Al-Sharqawi from Geneva: Protecting the special status of Jerusalem requires greater coordination among international humanitarian organizations

SadaNews - Muhammad Salem Al-Sharqawi, the acting director of the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Al-Sharif Agency, called for further coordination among international humanitarian organizations to contribute to "preserving the special status of Jerusalem, reinforcing its religious and cultural center, and providing living security and stability for its Palestinian residents," in conjunction with ongoing international efforts on various fronts.

Al-Sharqawi stated in his speech during the opening of the seventeenth session of the General Meeting between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which opened today Wednesday at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, and will last for three days, that there is a need to "establish a joint mechanism to streamline efforts and unify objectives to achieve the desired results," especially in light of the increasing challenges facing the holy city and its surroundings, based on the values of unity, freedom, justice, peace, and coexistence.

He pointed out that the economic and social conditions of the Palestinians "remain concerning" due to the challenges they face daily and the difficulties they encounter in managing their living conditions and mobility, which reinforces the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency's commitment to continue providing various forms of possible support, in implementation of the high instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee.

He added that the work of humanitarian institutions operating in Jerusalem and Palestine "is hindered by the effects of the rapidly changing events in the Middle East," pointing out that the role of the Al-Quds Committee, chaired by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, remains "important and influential" in advancing peace efforts and drying up sources of conflict.

He emphasized that the agency's work plan for the period 2025-2030 is based on a comprehensive vision aimed at establishing the institution's role as a sustainable development mechanism, combining social support programs for the most needy groups with economic empowerment projects and human development, as well as supporting emerging enterprises in the fields of innovation and creativity.

The General Meeting between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation began today in Geneva, aimed at enhancing strategic partnership and developing mechanisms for joint coordination among the bodies and agencies of the two organizations.

The meeting discusses progress made in areas of cooperation on issues of common interest, including political challenges, regional conflicts, counter-terrorism, cultural, social, and economic agendas, sustainable development, alongside exchanging views on ways to confront regional and international challenges, and launching new initiatives that support efforts for peace, development, stability, and prosperity.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation is the second-largest international organization after the United Nations, comprising 57 member states across four continents, with its headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
It is worth noting that the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Al-Sharif Agency, the executive arm of the Al-Quds Committee chaired by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, continues to implement its programs and field projects in Jerusalem in the sectors of education, health, social support, economic empowerment, and heritage preservation, in support of the steadfastness of Jerusalemites and enhancing their presence in their city, while preserving its cultural and religious identity.