SESRIC participated in the 25^th Meeting of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) Poverty Alleviation Working Group, held on 15-16 September 2025 in Ankara, Republic of Türkiye. The meeting focused on the theme “Decent Housing for the Poor in the OIC Member Countries”.

The meeting open with welcoming remarks and an overview of poverty trends in OIC countries. This was followed by the presentation of a draft guide on decent housing for the poor, which provided a framework for discussion and further policy exploration.

Participants also examined lessons learned from selected case studies, which served as a basis for identifying policy options relevant to member countries. The sessions continued with the sharing of national experiences, highlighting different approaches and challenges across OIC countries.

Speakers from international institutions, municipalities, the private sector, and NGOs, emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in addressing housing challenges. Delegates also discussed the role of COMCEC Project Support Programs in strengthening cooperation and implementing practical solutions.

On the second day, delegates engaged in a policy debate session to draft a set of recommendations for submission to the upcoming 41^st COMCEC Ministerial Session. The focus remained on developing actionable strategies to improve access to decent housing for low income groups of society in OIC countries. The meeting concluded with a field visit.

The Poverty Alleviation Working Group continues to serve as a key platform under the COMCEC Strategy, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and policy coordination among Member Countries to address shared development challenges.