1. What approaches can be adopted to strengthen the role of women and youth in African economic policies, drawing on successful experiences such as that of the Republic of Senegal?

The Republic of Senegal has long understood that economic development cannot be inclusive without the full involvement of women and youth. Through targeted policies such as the Programme for the Promotion of Youth and Women's Entrepreneurship, and the Rapid Entrepreneurship Delegation Fund, Senegal has been able to promote innovation and employment among these two groups, which are often marginalised.

To further support this effort on a continental scale, we propose:

Expanding pan-African investment funds dedicated to female and youth entrepreneurship.

Establishing a network of incubators and technical training centres across Africa.

The systematic integration of gender equality and youth into gender-responsive budgeting processes.

Our ambition is to make women and young people co-architects of public economic policy, by granting them a seat at the decision-making table.

2. In the context of the remarkable economic development that the Republic of Senegal is experiencing, what measures could be taken to strengthen South-South partnerships between Senegal and other African OIC Member States, in order to promote integrated and sustainable development?

Thanks to its stability and resilient development model, Senegal has a vital role to play in reinforcing South-South partnerships, particularly with the African OIC member states. These partnerships must, of course, go beyond declarations of principles and become genuine catalysts for productive cooperation. In this regard, it is worth recalling the vibrant appeal launched by H.E. Mr. Bassirou Diomaye at the 15th OIC Summit, calling for dynamic and fruitful cooperation, which must be achieved through the harnessing and development of the enormous “human, natural and financial resources” with which Allah has blessed the Ummah.

To this end, Senegal is promoting initiatives such as:

The creation of a joint Islamic co-investment fund to finance strategic projects in agriculture, energy, the halal industry and ICTs;

The establishment of joint special economic zones to promote the production, processing and export of high value-added products;

The increase of parliamentary and technical expertise exchanges in order to harmonise legal frameworks and facilitate intra-OIC investments.

3. Which practical measures could the parliaments of the OIC Member States take to exert pressure on the international community to put an end to the Israeli aggression on Gaza and lift the blockade?

In view of the ongoing aggression against Gaza and the inhuman blockade affecting the civilian population, the parliaments of the OIC member states have a moral and political responsibility. They must do more than simply pass symbolic resolutions.

In this regard, Senegal's stance is unequivocal, and does not confine itself to condemnations and constantly renewed support for the numerous resolutions and sanctions against the occupying power. Most recently, in July, our country hosted the International Conference on the Question of Jerusalem, organised jointly by the United Nations and the OIC. Prior to that, I myself took part, at the invitation of my Turkish counterpart, in the meeting of the Group of Parliamentarians in Support of Palestine.

Other practical measures could be considered, including:

The creation of a permanent parliamentary committee on Palestine, tasked with carrying the voice of the peoples of the OIC Member States to all international forums.

The organisation of a coordinated parliamentary mobilisation, calling for sanctions against violations of international humanitarian law.

The promotion of parliamentary diplomacy as a pillar of resistance and a conduit of active solidarity with the Palestinians.

4. How can parliamentary institutions capitalise on advances in artificial intelligence, while ensuring the preservation of fundamental human values in the decision-making process and political action?

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) opens up major prospects for parliamentary institutions, including greater transparency, intelligent records management, and improved support for public policy analysis. However, it is imperative to ensure that the machine never overshadows the human conscience.

Our institutions need to adopt a balanced approach by:

Integrating AI into parliamentary processes, while ensuring human control over critical decisions.

Adopting ethical legal frameworks underpinned by privacy, non-discrimination and accountability.

Setting up parliamentary committees on AI and digital ethics, so as to anticipate abuses and promote AI that serves the public interest.

Technology must remain a tool at the service of mankind, and not an end in itself. It is our duty to safeguard the humanity of political decision-making today, in a world that is becoming increasingly automated.