NEW YORK — On September 25, 2009, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) observed the 40th anniversary of its establishment with an international reception in New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel. On hand to celebrate the occasion was U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as well as heads of states, prime ministers, cabinet ministers, diplomats and members of the media.

Among the guests was Sada Cumber, founder and chairman of the Alhambra-U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Cumber, who is also the former U.S. Special Envoy to the OIC, said it was an important event for the OIC and for the international community more generally, “A fortieth anniversary is a significant milestone. In four decades, the OIC has carved out a niche for itself as a voice for 57 nations and 1.5 billion people, even as it continues to grow and evolve.”

From its 1969 origins in a conference in Rabat, Morocco, the OIC has expanded to become the world’s second largest international governmental organization, after only the United Nations. It has emerging as an increasingly important forum and voice for the world’s Muslim-majority nations.

Speaking at the event, OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu called the event, “probably … the most significant development in the contemporary history of the Muslim world.”

The gathering was also an opportunity for OIC officials and guests to set forth their visions for the organization’s future. Secretary General Ihsanoglu said the OIC is striving to build a new vision by “merging the rich heritage of the past with the positive aspects of the present and future.”

Cumber was among those sharing their thoughts on the organization’s present and future, “It was a great honor and opportunity to represent the United States in its dealing with a fascinating and important organization like the OIC. I look forward to seeing where it goes in next forty years.”