The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) honored Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) and president of the Board of Trustees of Alwaleed bin Talal Foundation, for his humanitarian contributions and philanthropic efforts in the Islamic world.

“My pride and my honor at this expression of appreciation stem from the fact that the IOC represents 57 Islamic states that are covered by our development programs. Being honored personally by the OIC is a tribute to the Alwaleed Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation, whose activities span more than 80 countries worldwide, including OIC member states,” said Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.

The prince said that the goals of his organization intersects with many of the IOC’s goals. “There is common ground between us and we share many similarities.”

Our contribution to the success of the local and global economy through business and investment projects fulfills one of two wings of development, the second being contribution to charitable and humanitarian works. Both wings are necessary for success, said the prince.

“We also realize that the emergence of voluntary work in any society and the keenness of businessmen to perform their social responsibilities, along with their role in economic development, reflect the maturity and civilization of this society,” he added.

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, OIC secretary general, highlighted the role of Prince Alwaleed in humanitarian and social domains and said: “KHC is a symbol for value-governed institutions that believe in serving human beings regardless of race or field of work.”