About OIC Youth Capital
The OIC Youth Capital International Programme was initiated by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), an international institution affiliated to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), at its 2nd General Assembly held on 9-11 October 2014 in Istanbul, Türkiye and approved by the 42nd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) held on 27-28 May 2015 in Kuwait. [OIC CFM Res. No.: 8/42-C (b)]. Recently, the 15th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, which is the supreme authority of the OIC, held on 4-5 May 2024 in Banjul, The Gambia, has commended the ICYF due to its successful projects such as the OIC Youth Capital International Programme [Final Communiqué, para. 181].
The OIC region consists of more than 1.6 billion Muslims and one third of it is constituted by youth. The main raison d’être of the OIC Youth Capital International Programme is to provide a yearlong stage to foster cooperation among the Member States in the field of youth policy as well as enhance Muslim youth solidarity, fostering inter-cultural diversity and the spirit of “unity” of youth from the OIC geography through various activities. The Programme is envisaged to encompass a chain of activities and events in the field of culture, academic life, youth leadership, entertainment, sports (e-games/e-sports), and youth capacity building within the understanding that the interests and benefits of Muslim youth are celebrated all year long.
Main Aims of OIC Youth Capital International Programme
- To contribute to the development of youth work and youth policies in the OIC Member States;
- To establish a vibrant space where Muslim youth can come together, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen their sense of solidarity;
- To create a learning environment for the youth with different cultural and geographical backgrounds through enhanced cooperation;
- To provide a platform for the Muslim youth to introduce and promote their cultures and traditions innovatively and creatively;
- To promote the active citizenship of Muslim youth from various parts of the world that has different cultures but common values;
- To strengthen the brotherly ties and promote the spirit of unity;
- To promote active youth participation through social, cultural, artistic, and academic activities.