With its formal establishment in 2014, the OIC Ombudsman Association (OICOA) stands as a testament to the commitment of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) regarding strengthening the Ombudsman institutions across member states. The main mission of OICOA was to empower the Ombudsman offices throughout the Islamic world mainly through expertise exchange. In the light of this mission of OICOA, Office of the Mediator of Morocco and the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) initiated a collaborative internship exchange program which was endorsed by esteemed Board Members of OICOA during the 10th OICOA Board Meeting in January 2024 held in Pakistan.
This internship Exchange program was an innovative step which reflects the commitment of OICOA to not only foster cultural understanding but also to nurture educational opportunities among its diverse members.
The Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan, Dr. Asif Jah who is a staunch advocate of strengthening OICOA’s platform, along with Mr. Almas Jovindah, the Executive Secretary OICOA, played a vital role in pioneering this visionary exchange program portraying unwavering commitment to the development of youth along with empowerment of institutions. This proposal strongly resonated with the progressive vision of the Mediator of Kingdom of Morocco, Mr. Mohamed Benalilou who is a dedicated OICOA board member and staunchly supports the initiatives with the objective of fostering collaboration between OICOA Members. As a result, a landmark MoU was signed between FTO and Office of Mediator of Morocco during the 11th OICOA Board Meeting held in Marakesh in June 2024 to initiate the first batch of this program.
The internship exchange commenced between these two institutions in July 2024 which also marked a significant milestone in OICOA’s ongoing efforts for institutional empowerment. Ms. Momina Zaigham and Ms. Tayaba Munir from FTO had the distinct privilege of undertaking their internship in Morocco. This experience highlighted the tangible outcomes of OICOA’s initiatives in promoting cross-cultural dialogue along with serving to enhance the professional acumen of the two interns. During their recent internship , Ms. Tayyaba Munir and Ms. Momina Zaigham had first-hand exposure to the concept of mediation from an institutional perspective which enabled them to understand the legal framework governing Office of Mediator of Morocco’s operations and its vital role in serving as a bridge between the public administration and the citizens. The interns engaged closely with dedicated staff, discovering exemplary practices such as the institution’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity for individuals with special needs and vulnerable communities. Another significant element was to observe the active involvement of the Mediator’s Office in human rights research both nationally and internationally which further emphasizes its significance as a pivotal body within the Kingdom. Office of Mediator of Morocco takes pride in its extensive archives system, precisely cataloging cases since its inception which in itself is a testament to its rich history and impactful contributions to justice and governance. Moreover, the interns witnessed Office of Mediator of Morocco’s strong focus on technological advancements, from digital case archives to the utilization of cutting-edge technology for seamless webinars, portraying the proactive approach to leverage technology for effective institutional management.
This internship was a feather in the cap to showcase the commitment of OICOA to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among its member institutions. Dr. Asif Jah and Mr. Almas Jovinndah, instrumental in advocating for such initiatives, emphasized the importance of bridging international boundaries through the platform of OICOA through mutual exchange programs that promote cultural understanding and good practices.
As OICOA continues to support initiatives that enhance the capabilities of Ombudsman offices across member states, the internship exchange between Office of Mediator of Morocco and Federal Tax Ombudsman stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for future collaborations between OICOA members. Moving forward, such collaborative efforts are crucial for strengthening the role of OICOA in promoting best practices and upholding the principles of justice within the Islamic world and beyond.
