Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Suhaibani, received the President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), Taha Ayhan, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in Jeddah on March 5, 2025, in a meeting that underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering youth across the Islamic world. The two officials discussed joint Islamic action and the urgent challenges facing young people in OIC member states, stressing the importance of enhancing cooperation between the ICYF, the OIC General Secretariat, member states, and similar bodies. The meeting also highlighted the role of youth in shaping the future of development and achieving the national visions of member states, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Why does this diplomatic engagement matter to millions of young Muslims worldwide? The meeting reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy of fostering international partnerships that align with its own Vision 2030 reform agenda, which places youth empowerment at the center of economic and social transformation. By convening with the ICYF leadership in Jeddah, the Kingdom reinforces its role as a convening power within the Islamic world and signals that youth development is a shared priority across the 57 member states of the OIC. The discussion also comes at a time when many Muslim-majority countries are grappling with high youth unemployment, skills gaps, and the need to integrate young people into knowledge-based economies.
Context and Background
What is the significance of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, and why does Saudi Arabia host such engagements? The ICYF is an international organization affiliated with the OIC that focuses on empowering youth and amplifying their voices in policy-making across the Islamic world. Headquartered in Istanbul, the forum works to promote cooperation among youth organizations, foster leadership skills, and address challenges such as education, employment, and civic participation. Its mandate aligns closely with the OIC’s broader objectives of solidarity, development, and cultural exchange among member states.
Saudi Arabia has long been a leading supporter of the OIC, which was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Jeddah. The Kingdom’s permanent representative to the OIC, Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Suhaibani, plays a key role in advancing the organization’s agenda, including youth-related initiatives. The meeting with ICYF President Taha Ayhan reflects the Kingdom’s proactive diplomacy in bringing together institutions that share a common vision for the future. It also demonstrates how Saudi Arabia leverages its diplomatic infrastructure, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in Jeddah, to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among Islamic nations.
Why is youth empowerment such a critical issue for OIC member states today? Many of these countries have young populations that are growing rapidly, creating both opportunities and challenges. According to international labor data, youth unemployment rates in several Muslim-majority countries remain high, and access to quality education and vocational training is uneven. The ICYF has been working to address these gaps by promoting entrepreneurship, digital skills, and cross-border collaboration. Saudi Arabia’s engagement with the forum underscores its recognition that sustainable development in the Islamic world depends on investing in the next generation.
Key Details
What exactly was discussed during the meeting in Jeddah? According to the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Al-Suhaibani and Mr. Ayhan focused on joint Islamic action and the urgent challenges facing youth in OIC member states. They emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the ICYF and the OIC General Secretariat, as well as with member states and similar bodies. The conversation also highlighted the importance of the role of youth in shaping the future of development and achieving the national visions of member states. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s own Vision 2030, which seeks to harness the potential of young Saudis through education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in Jeddah, a city that hosts the OIC headquarters and serves as a diplomatic hub for the Kingdom. Dr. Al-Suhaibani, as the permanent representative, is responsible for representing Saudi Arabia at the OIC and coordinating with its various organs. Taha Ayhan, as ICYF president, leads an organization that has been active in promoting youth dialogue, capacity building, and advocacy across the Islamic world. Their discussion reflects a shared understanding that youth issues are not peripheral but central to the stability and prosperity of Muslim societies.
How does this meeting translate into concrete action? While the statement did not announce specific new programs, the emphasis on enhancing cooperation suggests a continuation and possible expansion of joint initiatives. The ICYF has previously partnered with OIC member states on projects such as youth exchange programs, leadership summits, and policy recommendations. Saudi Arabia’s support for these efforts could take the form of funding, logistical support, or diplomatic facilitation. The Kingdom has a strong track record of hosting youth-focused events, including the recent OIC Youth Capital activities and various entrepreneurship forums.
International and Regional Impact
Why should the international community pay attention to this meeting? The OIC represents 57 member states and over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, making it the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations. Any initiative that strengthens cooperation within this bloc can have significant geopolitical and economic implications. By engaging with the ICYF, Saudi Arabia is helping to build a more cohesive approach to youth development, which in turn can contribute to stability, economic growth, and social progress in regions that are often characterized by instability. The meeting also reinforces the OIC’s role as a platform for addressing shared challenges.
What does this mean for regional dynamics in the Middle East and beyond? Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the OIC is part of its broader foreign policy strategy of promoting moderation, dialogue, and development. The Kingdom has been actively working to counter extremism and foster a positive image of Islam through initiatives such as the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the Muslim World League. Youth empowerment is a key component of this strategy, as young people are often the most vulnerable to radicalization if they lack opportunities. By supporting the ICYF, Saudi Arabia is investing in a demographic that will shape the future of the Islamic world.
Economic and Strategic Significance
How does youth empowerment connect to economic growth in OIC member states? Many of these countries are at a demographic crossroads, with large youth cohorts entering the labor market. If properly harnessed, this demographic dividend can drive innovation, productivity, and consumer spending. However, if mismanaged, it can lead to high unemployment, social unrest, and brain drain. The ICYF’s work in promoting entrepreneurship and skills development is therefore economically significant. Saudi Arabia’s own experience with Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and create jobs for young Saudis, offers a model that other OIC countries can learn from.
What strategic interests does Saudi Arabia have in supporting the ICYF? Beyond altruism, the Kingdom sees youth empowerment as a way to strengthen its soft power and leadership in the Islamic world. By championing causes that resonate with ordinary Muslims, Saudi Arabia can enhance its influence and counter competing narratives. Additionally, a stable and prosperous Islamic world is in the Kingdom’s economic interest, as it opens up markets for trade and investment. The meeting between Dr. Al-Suhaibani and Mr. Ayhan is thus a small but meaningful step in a larger strategy of fostering a network of like-minded partners.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does this meeting reflect Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is fundamentally about unlocking the potential of Saudi youth and diversifying the economy away from oil. The Kingdom has invested heavily in education, training, and entrepreneurship programs for young people, and it seeks to share this experience with other Islamic countries. The meeting between the OIC permanent representative and the ICYF president demonstrates that Saudi Arabia is not only focused on domestic reforms but also on promoting regional cooperation that aligns with its vision. By supporting the ICYF, the Kingdom is helping to create a generation of skilled, motivated, and globally connected young Muslims.
What can we expect next from this partnership? While the meeting did not announce specific new initiatives, it laid the groundwork for continued collaboration. The ICYF is likely to pursue further engagement with OIC member states, and Saudi Arabia is expected to remain a key supporter. As the Kingdom prepares to host major international events and continues its own transformation, its partnership with the ICYF will serve as a model for how Islamic countries can work together to empower youth. The meeting in Jeddah is a reminder that diplomacy is not just about high-level politics but also about building the human capital that will drive future prosperity.
20 Questions
Q1. Who received the President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum in Jeddah?
A1. Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Suhaibani, the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the OIC, received ICYF President Taha Ayhan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in Jeddah on March 5, 2025.
Q2. What is the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF)?
A2. The ICYF is an international organization affiliated with the OIC that focuses on empowering youth and amplifying their voices in policy-making across the Islamic world. It is headquartered in Istanbul and works to promote cooperation among youth organizations.
Q3. What was the main purpose of the meeting?
A3. The meeting aimed to discuss joint Islamic action and the urgent challenges facing youth in OIC member states, and to enhance cooperation between the ICYF, the OIC General Secretariat, and member states.
Q4. What did the two sides stress during the meeting?
A4. They stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the ICYF and the OIC General Secretariat, member states, and similar bodies, as well as the role of youth in shaping development.
Q5. Why is youth empowerment important for OIC member states?
A5. Many OIC member states have young, growing populations. Empowering youth is essential for economic growth, social stability, and achieving national development visions. It helps prevent unemployment and radicalization.
Q6. How does this meeting align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?
A6. Vision 2030 prioritizes youth empowerment and economic diversification. By supporting the ICYF, Saudi Arabia extends its domestic youth-focused reforms to the broader Islamic world, promoting regional cooperation and development.
Q7. Where is the OIC headquartered?
A7. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation is headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, with 57 member states.
Q8. Who is Taha Ayhan?
A8. Taha Ayhan is the President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF). He leads the organization’s efforts to promote youth dialogue, capacity building, and advocacy across the Islamic world.
Q9. What are some challenges facing youth in OIC member states?
A9. Challenges include high youth unemployment, limited access to quality education and vocational training, skills gaps, and the need for greater civic participation. These issues vary by country but are common concerns.
Q10. How does the ICYF work with OIC member states?
A10. The ICYF partners with member states on projects such as youth exchange programs, leadership summits, and policy recommendations. It also advocates for youth-inclusive policies at the OIC level.
Q11. What role does Saudi Arabia play in the OIC?
A11. Saudi Arabia is a founding member and hosts the OIC headquarters in Jeddah. It plays a leading role in advancing the organization’s agenda, including youth empowerment, and provides diplomatic and financial support.
Q12. What is the significance of the meeting taking place in Jeddah?
A12. Jeddah is the headquarters of the OIC and a diplomatic hub for Saudi Arabia. Hosting the meeting there underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to the OIC and its role as a convening power in the Islamic world.
Q13. Did the meeting announce any new programs?
A13. The official statement did not announce specific new programs, but it emphasized enhancing cooperation and coordination, which suggests continued and possibly expanded joint initiatives in youth development.
Q14. How can youth contribute to achieving national visions?
A14. Youth can contribute through entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, and participation in the workforce. Their energy and creativity are essential for economic diversification and social progress in OIC member states.
Q15. What is the OIC’s stance on youth issues?
A15. The OIC recognizes youth as a priority and has established bodies like the ICYF to address their needs. It promotes policies that support education, employment, and empowerment of young people across member states.
Q16. How does Saudi Arabia support youth domestically?
A16. Saudi Arabia supports youth through Vision 2030 programs that focus on education, training, entrepreneurship, and job creation. Initiatives like the Misk Foundation and the National Center for Youth Development are key examples.
Q17. What are the expected outcomes of this meeting?
A17. The meeting is expected to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia and the ICYF, leading to greater collaboration on youth initiatives. It may also encourage other OIC member states to increase their support for youth programs.
Q18. How does the ICYF engage with young people directly?
A18. The ICYF engages youth through forums, workshops, training programs, and digital platforms. It also supports youth-led organizations and networks to amplify their voices in decision-making processes.
Q19. Why is international cooperation on youth issues important?
A19. International cooperation allows for the sharing of best practices, resources, and knowledge. It helps address common challenges like unemployment and skills gaps more effectively than isolated national efforts.
Q20. What message does this meeting send to the Islamic world?
A20. The meeting sends a message of unity and shared commitment to youth development. It shows that Saudi Arabia and the OIC are actively working to empower the next generation and build a prosperous future for all member states.
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