The Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities (OICC)
2025/05/27

Introduction

The Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities (OICC) is an international, non-governmental, and non-profit organization affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It maintains a neutral stance with no political involvement and does not interfere in the internal affairs of any state. The organization's activities are exclusively focused on achieving its declared objectives.

Established in 1980 (1400 H), the OICC is headquartered in the Holy City of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, while its General Secretariat is based in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The OICC is financially sustained through annual membership fees, investment revenues, donations from individuals, institutions, municipalities, and governments, and other sources approved by the organization.

The OICC holds general consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN-ECOSOC) and consultative status with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Additionally, it is a member of several other international organizations.

The OICC operates in three official languages: Arabic, English, and French.

Its membership spans four continents—Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America—with a total of 194 members, including:

  • 165 active capitals and cities from 54 OIC Member States,
  • 9 observer cities from 6 non-OIC countries, and
  • 20 associate members from ministries, commissions, research centers, and universities affiliated with the organization’s objectives.

The OICC was originally created under Resolution No. (9/9/P) by the 9th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Dakar, Republic of Senegal on 17/05/1398 H (24/04/1978). The organization's statute was ratified in the 10th Session, held in Fez, Kingdom of Morocco, on 10/06/1399 H (08/03/1979) via Resolution No. (25/10/P).

It was officially established during its First General Conference held in Makkah Al-Mukarramah on 11–12 Rabi’ I 1400 H (29–30 January 1980), which included:

  • Ratification of the organization's statute,
  • Election of Administrative Council members, and
  • Appointment of the Secretary-General.

The organization's name was later amended to its current form—Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities—via Resolution No. (5/2 G) issued by the Second General Conference, held in Islamabad from 14 to 16 Jumada II 1402 H (8–10 April 1982).

Mission, vision, and goals

Mission and Vision

To serve as a platform for cooperation, capacity building, and the sustainable development of Islamic capitals and cities, while preserving their cultural and urban heritage.

Goals

  • Preserve the identity and heritage of Islamic capitals and cities.
  • Achieve and enhance sustainable urban development through the establishment of modern urban standards, systems, and plans.
  • Improve municipal services and infrastructure across member cities.
  • Promote capacity-building programs and community development.
  • Foster solidarity, friendship, and cooperation among Islamic capitals and cities.

 

Structure

  1. General Conference

The supreme decision-making body of the OICC. It consists of representatives from active member cities and meets once every three years. The conference is chaired by the mayor of the host city or their delegate and is responsible for shaping organizational policies.

  1. Administrative Council

Comprising up to 28 active members, including permanent members (Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and the Secretary-General), this council executes the decisions of the General Conference and manages the organization between sessions.

  1. General Secretariat

Located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Secretariat manages the OICC’s day-to-day operations under the leadership of the Secretary-General.

  1. Islamic Capitals and Cities Cooperation Fund

Provides financing for:

    • Municipal service projects
    • Environmental and heritage preservation
    • Research and training programs
    • Technical cooperation initiatives
  2. OICC Award

Recognizes excellence in municipal services, encourages scientific research, and supports the integration of digital technologies in city management.

 

Membership

  • Active Members: Capitals and cities from OIC member states that uphold the organization’s statutes and fulfill their financial commitments.
  • Observer Members: Cities from non-OIC states that support the OICC’s goals and are approved by the Administrative Council.
  • Associate Members: Ministries, commissions, research institutions, and universities with activities aligned with the OICC’s objectives.

As of the latest records:

  • 165 active cities from 54 OIC member states
  • 9 observer cities from 6 non-member states
  • 20 associate institutions

Secretariat

Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities Headquarters:

P.O. Box: 2919, Makkah Al Mukaramah 21955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tel: 5505195 12 966

Fax: 5505095 12 966

- The General Secretariat of Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities:

 P.O. Box: 13621, Jeddah 21414, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Tel: 6981953 12 966

Fax: 6981053 12 966

Islamic Capitals and Cities Centre for Training and Development

 P.O: Cairo 18 Amin Sami Street, from Ainy Palace Street- Zain Al Abdeen Post Office.

Tel: 27962922 2 202

Fax: 27962922 2 202

Email

webmaster@oicc.org

Website:

https://www.oicc.org/en

The Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities (OICC)