By Buba Gagigo
In his closing address at the recently concluded OIC summit, President Adama Barrow emphasized the importance of embracing tolerance as a fundamental value and means for ensuring sustainable peace, development, and stability.
President Barrow remarked that the 15th Summit heralds a new era for The Gambia to work with Member States and key stakeholders in advancing peace, justice, and ongoing dialogue within the Ummah and the wider world.
He underscored the collective responsibility of the organization to seek enduring solutions to the challenges faced by people in distress due to conflicts, wars, or other adversities, emphasizing that no nation can truly thrive in peace while its neighbors or fellow OIC member states are in turmoil.
“The responsibility rests collectively on the Organisation to seek lasting solutions to the plight of people in distress, resulting from any form of conflict, war, or challenge that confronts humanity. Our guiding principle should be informed by the realisation that no nation can ever be comfortable and live in peace when their neighbours or other OIC Member States are not at peace. We must embrace tolerance, therefore, as a core value and vehicle for sustainable peace, development, and stability,” he said.
The Gambian leader highlighted that conflicts often stem from biases, subjectivity, and actions that neglect or disregard the impact on those affected, emphasizing the importance of drawing upon the sacred principles of kindness, generosity, and understanding inherent in Islamic values.
“As an Islamic Organisation, we are lucky to draw on the sacred principles and values of kindness, generosity, and understanding, while leading honest and decent lives. As a result, we should be grateful for the unique privilege bestowed on us as world leaders, scholars, and public servants to serve our people and contribute to creating a better world for all. Your presence at the 15th Summit in Banjul indicates devotion and commitment to upholding the principles of the OIC,” President Barrow said.
As the incoming Chairman, President Barrow appealed to all Member States for their collaboration and support during The Gambia’s three-year term to champion the Organization’s values and enact measures to enhance the socio-economic well-being of the Ummah.
“In saying this, I submit that we embrace the theme of the Summit, “Unity and Solidarity Through Dialogue and Sustainable Development,” to positively bring our influence to bear on the world stage for global peace and stability, sustained security, and success in our national development endeavours,” the Gambian leader said.