Baku: The 4th Extraordinary Session of the General Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) was held online on September 10, with Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for ICESCO, participating in the session.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the session focused on ICESCO’s current financial situation, measures to ensure the sustainability of its operations, and urgent financial and administrative steps. The General Directorate’s report highlighted the failure of several member states to pay their membership fees for 2025-2026, as well as the impact of outstanding debts from previous periods on the organization’s financial capacity.
During the meeting, an emergency plan was reviewed to ensure the sustainability of ICESCO’s activities through the payment of membership fees and settlement of existing debts. The document outlines the implementation of the Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, increasing revenues, strengthening the stability of financial flows, and establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms as key priorities.
The discussions emphasized the importance of timely fulfillment of member states’ financial obligations, the continuous implementation of the organization’s programs and projects, and ensuring ICESCO’s institutional sustainability. According to the emergency plan, member states are expected to pay their outstanding membership fees for the current period by October 31, 2026, while debts incurred from previous periods are scheduled to be settled by December 31, 2028, based on an agreed timetable.
At the conclusion of the session, participants exchanged views on strengthening ICESCO’s financial stability and ensuring the sustainability of its activities.