arabia |
3 | Dr. Mohammad Reza Karbasi | Director General and Second Vice Chairman | Iran |
4 | Dato Sri Syed Hussien Al Habshee | Board Member | Malaysia |
5 | Mr. Abdel Sattar Eshrah | Board Member | Egypt |
6 | Mr. Nael Al-Kabariti | Board Member | Jordan |
7 | Eng. Ali Reza Ashraf | Board Member | Iran |
8 | Dr. Sabbah Zangeneh | Board Member | Iran |
9 | Eng.Hossein Salimi | Board Member | Iran |