The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) have signed a memorandum aimed at improving relief efforts for communities affected by conflict and disaster.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly by OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed and UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher. It sets out a framework for closer field coordination, information sharing and capacity building, with a focus on responding more effectively to emergencies affecting OIC member states and beyond.

Earlier, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen and develop existing cooperation between the two organizations in the field of humanitarian work, as well as joint coordination to address current regional and international humanitarian challenges.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two parties signed a memorandum of cooperation that serves as a strategic roadmap to frame and guide future cooperation between the two organizations and to intensify field and relief efforts to serve communities affected by crises.

The significance of the pact will lie in its implementation: whether closer cooperation between the two organizations helps relief agencies reach vulnerable people faster and deliver aid where needs are greatest.