Call for Applications for the OIC Youth Capital 2023
The Secretariat of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), an international institution affiliated to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in follow up to the Resolution No.: OIC/ICYSM-3/2016/R9-Y “On the OIC Youth Capital” adopted by the 3rd Session of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sport Ministers (ICYSM) held in Istanbul, the Republic of Turkey, on 5-7 October 2016; and Resolution No.: 8/43-C adopted by the 43rd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) held in Tashkent, the Republic of Uzbekistan, on 18-19 October 2016,) announces the Call for Applications for the OIC Youth Capital 2023 International Program.
It is important to note that the OIC Youth Capital International Programme aimed at fostering cooperation among the Member States in the field of youth policy as well as enhancing Muslim youth solidarity, fostering inter-cultural diversity and the spirit of unity of youth from the OIC geography was initiated at the ICYF 2nd General Assembly (09-11 October 2014) and successively endorsed by the corresponding Sessions of the OIC CFM and ICYSM. Istanbul (the Republic of Turkey) in 2015/16, Putrajaya (Malaysia), Shiraz (Islamic Republic of Iran) and Fes (Kingdom of Morocco) in 2017, Al-Quds Ash-Sharif (State of Palestine) in 2018, Doha (State of Qatar) in 2019, Dhaka (the People’s Republic of Bangladesh) in 2020/21 hosted successfully set of activities as the previous OIC Youth Capital. Kazan (the Republic of Tatarstan, RF) is running creative activities as the host of “OIC Youth Capital” for 2022.
The Esteemed Ministries (relevant Government Authorities) responsible for Youth of the OIC Member States are kindly requested to consider the “Requirements and Procedures for Selection of OIC Youth Capital” with a view to submitting suitable candidate city(ies) for the nomination to host OIC Youth Capital for 2023. The application form (available below) is to be kindly filled in and sent latest by 01 August 2022 to the ICYF Secretariat.
For further information and/or clarification, please, feel free to contact us at: oicyouthcapital@icyforum.org,
Phone: +90 212 465 3939
On March 16, 2022, H.E. Rustam Minnikhanov, the President of the Republic of Tatarstan hosted a reception for the Kazan OIC Youth Capital 2022 inauguration ceremony, which was attended by Mr. Mashkovcev Oleg Aleksandrovich, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Volga Federal District, Mrs. Fazleeva Leyla Rinatovna, Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mr. Timur Suleymanov, the Minister of Youth Affairs of Tatarstan and consul-generals of the OIC Member States accredited in Kazan.
Mr. Rasul Omarov, the ICYF Director-General, delivered speech on behalf of the ICYF President at the reception.
Tatar Youth celebrated the Inauguration of the OIC Youth Capital International Programme in Kazan with colorful festivities.
Kazan OIC Youth Capital 2022 is ready to welcome youth from the OIC region and beyond!
MOSCOW (AA) – The Inauguration ceremony of the “Kazan – Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Youth Capital 2022” international program was held in Moscow, capital of Russia.
The ceremony, hosted by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, President of Tatarstan and Russian-Islamic World Strategy Vision Group President Rustam Minnikhanov, as well as Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) Director General Mr. Rasul Omarov, and the head of the Federal Department of Youth Affairs Kseniya Razuvayeva.
Tatar Turkish folk songs were performed in front of the OIC ambassadors and heads of international organizations present during the occasion.
Participants of the event toured the exhibition dedicated to celebrating the 1100th anniversary of the adoption of the Islam by Volga Bulgarian community.
During his speech at the event, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that the dialogue between his country and the OIC member states had improved. “Many Muslim countries have been Russia’s international partners for a long time. Commitment to developing cooperation between states within the framework of principles of equality, mutual consideration of interests and concerns unites us” he said.
Lavrov emphasized the importance of respecting the culture and traditions of all people by saying, “At the same time, we reject attempts to brutally export democracy, to aggressively impose ultra-liberal values and their use in the geopolitical game of relations in the fields of culture, education, and sports”
In this context, Lavrov emphasized the significance of Kazan as the OIC Youth Capital and stated that Tatarstan is a melting pot for religions, civilizations, and old traditions.
“This is the key to any country’s progress. We are glad that Tatarstan leads other Russian regions in developing democratic foreign ties” – he stated.
Minister Lavrov expressed that they are ready to support Kazan in establishing cooperation.
– Minnikhanov: “This date is of great importance for all Muslims”
Tatarstan President Rustem Minnikhanov further remarked that the state’s capital, which has observer status in the OIC, was honored for the first time with the title of Youth Capital. “This is especially significant on the 1100th anniversary of the conversion of the Volga Bulgarians to Islam. This date is significant for all Muslims” he said.
Noting that this year would be marked by a variety of events in Tatarstan, Minnikhanov presented information on the upcoming meeting of the Russia-Islamic World Strategy Vision Group.
– ICYF Director-General Omarov: “Our aim is to establish strong relations between people”
Rasul Omarov, Director-General of ICYF, remarked that Russia is home to a diverse range of people, beliefs, and languages, which is why Kazan was chosen as the OIC Youth Capital.
“Our purpose is to bring together our youth and friends from all over the world, to declare Kazan’s message of peace and friendship to the world, and to develop strong relationships between peoples” Omarov added.
Omarov expressed his optimism that young people will contribute to making the world a better place by stating that humans have passed through numerous tests in recent years.
– OIC Youth Capital Key Handed Over to Kazan
At the ceremony, the key to the OIC Youth Capital was presented to Kazan.
At the occasion, which was followed by a concert, attendees were treated to the tastes of the Tatar cuisine.
– OIC Youth Capital Title
The OIC Youth Capital International Program was initiated by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) at its 2nd General Assembly, held in October 2014. The idea of a set of events within the framework of the OIC Youth Capital was supported by delegates of ICYF member youth organizations.
In November 2021, at the Executive Board Meeting of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, it was decided to award the title “OIC Youth Capital – 2022” to the city of Kazan. The status was assigned to a city of the Russian Federation with Muslim majority, an observer state in the OIC, for the first time.
THE HOLY QUR’AN RECITATION COMPETITION – KAZAN OIC YOUTH CAPITAL 2022
The Ministry of Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation) and the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) is organizing the Holy Qur’an Competition in partnership with the Academy of Youth Diplomacy, Tatarstan Republican Youth Public Foundation “SELET” and Muslim Board of the Republic of Tatarstan under the “Kazan OIC Youth Capital 2022” International Programme on 17-20 May 2022 in Kazan, Tatarstan (RF).
BACKGROUND
The Holy Quran is the guidance for humanity and the complete code of life. Kazan OIC Youth Capital 2022 is organizing the International Holy Quran Competition to enhance the practice and study of the Holy Qur’an among the Muslim youth community. The yearlong programme of this year’s capital will kick off with the Holy Quran Competition for young people to get acquainted with the rules and essence of recitation with Tajweed of the Quran.
AIM
The Holy Quran Competition aims to promote literacy in the Quran and encourage its recitation, memorization, and apply its spirit in life. The Competition is committed to connecting the young generation to those who recite the Holy Quran.
OBJECTIVES:
This program intends to achieve the following objectives:
• Spreading the message of the Holy Qur’an through the participation of the youth
• Enabling the bonds of brotherhood, scientific integration, spiritual communication, and working in favor of the great book of Almighty of Allah
• Introducing Muslims to the tradition of reading the Holy Qur’an
• Identifying and encouraging the best reciters among hafizul-Qur’an of the Holy Quran
• Internationally highlighting the efforts of Russia in serving the Holy Quran.
LOCATION & DATE
Location: Kazan/Tatarstan (Russian Federation)
Date: 17-20 May 2022
SELECTION CRITERIA
The submissions will be accepted for the selection process based on the criteria described below.
• To be a citizen (young male and female) of the OIC Member States or the Russian Federation or representative of the Muslim community in the non-OIC Member States.
• Age between 18-30
• Ability to communicate in English/ Arabic/ Russian/Tatar
• Experienced in Tajweed and acquainted with the rules and essence of the Holy Quran recitation.
• Holding a certificate/ diploma confirming the degree of hafizul-Qur’an of the Holy Qur’an
• To be nominated officially by the relevant religious authorities (Ministry/Presidency of Religious Affairs etc.) for the nominees` country of residence or the recognized Islamic Centers or entities in the non-OIC Member States.
• Important Note: Applications will be accepted only through the relevant religious
authorities (Ministry/Presidency of Religious Affairs etc.) and the recognized Islamic
Centers or entities in the non-OIC Member States.
• Participants who want to apply for the Holy Qur’an Competition should contact their
country’s relevant religious authorities (Ministry/Presidency of Religious Affairs etc.) for
the nominees` country of residence or the recognized Islamic Centers or entities in the
nonOIC Member States.
THE FORMAT AND METHODOLOGY
The Competition will gather young male and female hafizul-Qur’an between 17-20 May 2022 in Kazan, Tatarstan (Russian Federation).
Once participants get their nomination, they will be invited to Kazan, Tatarstan (RF) to participate in a 3-day Competition.
International Jury members will inform the participants regarding the rules and regulations during the Competition.
Finally, the jury board will select the top 3 male and 3 female participants among all participants.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SELECTION:
*** Only Nominated participants will receive an email confirmation with logistics and program details. Please check your emails regularly, including spam folders!
COSTS
The host country will cover travel, accommodation, and other costs.
IMPORTANT TIMELINE
Application Deadline: 15 April 2022
CERTIFICATE AND AWARDS
The winners will be awarded a certificate issued by the Kazan OIC Youth Capital 2022 Organizing Committee.
Award for the First winner of the Young Male and Young Female: $10,000.
Award for the Second winner of the Young Male and Young Female: Apple devices. Award
for the Third winner of the Young Male and Young Female: Apple devices.
CONTACT
Ministry of Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation), Mr.Timerkhan Shaikhutdinov, Program Coordinator:
Email : kazan@oicyouthcapital.com ; Phone : +7 953-493-70-66
“The International Youth Esports Championship, the Festival of Modern Muslim Culture, the Scientific Congress, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs of the countries of Organization of Islamic Cooperation — these and other mega-events will be held this year in Kazan, which has become the OIC Youth Capital,” said Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Minister of Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan at a press conference at the “Tatar-inform” news agency on February 8.
More than 12 large-scale offline and online events will cover all spheres of life and development of the youth of the Islamic world: science, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, social engineering, education and creative industries. According to the organizers, about five thousand people will actively participate in this program.
“We consider the Global Summit of Ministers for Youth Affairs to be held in Kazan in May with the participation of about 200 delegates from 56 OIC member countries and observer countries as a key event,” said Mr. Timur Suleymanov.
– As life shows, specialists working with youth in different countries face the same challenges. Therefore, it is vital to have “platforms” for joint communication, exchange of experience and innovative practices, which will be delivered within “Kazan OIC Youth Capital 2022”.
“Kazan was chosen due to its diverse and rich cultural and civilizational heritage, its talented youth, its pioneering institutions working in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation and sports, its modern, cutting-edge infrastructure and great potential to provide the best experience for young people from OIC Member States and beyond. I am sure that Kazan will become the “bridge” that will connect peoples and states in solving urgent youth problems. It is especially important that we will work together in the year of the 1100th anniversary of the adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgaria and will be able to visit the sacred places for Muslims located in Tatarstan,” said Mr. Taha Ayhan, President of the ICYF.
The main program events under “Kazan OIC Youth Capital 2022” will begin in March with a competition of reciters of the Holy Quran, aimed at developing literacy in the study of the Quran and the ability to artistically read it in public. Host responsible for this competition is the republican movement “Selet” – a member organization of the OIC Youth Forum. According to the director of the Selet Youth Center Ms. Aigul Gabdrakhmanova, young people agedfrom18 to 35 from all over the world, both amateurs and professional readers of the Quran, will fly to Kazan to take part in the competition.
Also, in March with the participation of representatives of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, the diplomatic corps of the OIC countries and the leaders of the Republic of Tatarstan, Moscow will host the official inauguration ceremony of Kazan as the OIC Youth Capital for 2022.
Kazan will receive a symbolic “key” of the OIC Youth Capital from the previous Youth capital, the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The international program “OIC Youth Capital” has been in place since 2016. Since then, the cities of Istanbul (Turkey), Shiraz (Iran), Putrajaya (Malaysia), Fez (Morocco), the Al-Quds region (Palestine), the cities of Doha (Qatar) and Dhaka (Bangladesh) have won the right to have such a status on a competitive basis. Now, for the first time, this series of events will take place in Russia, namely in the Republic of Tatarstan, city of Kazan.
Today, on February 8, social network accounts under Kazanyouthcapital and special website http://kazan.oicyouthcapital.com/ were launched. These resources are dedicated to the program “Kazan OIC Youth Capital 2022”. This was announced at a press conference by the chairman of the Academy of Youth Diplomacy Ms. Dilbar Sadykova.
She also announced the start of a large live marathon in February, which will cover schools, colleges anduniversities:
“ – Presentations of the program of events “Kazan – the Youth Capital of OIC-2022” will be held in educational institutions, so that as many as possible young people and potential partners will learn about them and, if desired will become the participants, volunteers, or part of a large team.
They will be able to express their ideas and wishes, which we will definitely try to reflect in the agenda of upcoming events. The youth of Tatarstan have a great interest in the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, we felt this well during the past joint projects. In the countries of the Islamic world, the youth population is high, somewhere it reaches up to50% of the population. Such a large community, which includes the youth of Tatarstan, has common fundamental values - the general humanitarian values of Islam. On these principles, which are sometimes called “halal lifestyle”, we will build our work during this year, uniting on a platform of common values, mutually strengthening, but at the same time maintaining the secular nature of the events,” concluded Ms. Dilbar Sadykova.
The Closing Ceremony of Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020 was held on Thursday 30 December 2021, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka at a grand event attended by dignitaries, ministers, heads of states, and high-level delegates from the OIC region and the host country, Bangladesh.
Honorable President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, His Excellency Md. Abdul Hamid virtually joined the Grand occasion as the Chief Guest from Bangabhaban. Chaired by the State Minister for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel, the Closing Ceremony was conducted in a hybrid format.
Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. A K Abdul Momen, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment of the Government of the Republic of Maldives, Ahmed Mahloof, Head of the Federal Agency for the Youth Affairs of the Russian Federation, Ksenia Razuvaeva, Minister of Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, Timur Suleymanov, President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), Taha Ayhan, 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 joined the occasion as Special Guests.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Honorable President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh congratulated the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Bangladesh, the OIC and ICYF, and other organizing ministries, he said, “Bangladesh has been marching towards development since the last decade, the rise of the nation has been an example for others”.
The Champions from all competitions held under Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020 were announced at the event. The Winners from the national stage of the Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award 2020 were also announced and presented with the crests and certificates at the program.
The Chair of the event, State Minister for the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Bangladesh, Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel thanked everyone involved, by saying “I sincerely thank the ICYF team for their great contributions and efforts”
President of Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), Taha Ayhan, during his speech, said, “Through Dhaka OIC Youth Capital, ICYF was able to address some of the problematic challenges facing the youth in Asia, investing in capacity building and empowerment all in line with Bangladesh‘s vision for the youth”
ICYF presented the host country the “Most Diligent and Resilient Performance” award to Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020 in recognition of its efforts towards youth empowerment during the COVID-19 Pandemic. State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel received the award from ICYF President Taha Ayhan. The Minister of Youth and Sports of Bangladesh handed over the key to the next host city, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan (RF).
ICYF President Taha Ayhan received the Key on behalf of the next Host Minister Timur Suleymanov. In his speech at the event in Dhaka, Honorable Suylemanov had the following to say “Despite the difficult epidemiological conditions, you managed to do such a bright reach and really interesting program”
H.E. Taha Ayhan, the ICYF President and H.E. Timur Suleymanov, the Minister of Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation) signed protocol of agreement on holding “Kazan OIC Youth Capital-2022” International Program on the margins of the International Forum of Civil Participation organized by the Federal Agancy for Youth Affairs of Russian Federation between 2-5 December 2021 in Moscow, Russia.
We are excited to announce Kazan, Tatarstan (RF) as the OIC Youth Capital for 2022, taking the reins from Dhaka as the new epicenter for youth development, international projects, and intercultural diversity in the OIC region.
Kazan, the new OIC Youth Capital 2022 will use this unique opportunity to foster cooperation among OIC member states in youth policy and enhance Muslim youth solidarity while also fostering inter-cultural diversity and the spirit of “unity” among the youth of the OIC geography and beyond through various activities.
The year-long OIC Youth Capital International Program encapsulates a chain of activities and events from culture to academic life, youth leadership, entertainment, sports, and youth capacity building to empower and engage the Muslim youth by providing them with an international stage for them to shine and prosper.
Stay tuned for exciting news, opportunities and youth activities from “Kazan-OIC Youth Capital 2022”.
Call for Applications: The Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award under the Dhaka OIC Youth Capital in Response to Covid-19 program is up for grabs and we are inviting you to be a part of this exciting challenge as we promote the spirit of caring and sharing in our communities. More information regarding the eligibility criteria , rules and regulations and more can be found at this link: https://dhaka.oicyouthcapital.com/shyva/
11 March 2021 | Thursday
The Opening Ceremony and Media Briefing of the Entrepreneurship, Skills & Employment Camp under Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020 was held on 11 March 2021 at the National Sports Council Auditorium. State Minister for the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel MPwas present as the chief guest at the program. President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) Taha Ayhan virtually joined the event as the guest of Honor. Cabinet Secretary of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Khandker Anwarul Islam and Md. Akhter Hossain, Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Government of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh were present as Special Guest. The event was chaired by the Director-General of the Department of Youth Development of Ministry of Youth and Sports, Government of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh Mr. Md. Azharul Islam Khan.
Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel, MP announced the inauguration of the Entrepreneurship, Skills & Employment Camp which will be organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and said in his Chief Guest speech, “Bangladesh first joined the OIC under the visionary leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman”.
“Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, the symbol of Bangladesh’s independence, was born in this historic month of March. It is our great pleasure as we are inaugurating this nice event Entrepreneurship, Skills & Employment Camp in this month” he added.
The Guest of Honor of the occasion, President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) Taha Ayhan said, “The camp will provide young people with the training they need, professional guidance, global connectivity, decision-making skills, and performance development skills”.
Speaking as the special guest, Mr. Khandker Anwarul Islam, Cabinet Secretary, Cabinet Division, said, “The more advanced the nation is in the IT sector, the higher they are in today’s world. In order to accelerate the ongoing trend of socio-economic development of our country, we need to involve more of our young people in the field of information technology”.
Speaking on the occasion, as special guest of the program, Md Akhter Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports said, “We are proud and happy to be able to organize this mega event on the joyous occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman”.
The chair of the program was Mr. Md. Azharul Islam Khan, Director General, Department of Youth Development, he said in his speech that “By this competition, we want to engage youth with decision-making, ideas and innovations to build a resilient and sustainable future”.
The Muslim youths from OIC Member States and beyond will be eligible to participate in the “Entrepreneurship, Skills & Employment Camp”. The competition will take place in two layers: Regional and International. The Camp aims to create a platform to bring together successful IT startups, potential youth for job market from Bangladesh and 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 startups, Entrepreneurship, Skills & Employment Camp will increase their knowledge on the market, business model, and enhance their presentation, management and networking skills.
Interested youths can register and find more information at: https://dhaka.oicyouthcapital.com/esec
