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.
The autumn issue of Russia’s leading magazine “Tourism and Culture Industry” has published an extensive article on the activities of the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, reports Dunyo IA.
The publication describes the 10-hectare complex, featuring a 65-meter azure dome and built on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as a symbol of the era of the Third Renaissance. Its architecture combines Timurid traditions with modern technological solutions, while the centerpiece of the exhibition is the 7th-century Uthman Quran manuscript, included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World international register.
The magazine provides a detailed overview of the museum concept, “Civilization – Personalities – Discoveries,” which covers historical periods from the pre-Islamic era to New Uzbekistan.
The publication also highlights the center’s key innovations, including the interactive “Wall of Civilizations,” virtual and augmented reality technologies, artificial intelligence and the “1,001 Inventions” children’s laboratory.
Particular attention is given to the center’s international cooperation and research infrastructure. Through systematic cooperation with major international auction houses, private collectors and the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU), more than 1,000 unique artefacts and manuscripts have been returned to Uzbekistan.
According to Tourism and Culture Industry, the project’s international recognition is reflected in the Islamic Civilization Center being included among the “World’s Most Beautiful Museums 2026” by the international Prix Versailles awards, as well as in coverage by prominent international publications including Smithsonian Magazine, BBC Travel and National Geographic.