The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) honored Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), with the award of an honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, at a special convocation at its Kuala Lumpur campus on Tuesday. According to the citation, the conferment of the degree is in recognition of the Secretary General's leadership and outstanding contribution to the Muslim Ummah and Islamic civilization, commitment to the promotion of the cause of Islam and the Muslim world and also for his contribution to the progress and development of IIUM. In his acceptance speech, Ihsanoglu assured the leadership of IIUM of the OIC's readiness to work with the University in strengthening its efforts for the advancement of knowledge and human development through education and the harnessing of modern technologies. It is through the pooling of our resources and exchange of knowledge and expertise between the fortunate and the less fortunate OIC member states that we can promote our common well-being and the establishment of the International Institute for Islamic Unity by the IIUM is a step in the right direction, he said. Ihsanoglu said that he was profoundly touched to be honored by the University, “an initiative that comes from a great Alma Mater of the Muslim world, which has served the Ummah with diligence since its establishment in 1983”. He added that the University's commitment to knowledge and wisdom has remained firm and unequivocal and over the years it has produced scholars of high eminence who are currently engaged in promoting excellence in their respective disciplines. They are undoubtedly the true representatives of the OIC's larger vision of moderation and modernization, he said. He noted that Vision 1441H for Science and Technology, which was adopted in Kuala Lumpur in October, 2003, resolves to develop a community that values knowledge and is competent in utilizing and advancing science and technology to enhance the socio-economic well-being of the Ummah. It provides a detailed road-map to promote research and development, innovation and creativity and to apply science and technology for community goals which envisages a special role by educational institutions like IIUM. He commended the University for its role in the commercialization of research and development achievements and for its promotion of science and technology as a way of life for people. The Secretary General later delivered a talk on the Challenges and Future Directions of the OIC in which he discussed a number of issues that included the expectation of achieving the goals of the Organization in the next ten years, the challenges ahead, and the cooperation among OIC member states in enhancing financial, physical and educational resources. He emphasized the relevance of the OIC as a major international organization of the Muslim Ummah. At a press conference on Monday, Ihsanoglu discussed a number of issues related to the Middle East in particular and the Muslim world in general.
