OIC chief says challenge ahead is use of technology and knowledge to meet human needs

Secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Conference, Azeddine Laraki, stressed at the UN Millennium summit that the challenge ahead lies in the use of scientific knowledge and technologic means to meet the needs of humankind so that everyone enjoys the fruits of resources on earth.

Laraki, who addressed the UN Millennium summit which wound up Friday in New York, stressed that the idea of dialogue between civilizations, initiated by the Iranian president, needs to be carried out in a constructive way and in mutual respect in if lofty principles of peace and prosperity for all are to be attained.

The head of the Jeddah-based pan-Islamic body hoped that the year of dialogue, to be commemorated in 2001, will mark the start of a new era of mutual understanding, sound and fruitful contacts and sharing of knowledge and know-how in order to attain objectives of real development, mainly as regards poverty alleviation, social integration, employment, education and health care for all. He also joined the call made by the UN secretary general that globalization will be used as a power at the service of humankind and argued that globalization should ensure justice, equality of chances, promote transparency and consolidate trust in relationships between peoples and nations.