OIC and Saudi Arabia Organize Virtual Seminar on Youth Partnerships

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, convened a virtual interactive seminar on September 19, 2024, to commemorate OIC Youth Day under the theme “Achieving OIC Goals and Sustainable Development through Strengthening Youth Partnerships.” The event gathered representatives from OIC member countries, OIC bodies and institutions, and partner organizations to explore avenues for enhancing effective partnerships that contribute to the full realization of the OIC’s objectives and sustainable development. Saudi Arabia is currently chairing the 5th Session of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers, underscoring its leadership role in advancing youth and sports initiatives across the Islamic world.

Context and Background

The OIC, a major intergovernmental organization comprising 57 member states, has long prioritized youth development as a cornerstone of its mission to promote unity, solidarity, and sustainable development. OIC Youth Day, observed annually, serves as a platform to highlight the contributions of young people and to foster collaboration among member nations. This year’s virtual seminar reflects the growing importance of digital engagement in facilitating dialogue and cooperation, especially in a post-pandemic world where virtual platforms have become essential tools for international diplomacy and capacity-building.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport, led by its dedicated team, has been instrumental in steering the 5th Session of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers. The Kingdom’s active involvement aligns with its broader commitment to empowering youth, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance the quality of life for all citizens, with a particular focus on nurturing the potential of the younger generation.

Key Details

During the seminar, Ambassador Tariq Ali Bakheet, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Social, and Cultural Affairs at the OIC, delivered the General Secretariat’s address. He emphasized that the seminar provides a valuable opportunity for participants from member countries, OIC bodies and institutions, and partner organizations to discuss ways to strengthen effective partnerships. Ambassador Bakheet highlighted how such partnerships can contribute to fully achieving the OIC’s goals and sustainable development, noting the critical role of youth as agents of change.

Ahmed Al-Ghamlas, Assistant Deputy Minister for Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Sport and Chairman of the seminar, also delivered a speech. He recommended that the Youth and Sports Department at the OIC coordinate efforts to explore the possibility of member countries and relevant institutions developing an executive program. This program would lead to a calendar of activities designed to benefit youth across the Islamic world. Al-Ghamlas’s proposal underscores the need for structured, ongoing collaboration to translate dialogue into tangible outcomes.

The seminar featured interactive discussions among participants, who shared best practices and innovative ideas for youth engagement. Topics included education, entrepreneurship, sports, and cultural exchange, all aimed at fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective action. The outcomes of the seminar are expected to inform future OIC initiatives and strengthen the network of youth-focused partnerships.

Implications and Impact

The virtual seminar represents a significant step forward in OIC’s efforts to harness the potential of youth across its member states. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event facilitated the exchange of knowledge and the development of strategies that can be adapted to local contexts. The emphasis on partnerships highlights the recognition that sustainable development requires coordinated action across sectors and borders.

For Saudi Arabia, hosting and co-organizing the seminar reinforces its position as a leader in youth empowerment and international cooperation. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Sport has been at the forefront of initiatives that promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and youth leadership, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030. The seminar also complements Saudi Arabia’s broader diplomatic efforts to foster unity and collaboration within the Islamic world, as evidenced by its chairmanship of the 5th Session of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers.

The proposed executive program and activity calendar, if implemented, could serve as a model for other regions and organizations, demonstrating the value of structured, long-term planning in youth development. It also signals a commitment to moving beyond rhetoric to concrete action, ensuring that youth partnerships yield measurable benefits.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Vision 2030 places youth at the heart of its transformative agenda, recognizing that the Kingdom’s future prosperity depends on the active engagement and empowerment of its young population. The seminar’s focus on strengthening youth partnerships directly supports Vision 2030 objectives, including the development of a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. By collaborating with the OIC and other international partners, Saudi Arabia is not only advancing its own goals but also contributing to the sustainable development of the wider Islamic world. As the Kingdom continues to lead in this domain, its efforts will undoubtedly inspire further cooperation and innovation, driving progress toward a brighter future for all.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the theme of the OIC Youth Day seminar?

A1. The theme was “Achieving OIC Goals and Sustainable Development through Strengthening Youth Partnerships.” It focused on enhancing collaboration among member countries to empower youth and advance sustainable development across the Islamic world.

Q2. Who organized the virtual seminar?

A2. The seminar was organized by the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport, which chairs the 5th Session of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers.

Q3. When did the seminar take place?

A3. The virtual interactive seminar took place on September 19, 2024, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency. It was held virtually to accommodate participants from various countries and organizations.

Q4. Who delivered the General Secretariat’s address?

A4. Ambassador Tariq Ali Bakheet, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Social, and Cultural Affairs at the OIC, delivered the address. He emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving OIC goals and sustainable development.

Q5. Who chaired the seminar?

A5. Ahmed Al-Ghamlas, Assistant Deputy Minister for Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Sport, chaired the seminar. He also recommended developing an executive program for youth activities across the Islamic world.

Q6. What is OIC Youth Day?

A6. OIC Youth Day is an annual observance that celebrates the contributions of young people and promotes youth development within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s member states. It serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

Q7. What did Ambassador Bakheet highlight in his speech?

A7. Ambassador Bakheet highlighted that the seminar provides a valuable opportunity for participants to discuss strengthening effective partnerships that contribute to achieving OIC goals and sustainable development, with youth as key agents of change.

Q8. What recommendation did Ahmed Al-Ghamlas make?

A8. Al-Ghamlas recommended that the OIC’s Youth and Sports Department coordinate efforts to explore the possibility of member countries and institutions developing an executive program, leading to a calendar of activities benefiting youth.

Q9. How does Saudi Arabia’s role in the seminar reflect its commitment to youth?

A9. Saudi Arabia’s co-organization of the seminar and its chairmanship of the 5th Session demonstrate its dedication to youth empowerment, a core aspect of Vision 2030, which aims to nurture young talent and promote global cooperation.

Q10. What is the significance of the seminar being virtual?

A10. The virtual format allowed broader participation from member countries and organizations, overcoming geographical barriers and facilitating real-time dialogue. It reflects the OIC’s adaptability and use of digital tools for international cooperation.

Q11. Which entities participated in the seminar?

A11. Participants included representatives from OIC member countries, OIC bodies and institutions, and partner organizations. Their diverse perspectives enriched discussions on youth partnerships and sustainable development strategies.

Q12. What are the expected outcomes of the seminar?

A12. The seminar is expected to inform future OIC initiatives, strengthen youth-focused partnerships, and potentially lead to an executive program and activity calendar. These outcomes aim to translate dialogue into tangible benefits for youth.

Q13. How does the seminar align with the OIC’s overall mission?

A13. The seminar aligns with the OIC’s mission to promote solidarity, cooperation, and sustainable development among member states. By focusing on youth, it addresses a critical demographic and fosters long-term progress.

Q14. What role does the Ministry of Sport play in youth development in Saudi Arabia?

A14. The Ministry of Sport promotes physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and youth leadership through various programs. It supports Vision 2030 by empowering young people and enhancing their participation in sports and community life.

Q15. How can youth partnerships contribute to sustainable development?

A15. Youth partnerships foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and social cohesion by engaging young people in decision-making and community projects. They leverage the energy and creativity of youth to address challenges and drive economic and social progress.

Q16. What is the 5th Session of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers?

A16. It is a gathering of ministers from OIC member states to discuss and coordinate policies on youth and sports. Saudi Arabia currently chairs this session, highlighting its leadership in these areas.

Q17. What topics were discussed at the seminar?

A17. Discussions covered education, entrepreneurship, sports, cultural exchange, and best practices for youth engagement. Participants shared innovative ideas to enhance partnerships and achieve sustainable development goals.

Q18. How does the seminar support Saudi Vision 2030?

A18. The seminar supports Vision 2030 by promoting youth empowerment, international collaboration, and sustainable development. These align with the vision’s goals of a vibrant society, thriving economy, and ambitious nation.

Q19. What is the OIC’s role in youth development?

A19. The OIC facilitates cooperation among member states to address youth-related challenges and opportunities. It provides platforms like this seminar to share knowledge, build partnerships, and implement programs that benefit young people.

Q20. What future actions are planned following the seminar?

A20. Future actions include exploring the development of an executive program and activity calendar for youth across the Islamic world. The OIC and Saudi Arabia will continue to coordinate efforts to implement these initiatives and monitor progress.

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