OIC Calls for Stronger Global Action to Prevent and Address Disasters
On the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on 13 October, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joins the international community in expressing solidarity with all victims of natural and human-made disasters around the world.
This year’s theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” highlights the urgent need to invest in resilience-building and preventive measures rather than in post-disaster recovery.
The OIC underscores that disasters continue to impose heavy human and economic costs, severely affecting socio-economic development and posing existential threats to vulnerable communities across many of its Member States.
With several Member States frequently impacted by floods, epidemics, earthquakes, landslides, storms, and droughts, the OIC places high priority on disaster prevention and management, as emphasized in its Ten-Year Program of Action 2025.
Reaffirming its commitment, the OIC calls for stronger partnerships among Member States, international organizations, and local communities to develop effective strategies that enhance preparedness, reduce vulnerabilities, and improve recovery capacities.
“As disasters become more frequent and intense due to climate change and other global challenges, we must act collectively and decisively to build resilience and protect lives,” said H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the OIC. “Investing in prevention today will save countless lives and resources tomorrow.”
The OIC also stresses the need to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, in line with national disaster management strategies and priorities.
Direct Amman–Tashkent flight boosts tourist arrivals from Jordan to Uzbekistan
The launch of the first-ever direct flight between the capitals of Jordan and Uzbekistan has marked an important step in strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation and is already delivering its first positive results, reports Dunyo IA.
The inaugural direct Amman–Tashkent flight brought an organized group of around 40 Jordanian tourists to Uzbekistan. During their visit, the guests explored Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, discovering the country's rich historical and cultural heritage, UNESCO World Heritage sites, national cuisine, and the traditions of the Uzbek people.
The Jordanian visitors praised Uzbekistan's renowned hospitality, the quality of its tourism infrastructure, its high level of safety, and the convenience of the new direct air service, which has significantly reduced travel time and made visiting Uzbekistan more accessible. They were particularly impressed by the architectural ensembles of Samarkand and Bukhara, the modern cityscape of Tashkent, the diversity of Uzbek cuisine, and the warm welcome extended by local residents.
According to tourism industry representatives, the launch of direct flights between Amman and Tashkent creates new opportunities for expanding two-way tourist exchanges. Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for travellers from the Middle East, thanks to its unique combination of rich history, well-developed tourism infrastructure, a visa-free regime for Jordanian citizens, and its expanding international air connectivity.
The number of visitors from Jordan is expected to grow steadily in the coming months. Tour operators in both countries are already developing new travel packages featuring cultural and heritage tours, gastronomic experiences, family holidays, and pilgrimage itineraries.
