The second Ministerial Meeting of the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform, held on May 18–20 in Tehran, Iran, concluded with the adoption of a landmark declaration aimed at fostering cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) among the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. With the theme “Trustworthy and Ethical Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development,” this high-level summit brought together ministers and senior representatives from key OIC member countries, reaffirming a shared vision of AI as a transformative force for the Muslim world.
Launched in 2022 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, under the auspices of the OIC, the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform was created to enhance high-level collaboration among 15 scientifically advanced member states in critical areas of science, technology, and innovation. Spearheaded by COMSTECH, the platform promotes joint initiatives, policy coordination, and strategic dialogue to leverage emerging technologies for sustainable development.
Focusing on shared priorities such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy, the OIC-15 serves as a catalyst for accelerated progress across the Muslim world. The inaugural ministerial meeting, held in Almaty, laid the groundwork for long-term cooperation, with AI emerging as a flagship area for collective advancement.
The significance of AI in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape can not be overstated. It is transforming key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, and defense areas that are especially critical for the 57 OIC member states, many of which face pressing challenges including climate change, food insecurity, and limited access to education and technology. Responsibly and ethically harnessing AI offers an unprecedented opportunity to bridge developmental gaps and position the Muslim world at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
For many OIC member stares still developing their digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystems, collective action in AI is not just beneficial, it is essential. AI adoption can drive the shift toward knowledge-based economies, enhance productivity, build future-ready workforces, and reduce dependency on traditional economic models. As AI becomes a cornerstone of global competitiveness and geopolitical influence, OIC member states must act decisively to secure their place in the digital future.
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In recognition of this imperative, the OIC Secretariat has formally tasked COMSTECH, the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, with developing a comprehensive AI policy for all OIC member states. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, COMSTECH is now at the forefront of shaping a unified strategic direction for the Muslim world’s engagement with AI technologies.
The Tehran Declaration, signed unanimously by participating nations including Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar, Brunei Darussalam, Tunisia, and Kazakhstan, represents a major turning point. It outlines an ambitious roadmap for regional collaboration in AI, centered on education, research, infrastructure, ethics, and global competitiveness.
The key commitments include promoting AI literacy at all educational levels through specialized degree programs, online learning, and vocational training, with a strong focus on empowering women and underrepresented communities. Member states also pledged to engage in joint research targeting shared challenges in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, smart cities, and climate resilience.
Plans are underway to establish research hubs, dedicated funding mechanisms, and collaborative innovation platforms to maximize scientific impact. In this regard, member institutions of COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCOE) have an important role to play.
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To reduce the technological divide among members, the declaration promotes the sharing of best practices and advanced tools through open-access platforms and structured knowledge-exchange frameworks. This ensures that even the least technologically advanced states can benefit from tailored AI applications. The declaration further emphasizes the creation of shared high-performance computing infrastructure, cloud services, and programs that facilitate talent mobility: such as fellowships, internships, and cross-border professional exchanges.
In terms of governance, the participating countries stressed the importance of transparency, fairness, inclusivity, and data privacy in AI systems. They committed to aligning national AI strategies with global ethical principles to ensure responsible and equitable deployment of AI. Acknowledging the crucial role of the private sector in scaling AI innovations, the declaration also highlights the need to nurture startup ecosystems, attract investment, and foster dialogue between governments and entrepreneurs. The ultimate vision is to achieve global competitiveness in AI by enhancing readiness, developing enabling regulations and infrastructure, and benchmarking against international best practices.
COMSTECH’s central role in coordinating scientific collaboration among OIC member states makes it uniquely positioned to lead the development of a unified AI policy. In his address at the summit, Coordinator General COMSTECH Prof. Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary emphasized the transformative power of AI in advancing scientific research, socio-economic development, and educational excellence across the Muslim world. He reiterated COMSTECH’s commitment to supporting cross-border initiatives and offering technical guidance for a practical, inclusive AI roadmap. The forthcoming policy will provide strategic direction in AI education, governance, infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems, ensuring a cohesive and coordinated approach to AI integration.
Building on the momentum of the inaugural meeting in Kazakhstan, the Tehran gathering reaffirmed the member states’ strong political will to place AI at the core of sustainable development strategies. With the Tehran Declaration as its cornerstone, the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform is now poised to lead efforts to promote ethical, inclusive, and impactful AI solutions.
While the challenges ahead are considerable, the collective commitment to cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and technological empowerment offers a promising path forward. By working together, the OIC-15 nations can ensure that AI serves not just as an engine of economic growth but as a catalyst for equity, peace, and prosperity across the Muslim world.
As the global AI landscape continues to evolve, the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform stands united, ready to shape a future where artificial intelligence respects shared values, uplifts societies, and advances the well-being of over 1.9 billion people across the Muslim world.
Muhammad Murtaza Noor
Muhammad Murtaza Noor is an analyst and author with over 25 years of experience in the higher education sector.
