SESRIC chief: Azerbaijan emerges as leading OIC player on diaspora engagement

Azerbaijan has developed strong ties with its citizens and compatriots living abroad and is emerging as one of the leading countries within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the field of diaspora engagement, according to Zehra Zumrüt Selçuk, director of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).

Speaking at the First Forum of the Muslim Diaspora of OIC Member States in Ankara, Selçuk said most OIC countries do not have dedicated state institutions responsible for working with diaspora organisations. Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Pakistan and several other countries are among the exceptions, she said, according to AZERTAG.

“In Türkiye, work with the diaspora is carried out by the Directorate General for Turks Abroad and Related Communities under the Turkish Government [YTB], whereas in most countries this function is entrusted to departments within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is precisely why the forum currently taking place in Ankara is attended mainly by diplomats,” Selçuk said.

She said the OIC supports greater cooperation among the official institutions of member states responsible for diaspora affairs.

“I am confident that as ties between state institutions strengthen, Muslim countries will pay greater attention to the issues facing their compatriots. After all, we are not simply talking about citizens living abroad. The diaspora holds enormous potential that can contribute to the development of countries in many other areas,” she said.

Selçuk also expressed hope that forums dedicated to Muslim diasporas would continue, describing the Ankara meeting as an initial step toward closer cooperation.

“This two-day meeting has been the first step towards ensuring such cooperation. The final decision, of course, rests with the countries themselves, which must decide, for example, how often to hold such events. I am confident that OIC members must take on greater responsibility regarding diaspora issues,” she said.

She highlighted the participation of representatives from 47 of the OIC’s 57 member states, calling it a strong indication of the demand for greater cooperation on diaspora issues.

“This demonstrates that there is a genuine need for cooperation in the field of diaspora activities. As OIC countries grow closer and exchange experiences, they will be able to develop more effective models and strategies,” Selçuk said.

She added that Azerbaijan has been particularly active in diaspora-related discussions both at international OIC forums and through its own institutions.

According to Selçuk, the participation of the Azerbaijani delegation, led by State Committee for Diaspora Affairs Chairman Fuad Muradov, demonstrates the importance Baku attaches to cooperation with its diaspora.

By Sabina Mammadli