MESSAGE FROM TAHA AYHAN, icyf president
2021 has come and gone, and although we encountered a few bumps along the way, I am glad we pushed through the difficulties until the end. It goes without saying that none of the achievements we had during the year could have been possible without the support of the youth and needless to say, our partners with whom we worked together to organize events and programs throughout the year. As impressive as our achievements in 2021 might have been, we cannot forget that we are still battling the covid-19 pandemic, a major global crisis that has crippled economies and disrupted lives. It gives me great satisfaction to know that as rough as the year might have been, we managed to gradually switch to offline activities in line with the covid-19 protocols. Tough as the conditions we had to work under might have been, I am glad we preserved through the tough times together to fulfill the goals we set out to achieve at the beginning of the year.
The difficulties we faced this past year have served us as a reminder that we need to work closely together if we are to defeat the global pandemic that is posing not only a global health risk but also affecting access to basic services like education. The youth have been left vulnerable by the pandemic and there has never been a better time to act than now. To alleviate some of the problems facing the ummah, young entrepreneurs from the OIC region are playing a key role in restoring life to normalcy through the use of Information Communication Technology in the health and education sector by providing solutions to help keep their communities well informed and connected to the world. The pace at which our young people are embracing technology signifies a future whereby the Muslim youth transform from being passive consumers to producers of technology. By being proactive and taking the lead, we shall overcome not only the tragedies that we face today but any obstacle that shall befall us in the future.
As the new sun rises over the horizon, so shall our goals and hopes for the coming year
The lessons we have learned since the pandemic started will forever remain of great value to us. The year on the calendar might have changed but not our mission, we plan to take off into the stratosphere with the energy and enthusiasm to catapult us into the future and take us from where we are to where we want to be. This is not a dream, this is a goal, and together we shall achieve it one milestone at a time.
2021 IN A NUTSHELL
The year 2021 proved to be yet another success. As ICYF, we remained steadfast to our core values and mission despite the deterrents we faced along the way, chief among these the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic. Although most programs and events were held online in the first quarter, we gradually began to shift to offline events in line with the Covid-19 protocols laid out by health authorities.
Throughout the year ICYF has expanded its international outreach in which 33.197 youth applied for the projects, 1.358 eligible youth participants were selected to participate in ICYF initiatives. The total social media engagement of ICYF has reached 18.811.998 unique youth at the global level.
ICYF has successfully prepared its strategic plan for the year 2021 in line with the OIC youth strategy, youth resolutions, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and more importantly in the light of the problems facing youth organizations in the implementation process of our programs. Within the framework of the 2021 Strategic Plan, which is structured on the basis of the outcomes of “State of Youth in the OIC Member States” conducted by SESRIC in Cooperation with ICYF, 7 priority areas were identified to help leverage youth empowerment at the global level. These areas are recognized as the 7 ICYF pillars made in full compliance with the UN SDGs.
Under those pillars, programs, and activities, ICYF has implemented the following programs during 2021:
IMPLEMENTED PROJECTS IN 2021
COMSTECH – ICYF Essay Competition on Artificial Intelligence
This year, ICYF launched the COMSTECH – ICYF Essay Competition on Artificial Intelligence in partnership with the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the OIC (COMSTECH) on 15 February 2021.
The aim of the contest was to raise the awareness of the usage of Artificial Intelligence as a leading technology of the contemporary era and its potential in varied areas of economy and society and to further identify outstanding talent in OIC countries that have both deeper understanding as well as innovative ideas on how AI can be used to address the multitude of problems being confronted by OIC member states as well as the potential pitfalls, challenges and the rules, regulations, and guidelines, both legal and moral, that need to be considered to make the use of AI compatible with the concerns of human privacy and dignity. More than 114 applications were submitted from 22 different countries. The submissions were evaluated and 6 applicants coming from 5 different OIC member states – Turkey, Oman, Gambia, Cameroon, and Pakistan – were rewarded at the closing ceremony.
Design Post Covid Humanity – DPCH
The Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) conducted the Design Post Covid Humanity (DPCH) in cooperation with Hamad bin Khalifa University, SOGLAB (Turkey), NOBOX Lab (Morocco), UNDP, RIYADA, SILATECH, Akhlaquna, Al Sharq Youth, 34d, QMSA, and Thirst Project. DPCH is an innovative, multiplex, and blended educational space to collectively work on the new normal and the new humanity awaiting us. The program aimed at fully integrating the power of the youth in the Middle East and North Africa with a comprehensive understanding of the values of humanity in order to create a blueprint for curating sustainable change in a new age. The program took place in November 2020 up to May 2021 with 229 certified participants out of a pool of around 2000 applications participating in 10 panel sessions and 8 workshop sessions. The program ended in May with a final pitching session with the participation of investors and specialists. The successful projects awarded and involved the incubation and investment centers to be developed as professional entrepreneurs.
Youth Advocacy Program
This program was implemented in partnership with SESRIC-BINA to train Libyan Youth on advocacy and civic engagement. These eight sessions program were conducted over two weeks. 25 youth from Libya were selected for participation. Participants were engaged in the civil society in Libya and were able to design and implement civic projects for the country's benefit.
Online Introductory Session on the State of Youth Report in the OIC Member States
This session presented the outcomes of the State of Youth Report. The aim of the State of Youth Report is to examine the state of youth in the OIC member states. It starts by updating the survey with key challenges and prospects of youth well-being in the following areas; education training, employment-entrepreneurship, political-civil participation, health-mental health, cultural and value chance from previous data. To examine youth education outcomes, the report reviews such key indicators as youth literacy rates, high-school enrolment rates, and international student mobility.
Special Edition Talks
In 2021 ICYF continued to host the ministers, high-level diplomats of member states of the OIC region under the “Special Edition Talks” series. The series focused on the current issues that are affecting the globe. The youth were expected to find diplomatic solutions and innovative ways to avert crises and solve problems facing the modern world. The series aim to bring the youth closer to decision-makers and key players in diplomacy. The Special Talks Edition (STE) sessions accumulated 228.907 views and a reach of 918.383 during the program. Diplomats, academicians, and experts were among the panelists who took part in the series to help the youth get a better perspective of the real world.
Notable panelists include:
Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Munir Akram, President of ECOSOC
Altay Cengizer, President of the 40th session of the General Conference of UNESCO
Anar Karimov, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan
International Online Conference: A Glimpse into the Future Through the Pain of Khojaly
The Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) alongside its Eurasian Regional Center (ICYF-ERC), Subjective Values Foundation, and Budapest Centre for the International Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities organized the Glimpse into the Future Through the Pain of Khojaly International Conference with the goal of raising awareness and shed the light on the forgotten victims of the genocide. In addition, draw the world’s attention to the Armenian atrocities, bring hope for a better future for the Azerbaijani people and the affected families, and remind the world of the importance of peace, justice, and respect for international laws. The Zoom-powered video conference was held as a two-panel event on 25 February 2021.
MOIC Women’s forum: Inspiring Women to Meet Post-Covid-19 Challenges in the OIC Region
On Women's Day, the ICYF organized a panel session with Model OIC Country Coordinators to address the women's challenges in the OIC region to highlight the struggles of women in the OIC region, promoting successful stories in the region, remembering the significance of the day, celebrating with the Model OIC Network, and encouraging more young women to take part in social activities. At this event, different stories were shared from various aspects of the OIC geography. According to their country of origin, speakers highlighted the specific problems they encountered. Many common issues were identified in addition to the possible role of ICYF.
Virtual Workshop on Documentary Filmmaking with AlJazeera
In cooperation with Al Jazeera Media Institute, The ICYF organized the Virtual Workshop on Documentary Filmmaking". The workshop aimed to provide young participants with the basic knowledge of documentary filmmaking, make professional and creative documentaries, and strengthen youth media participation in diverse communities. Twenty-three applicants representing 43 OIC Member States countries were selected out of 400.
DESIGN POST-COVID HUMANITY AHD
Design Post Covid Humanity Initiative was organized to engage the Youth for a collective pledge. The 2-days program includes keynote speeches made by academics, youth leaders, facilitators, digital world cafe sessions, short talks by young innovators and entrepreneurs, and other surprises. Additionally, the digital world cafe session, short talks by inspiring young innovators and entrepreneurs, and various other surprising activities were presented.
YOUNG MUSLIM WOMEN SUMMIT
YOUNG MUSLIM WOMEN SUMMIT
The Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) held the Young Muslim Women Summit which brought aspiring young women leaders together with women leaders in the fields of sport, technology, science, and media. The virtual summit created a bridge between the two worlds to inspire young Muslim women to achieve higher outcomes by being proactive members in their respected societies and by leading the post Covid-19 world at all levels of development. The summit started with an opening ceremony that was also an ECOSOC side event streamed live to thousands of youth worldwide. The event aimed at engineering new codes of success for Young Muslim Women across different sectors and cultures. The main objectives of the event were to engage Muslim young females around the world with role models to further enrich effective interaction and engagement on current and future issues whilst responding to the arising needs and problems resulting from the Post Covid-19. Furthermore, to support young women's entrepreneurial innovation and leadership and to echo the voices of community role models on a broader global scene, and to promote female youth participating in decision-making roles.
The program received more than 700 applications with 80 selected and certified young leaders, professionals, volunteers, and experts, national and youth organization representatives from 56 OIC Member States.
The event had over 424,912 views, 102,330 engagements, 902,853 impressions, and a reach of 1,035,949 across our social media accounts
ICYF 3rd Ramadan Contest
The Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) organized the ICYF Ramadan Contest during the holy month of Ramadan. Under the theme “Traditions & Customs” this year’s edition of the contest wanted to provide a platform for the youth to show their local customs and traditions in the blessed month of Ramadan. The contest was divided into three categories and applicants were asked to share how they spend Ramadan within the context of their culture and locality. The program’s aim was to give opportunities to a new generation of young talented artists to participate in the ICYF Ramadan Contest. The Contest sought to bring together creative youth from the OIC region and beyond through sharing Islamic tradition and culture during the holy month.
Heritage Minutes Short Video Contest
The Contest aimed to highlight and emphasize the Islamic legacy among Youth through its heritage and re-imagine a prosperous future through the eyes of Youth. The program was designed to encourage Youth to creatively represent the beauty and depth of Islamic legacies using and exhibiting the salient features and virtues of Islamic heritage and its role in developing civilization. It also sought to promote youth awareness about Muslim intellectual contributions and their significance to Islamic heritage, including science, cultural exchange, and the development of global civilizations. One hundred four applications were received from different OIC regions (Asia - Europe- Africa). The program was organized with IRCICA, SESRIC, Aljazeera Media Network, TRT World, and the Islamic Risala Scout Association. The training draw the attention of 104 applicants of whom 35 were shortlisted and 10 finalists with 5 winners. The 35 videos of the participants are broadcasted on our YouTube channel.
Watch the Award Ceremony
The International Webinar to Highlight Human Rights Violations in Palestine
The ICYF held the 'International Webinar to Highlight Human Rights Violations in Palestine,' with high-level dignitaries, representatives, and participants, all standing in solidarity with the people of Palestine. This virtual event was live-streamed on all ICYF's social media channels and seen by thousands from over 90 countries and territories around the globe. In the webinar, Young people were invited to sign the declaration on Palestine to show their support and solidarity for Palestinians. The declaration ensured that the Muslim Youth were involved in current social causes and standing together for good.
Bevol First International Conference
Bevol First International Conference organized by Bevol, ICYF, Kuwait Humanitarian Excellence, International Association for Volunteer Effort under the title of "Development of Volunteering in Universities that Foresee the Future and Find Alternatives." The Conference brought diverse youth participants and experts from the university and social entrepreneurship clubs to learn about outstanding community initiatives, share the best volunteering experiences, and exchange ideas. Participants also discussed the latest innovative programs and technologies for volunteering and community leaders worldwide, aiming to show the extent of their impact on the lives of individuals and communities. The Conference received 860 applications and certificated 48 participants from different countries.
Art, A Universal Language
In partnership with the Islamic Risala Scout Association (IRSA), ICYF implemented this program which consisted of different training projects. This program took place from 26 July 2021 until 30 October 2021. The program was combined with various arts and craft activities that developed a sense of achievement and pride in Youth and boosted self-confidence. The opportunity to create whatever the youth desires help foster creativity. The participants learned to make correct and effective decisions by facing and solving artistic challenges. To acquire manufacturing skills and work on developing ideas in creative ways. The program targeted 84 participants. This program aimed to enhance their sense of artistic and aesthetic taste, appropriately directing the energies of participants with a conscious social personality and their ability to highlight their ideas through drawing.
The ICYF, in partnership with the Turkish Red Crescent, Green Crescent, Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Türkiye, executed ICYF Young Volunteers Camp under the four essential pillars: Climate Change, Volunteering Management in Humanitarian Crises, Youth Migration, Health and Dependence, and addiction. The Camp program hosted diverse speakers and experts' profiles from Red Crescent, Green Crescent, and young facilitators.
The program took place over 12 days involved seminars, project cycle management training sessions, informal education, and extracurricular activities, including archery, swimming, survival, and biking. The Camp targeted designing the proper framework of a volunteering training program during any crisis as a long-term solution and promoting the human rights of volunteers during humanitarian crises with civic and human rights education. It also aimed to raise awareness of Youth on the universal values of volunteerism and enable participants to improve themselves in project preparation for various funding sources and project cycle management.
A total of 13.000 applications were received from 134 countries from which a total of 120 selected participants were picked.
Youth Engagement with Religion and Faith in the 21st Century
This initiative ended on a high note, allowing partners and contributors to take on active roles and engage by presenting their work. Participation ranges from keynote addresses to lightning talk-style presentations, poster board foyer sessions, and interactive programs, emphasizing physical engagement for the Youth of all ability levels. ICYF partnered with Religions for Peace, Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), The International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), The Research Centre for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA), Harvard Divinity School, and Yale Divinity School; Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology, Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University and the Royal University of Santo Tomas amongst others. The papers will be published in an academic journal that collates the academic, artistic, and imaginative insight on and of young people as they relate to and express religion and faith in the 21st Century. The publication will be co-edited and co-published between Religions for Peace and the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum and launched at the Religions for Peace 1st Assembly on Youth, Faith, and Diplomacy for international dissemination.
The Kick Off the Call for Youth Global Action on Islamophobia
For the first time on a high scale, ICYF called for a Youth Global declaration on Islamophobia and called to all governments and international organizations to join the action by giving attention and joining the global action in global platforms, building on the efforts of OIC and IHPRC on countering Islamophobia from youth perspective only. ICYF started leading youth global action on Islamophobia because ICYF represents the youth OIC regions and beyond. The Youth Global Action on islamophobia will be registered as an ICYF brand. The event was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Turkey, the Minister of Youth of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the General Secretariat of OIC, and IHPRC to cover aspects of human rights of the calling for global action and its implications. It consisted of a high-level panel on the efforts of OIC and its institutions to counter islamophobia and the importance of global youth action by youth from the human rights perspective. In partnership with some of our member institutions, Islamic Risala scout Association, YAN Pakistan, Youth in Action Djibouti, Institute of Sustainable Development and Cooperation, and Hurriyet Adalet Genclik Dernigi, the panel was followed by three roundtable discussions to address related questions, the role of governments, youth institutions, and the outcome and the recommendations were published and shared as a final communique. This event will be followed by other events from institutions committed to joining the Global Youth Action by ICYF and partners.
Inspiring Stories Series
Young entrepreneurs play a key role in the economic environment of their society considering their contribution to regional development with their solutions of concrete problems and their contribution to the job market. It is crucial to support young entrepreneurs to present their potential and step forward. This program aims to inspire young people to develop their ideas into start-ups and encourage them to keep on with their ideas by hearing successful start-up stories. In this way, successful start-up projects of ICYF will be introduced to a large group of people which will contribute to the prestige of ICYF, YBH, and contribute to its reputation.
This series of sessions looked for supporting the economic empowerment of the OIC countries by inspiring young entrepreneur candidates to start their businesses. 30 participants were selected from 45 OIC Countries from the total applications of 135. The program consisted of 9-panel sessions. As a successful outcome, different inspiring entrepreneurship stories have been shared with young people.
My Country Our Voice Series
ICYF held the first edition of its international competition “My Country Our Voice” on 29-30 May 2021. MOIC’ers from seven countries presented their country’s glorious historical and cultural background under three categories. More than a hundred MOIC’ers joined the event via the Zoom platform and the event was live-streamed across ICYF’s social media channels. For the first time in the history of the Model OIC project, this initiative highlighted the cultural and historical diversity and civilization of the OIC Member States.
THE 4TH DIPLOMACY ACADEMY
The Diplomacy Academy is designed by the ICYF to improve the diplomatic skills of the youth and enlarge their visions regarding global issues. The Academy gathers official representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations, diplomats, politicians, university representatives, journalists, and academicians to deliver seminars in the best possible way for the students. Each participant who fulfills the participation criteria is traditionally granted a Certificate at the end of the Academy. Since 2019, ICYF successfully launched three Diplomacy Academy programs and the 4th Diplomacy Academy this year received two thousand applications from 83 different countries. It has lasted for 7 weeks in total, with 6 weeks of seminars and 1 round table session with 1000 young volunteers. The Academy started with the esteemed participation of H.E Ibrahim Kalın, the Presidential Spokesperson of the Republic of Turkey on 11 June 2021 on the Zoom platform and the event live-streamed on official ICYF channels.
Notable Speakers:
- H.E Ibrahim Kalın, the Presidential Spokesperson of the Republic of Turkey
- H.E. Husam Zamlot, Head of Palestinian Mission to the UK
- H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, and Prof. Azza Karam, Secretary-General of Religions for Peace International
- Dr. Ravza KAVAKCI KAN, Inter-Parliamentary Union Turkish Group President, Member of Parliament for Istanbul and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey
- H.E. Elnur Aliyev, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
- H.E. Amb. Nassima Baghli, Permanent Representative of the OIC to the UN Mission in Geneva & H.E. Amb. Ismat Jahan, Permanent Representative of the OIC to the European Union
East Mediterranean Webinars
The East Mediterranean Webinars were organized to enhance participants' vision on the foreign policies of the East Mediterranean countries. Four distinguished experts in international security, international relations, and diplomacy contributed to the four weeks of the webinar series.
Guest Speakers:
- Dr. İsmail ŞAHİN / Faculty Member of Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University
- Murat Aslan / Faculty Member of Hasan Kalyoncu University
- Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akif KİREÇÇİ / Faculty Member of Ankara Social Sciences University
ICYF Essay Competition "Youth in the face of Conflict, Violence and Global challenges in Post COVID-19 Era"
Youth are surrounded by challenging cultural, technological, socio-economic, and political environments and thus with complex opportunities and problems across the OIC member states geography. As the umbrella for youth organizations in the Muslim world and intergovernmental organizations, ICYF plays an active role in building the youth capacity for the prevention and resolution of conflict in the OIC Member States and beyond while helping reduce the repercussions of conflicts on youth and their respective communities, especially when conflict continues to cause a significant negative impact on vulnerable groups including youth. This essay competition aimed to generate a shared understanding of the current context of tension and conflict, supporting the production of relevant creative and innovative approaches and strategies, especially in the Post-Covid Era. Overall, 134 individuals have applied to the Competition. Winning essays received different monetary awards and publication opportunities on ICYF E-Magazine.
Russia OIC International Youth Camp
The Camp was dedicated to developing youth workers' project management skills, including discovering the Tatar culture, gaining new knowledge from experts in various fields, and developing projects that they can implement in their countries. The "Russia OIC International Youth Camp" was organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs of the Russian Federation, the ICYF, Youth Public Foundation of the Republic of Tatarstan "SELET," Project Office for International Youth Cooperation "Russia – OIC between 27 September until 3 October 2021 in Kazan, Tatarstan. The camp program included meetings with the expert community, group sessions, and a Masterclass in "Marketing, Promotion," "Project Management," and "Storytelling & presentation. 100 young people participated from 18 OIC countries (Azerbaijan, Albania, Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Tunisia, Indonesia, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina) and the Russian Federation.
BALKAN Youth Forum
The ICYF organized the first-ever "BALKAN YOUTH FORUM: Balkan Youth and The Future of Dialogue, Cooperation and Sustainability" in partnership with the Centre for Social Activism, Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organization, and Vizioni-M Skopje on 28-30 September 2021, virtually. The Balkan Youth Forum aimed at promoting effective dialogue among Balkan youth leaders and activists and other stakeholders on the role of youth in building peace, cooperation, and development.
The Forum provided a new platform for the Balkan Youth to raise their voice, point out their needs, and find the necessary support for their ideas and actions. It also supported new projects and partnerships with a particular focus on the betterment of the conditions of Balkan Youth and their relevant implications for ensuring harmony, tolerance, solidarity, and cooperation in the region.
As an output, the partners declared their willingness to design future forums and initiatives to be implemented to continue the Balkan Youth Forum. The Forum built a bridge with policymakers on youth issues in the region. 74 young people attended from 30 different Balkan countries and the OIC region.
ICYF Media Training Camp
The ICYF 6th edition of Online Media Training Program 2021 with the theme of Young Citizen Reporters – Unfolding the Voice of Communities achieved its target to bring together and integrate young journalists and develop their skills in new media and citizen journalism. The Training Programme was implemented in cooperation with Anadolu Agency and Al Jazeera to build their capacities to tell extraordinary stories and be their community's authentic voices using common tools in their possessions. The Selection Committee selected 60 best participants from 29 countries. Since 2016, the ICYF has been organizing ``the Media Capacity Building Youth Camp" under the framework of the OIC Foreign Ministers Council and the OIC Youth and Sports Ministerial Conference's decisions in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic Turkey.
Agricultural Projects for Lebanon Scout Association, 2021, Ongoing
The ICYF, in coordination with the Lebanon Scout Association, initiated a training program on vegetable production in greenhouses, cultivated mushroom production, fruits, and vegetable drying to train Youth to produce their daily needs and necessities.
The Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) of the Republic of Azerbaijan jointly organized "Azerbaijan Investment & Culture Summit" under the patronage of the Ministries of Economy and Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 27-29, 2021, in Baku, Azerbaijan, under the theme "Toward Enhancing Intra-OIC Investment Opportunities: Investment to Sustain Peace and Development in Karabakh".
The Summit was a good opportunity for decision-makers, investors and start-ups to network among themselves and with the rest of the world, and also to identify investment and cross-border opportunities allowing for increased intra-OIC investments flows while speeding up regional integration.
The Summit hosted 350 guests from 46 countries including ministers, deputy ministers, VIPs, high-level private and government executives, rectors, academicians, the domestic and foreign press. Global investors with a fund size of more than 500 million dollars directly contacted Azerbaijani start-ups and accelerators through the Summit. 170 online and 150 offline meetings were held during the Summit between the start-ups, VCs, and angel investors. In conclusion, the Ministry for Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan organized a cultural visit to Karabakh (Shusha-Fuzuli-Ganja) for the participants of the Summit.
Take-off International Startup Summit
International Startup Summit, an international entrepreneurship event implemented within the context of ICYF initiated Young Business Hub Startup platform Project, organized in cooperation with the T3 Foundation, the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Investment Office, and with the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye held in Istanbul on the sidelines of Teknofest Aerospace and Technology Festival.
During the event, Young Entrepreneurs from 56 countries received high-end training in critical tools of innovations and a skills-based approach towards entrepreneurship. Furthermore, selected Startups came together with the chosen investors in two-day long investment pitching sessions and established effective partnerships.
International Youth Festival of Modern Muslim Culture
The international festival was dedicated to developing multilateral cooperation between the Youth of Russia and the OIC countries. The 5-day festival program included workshops in different distinctive areas, meetings with cultural leaders, networking, and cultural exchange between participants. The program included workshops and lectures held by significant experts in various fields such as theater, original genre, music, choreography, fine arts, and cinema. The festival was organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs of Russian Federation, the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad, the International Humanitarian Cooperation, the ICYF, and the ICYF-ER in Kazan, Tatarstan. The total applications for this festival were 100; 65 applicants from the regions of Russia and 35 applicants from different OIC countries
Challenge & Innovation Forum, Doha
In partnership with Ministry of Youth Sports of the State of Qatar, Qatar University, Qatar Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Foundation, Focal Point Middle East, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Invention Intellectual Property Associations, Qatar General Electricity & Water Cooperation, Qatar Development Bank, ICYF executed the "Challenge and Innovation Forum" in Doha, Qatar. The Forum was a unique program that included several competitions, events, and interactive scientific programs to motivate and encourage all segments of the young international inventors. The Forum evaluated inventions that reflected the role of research, development, and innovation in achieving a knowledge-based economy. The Forum applied the strategy to promote the culture of innovative entrepreneurship & creativity, which were used as incubators and accelerators of emerging innovation. The Forum consisted of individual invention and group hackathon competitions. It included various programs such as "Future Scientists Exhibition, International Organizations for the Protection of the Intellectual Property and Patent, Workshops on Technology, Technology Fairs, Interactive Intelligence Exhibition, Entertaining Activities, and Launching of the Makerspace in the Qatar Scientific Club." 120 young inventors were selected from 38 Countries around the world
ICYF-COMCEC Istanbul Business School
The Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) in partnership with the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) inaugurated Istanbul Business School (IBS) which creates an open-minded learning environment that brings together people, cultures, and ideas from around the world, to transform individuals and organizations through management education. Through teaching, we can develop responsible, thoughtful, equipped, and motivated leaders and entrepreneurs who create value for their organizations and their communities.
The business school aims to produce highly skilled managers and businesspeople in the OIC region with the hopes of contributing to the further development of the region and Muslim minority countries. The opening lecture of the Istanbul Business School (IBS) was delivered on the 25th of November 2021 in Istanbul alongside the 37th Ministerial Session of the COMCEC.
YBH STARTUP ECOSYSTEM TALKS
Start-up ecosystems are springing up in all corners of the world. There are ambitious founders and creative start-up teams everywhere, keen to find unique ways to find a great product-market fit and solve the world’s problems. In order to reveal the corporate identity of ICYF and YBH, Start-up Ecosystem Talk will successfully promote the institution in every aspect. One of the essential roles of ICYF is to promote the young entrepreneurial ecosystem realities and facts of one OIC country to another. With this program, the countries will promote their local start-up ecosystem and have an opportunity to introduce it to all OIC Member States and beyond very closely and attract potential investors and start-ups who are willing to realize their innovative projects and ideas in that country.
In the first session of these series, Pakistan was chosen because of its huge development seen in 2021. This is the year, Pakistani startups arrived on the global stage. Over 50 startups have raised a combined $325M+ in venture capital already this year from some of the top investors and operators in the world. In this context, Mr. Arzish Azam, advisor to Federal Minister for Science & Technology of the Government of Pakistan as moderator, Ms. Shehab Farrukh Niazi, Founder and CEO of Trailblazer and Mr. Salaal Hassan, Director-Venture Capital at JS Group as esteemed guests of the program shared their deep experience regarding startup ecosystem of Pakistan with the audience.
DHAKA OIC YOUTH CAPITAL PROGRAM
Dhaka OYC 2020-2021 Quran Recitation Competition
To further enhance the practice and study of the Holy Qur'an Karim among the Muslim Youth, Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020 arranged the International Youth Qirat Competition. This virtual program was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Youth & Sports, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and held under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the supervision of the Government of Bangladesh. The goal was to foster and nurture appreciation and love for the Holy Qur'an in the hearts and minds of Youth, to encourage them to read and recite the Qur'an while highlighting the efforts of Bangladesh in the service of the Qur'an. Three hundred seventy-five applications were received; 3 participants from regional and 3 participants final round were selected.
Dhaka OYC 2020-2021 Bangabandhu Youth Art Competition
The Youth Art Competition 2020 is particularly important in the COVID-19 and post-COVID recovery and reconstruction of an equitable global economic order. It emphasizes on the leadership, vision, ideation and imagination of the youth for constructing an innovative, resilient, and inclusive narrative to ensure a leadership position in the affairs of the world. The event is among the ten mega events planned to celebrate the Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020. The event was organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh in association with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. The initiative aimed at harnessing and showcasing the creativity of the youth and encourage more youth across the globe to learn and explore art and culture. The event received 372 applications out of whom 18 winners (3 from 6 regions). The profile of the participants were; Bangladesh (221), Asia (85), Africa (13), Europe & Australia (6), Middle East (46), North & South America (1).
Dhaka OYC 2020-2021 OIC Knowledge Master
This online "OIC Knowledge Master" quiz competition was for Youth to meet the challenges of the Covid-19 and acquire constructive thinking and skills. As part of the Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020 Mega Event, the "OIC Knowledge Master" aimed to showcase the knowledge and skills of Youth and inspire them to connect with the Youth of other countries to build a vibrant and sustainable future for all. The program helped young participants improve or expand their knowledge of things and promote the history and diverse cultures of Bangladesh and the nations from the OIC region and beyond while providing global Youth with the opportunity to learn about the life of Bangabandhu.
Dhaka OYC 2020-2021 Film Contest
In partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Information, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, and The CYF announced the call for application for the film festival issued by the hosts of the "Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020" International Programme. The Contest's objective was to bring together young filmmakers living in OIC geography and beyond Muslim communities, expand and value short films, highlighting the need for short cinema in Muslim countries while supporting the production of short films. The Contest was held online in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The participants submitted their documentary films entries. The Contest received 223 applications in 7 different regions (Bangladesh, Asia, Africa, Europe & Australia, North & South America, Middle East, Others).
Dhaka OYC 2020-2021 Scout Conference for Sustainable Development
In partnership with Bangladesh Government, and Bangladesh Scouts, ICYF organized the Scout Conference for Sustainable Development which was another initiative of the Dhaka OYC 2020-2021. The objectives of the initiative were to enlighten the Youth Community about the positive changes in the environment due to the pandemic, bringing the scouts of the OIC nations and Non-OIC Muslim Communities together to come up with sustainable solutions regarding the environment. Moreover, bring awareness to the scout about the importance of living harmoniously with the environment, giving the participants a sense of what can be done on an individual level to change the environment for the better. The event took place from 27-31 May 2021 with around 502 applications received out of which 9 were awarded.
Dhaka OYC 2020-2021 Entrepreneurship Skills & Employment Camp
In partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Bangladesh, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, and Department of Youth Development, ICYF organized the Entrepreneurship Skills & Employment Camp with an aim to create a platform to bring together IT start-ups and potential youth for job market from Bangladesh and the other OIC Member States, investors, mentors, founders, governmental authorities, international institutions, ecosystem influencer, and sectoral partners within OIC global network. By training pre-seed/seed/early-stage start-ups, ESEC increased their knowledge on the market, business model, and enhanced their presentation, management, and networking skills. The objectives of the program were to train the youth according to their needs, to provide professional guidance, to create global connections, and improve decision-making skills. In addition, to provide necessary training to improve employability skills. The event hosted 301 young entrepreneurs from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and European countries. The training program took place from 19 May 2021 to 3 June 2021 with a total number of 20 sessions.
The Minister for the Planning Ministry of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Mr. M. A. Mannan MP was present as the chief guest at the closing ceremony together with State Minister for the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel MP. The President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) Mr. Taha Ayhan joined the event as the guest of Honor.
The winners of this competition were declared in this closing ceremony. Mr. Imran Fahad from Bangladesh was the champion of this competition for his start-up Inspiring Bangladesh, Mr. Albarasneh Ali from Jordan was the 1st Runner-up of this competition for his start-up Posthub, Mr. Mohammad Naufal from Indonesia was the 2nd Runner-up of this competition for his start-up Carbon Addons.
Dhaka OYC 2020-2021 Sheik Hasina Youth Voluntary Awards
Under the umbrella of the Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh organized the Dhaka Sheik Hasina Youth Voluntary Awards event to recognize the Indomitable Spirit shown by the Young Volunteers across the globe in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, to appreciate the great resistance Bangladesh has shown in their successful fight against the COVID-19 pandemic under the prudent and visionary leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and to encourage more youth across the globe to take part in voluntary and humanitarian activities and to give the young volunteers an opportunity to compete and make connections with their global counterparts in addition to giving the young volunteers mentorship opportunity where they will get to learn from the leaders. By the end of the virtual program, five winners out of a pool of 366 applications selected to receive a monetary prize besides a Trophy and a sponsored trip to Bangladesh to physically attend the Gala Closing Ceremony.
Bangabandhu-Dhaka International Debate Fest for the OIC Youth
As one of Dhaka's yearlong activities, ICYF implemented the OIC Youth Capital Debate Championship in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The Competition was titled "Bangabandhu-Dhaka International Debate Fest for OIC Youth (BDIDF)." The Championship targeted young people aged 18-35 and interested in learning the art of policy debate, developing political leadership skills, debating pressing community issues, and increasing their capacity to contribute to policy reform on the local and national level. The interscholastic competitive debate promoted self-expression, cultural understanding, academic exchange, critical thinking, tolerance, and civic discourse. The Championship consisted of 30 sessions and with total applications of 250 from 20 different OIC members states.
Dhaka OYC 2020-2021 Bangabandhu Global Youth Leadership Award
As Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020 activities continue, ICYF, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, implemented the Global Youth Leadership Award to recognize young leaders in the fields of Innovation, Climate Response, Humanitarianism, Sports, Culture and Art, and Entrepreneurship. The award was designed to emphasize the efforts and contributions of young leaders and highlight those as role models to encourage and welcome more young leaders for future generations and better societies.
The award was dedicated to the life story of Bangabandhu and Bangabandhu's ideals, leadership to provide a sense to the Youth worldwide about the significance of their roles for a better world. 5 young leaders were awarded.
The Ceremony hosted the Honorable President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, His Excellency Md. Abdul Hamid virtually. The Ceremony also hosted the Minister of Youth and Sports, H.E. Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel, and. Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E Dr. A K Abdul Momen, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment of the Government of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Ahmed Mahloof, the Minister of Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, H.E Timur Suleymanov who joined virtually, the President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), H.E. Taha Ayhan, and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Youth and Sports, Abdullah Al Islam Jakob, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Md. Akhter Hossain psychically as Special Guests.
