civilizational and interfaith dialogues based on mutual respect and equality among the interlocutors. The OIC also stands to defend respect of human rights, endeavors to promote good governance, to widen political participation, establish the rule of law, ensure transparency and accountability, while combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and rejecting all attempts to justify this abhorrent phenomenon." "A great deal of the effort of the OIC is directed towards human development in the socio-economic spheres in its Member States through concrete and practical programmes, including poverty alleviation, education, science and technology, and empowering woman and elevating her status. Fighting Malaria and Polio has recently become an important priority for our organization. We are working hard for reconciliation between Islam and the West because we believe that today's human civilization is one civilization with a multitude of tributaries and branches," he added. Prof. Ihsanoglu said: "We in the OIC, inspired by our new Charter, are striving to build the new Muslim man and woman with new vision, by merging the rich heritage of the past with the positive aspects of the present and future. We are eager to see the Muslim world go forth in the world with all developed bodies, fairly developed brains and developed hearts."
