
On 8-9 January, Shiraz, as a host city, is going to hold openning ceremony of the Shiraz – OIC Youth Capital 2017, an important international programme serving development and unity of youth of the OIC geography. Upcoming events of Shiraz-OIC Youth Capital, along with Putrajaya (Malaysia), will be presented to distinguished guests and youth Representatives of OIC Member States. The ceremony will start with presentation of “Key to Shiraz” to youth and conclude with the signing of the roadmap of the Shiraz – OIC Youth Capital between Shiraz Authorities and ICYF-DC.

“The Quran Recitation Contest” a sub-event of the Shiraz – OIC Youth Capital 2017 International Programme was launched with participation of 50 young Qāri’s and Hafizs from the OIC Member States and Muslim minorities. The contest will continue in Shiraz (IRI) with Recitation of Tajweed, Memorization and Award Ceremonies over the next 2 days.

Throughout the program, Youth showcased their talents, developed their skills and engaged with the expressive festival atmosphere to learn from leading artisans and performers while attending multiple workshops.
Speaking on behalf of ICYF-DC, Ms. Tugba Ceren Cerci (Programme Coordinator of ICYF-DC) delivered a welcoming speech to the participants of “OIC Youth Street Art Festival” during the workshops, encouraging youth to create constructive identities for themselves through creative expression, Islamic solidarity and civic engagement. At the end of the workshops young artists will perform a special show at the closing ceremony of Fez-OIC Youth Capital 2017, as an outcome of the three day festival.

On 21-24 November 2017, the Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC) organized an international forum on the ‘Prevention of Extremism and Violence’ in partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Youth and Sports, and under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco as part of the ‘Fez OIC Youth Capital 2017’ Programme.
The international forum presented a number of dynamic panels on best practices, relevant policy frameworks and implementation mechanisms in countering radicalism, emphasizing the role of civil society in countering violence and radicalism, and the unique role of youth in developing new narratives for constructive change, civic engagement and political participation. The event was held in the historic Fez City Hall, with attendance of a number of high-level dignitaries and scholars including. Also in attendance were a number of representatives of international organizations, NGO’s and youth delegates.
The Forum emphasized the strategic value of youth, and emphasized the need to create inclusive future-oriented narratives that appeal to the inherent civic duty in youth, while calling on youth to identify pathways and mechanisms for constructive changes, develop their capacities in decision-making and policy-building and take on the role of positive agents for change in their respective societies.

On 24 November 2017, the Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC) and Moroccan Ministry of Youth held the closing festivities and ceremony for the Fez OIC Youth Capital 2017 Program, crowning a series of youth events in partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Youth and Sports, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Throughout the program, youth from around the world engaged in activities emphasizing the role of youth in countering extremism, and in developing new narratives for change, growth and active citizenship. In attendance was H.E. Palestinian Minister of Youth and Sport, who was entrusted with the Key of Fez, a symbol of the city as a youth capital. He promised to uphold the example of civilization and diversity set by the historic city of Fez, in the upcoming al-Quds al-Sharif OIC Youth Capital 2018 programme.
The program ended with engaging performances from the Street Art Festival, recommendations from the Youth Forum for the Prevention of Extremism and Violence; and commitments from youth to enhance Islamic solidarity in all that they do.

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

Background of the Programme
Dhaka was declared as the “OIC Youth Capital 2020” by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) on 25 December 2019, marking the commencement of a wide spectrum and dynamic engagement amongst the youth of the OIC and the Muslim communities spread all over the world. The selection of Dhaka as the “OIC Youth Capital 2020” coincided with the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic. The activities planned during the initial design phases had to be greatly modified and augmented with the introduction of ICT technologies as the Youth Capital’s year commenced.
To celebrate the Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020, ten other elaborate mega events have been designed which will be implemented by various lead and co-lead Ministries throughout the year. “Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award 2020” has been planned as one the mega events which will be organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports as the lead Ministry, with the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs being the co-host Ministries. The Forum is a global network of organizations/individuals involved in international volunteering, promoting the value of volunteering for development through policy engagement, mutual learning and by sharing innovative and good practices.
Context of the Programme
During the crisis situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the youth have shown that they are also the present and the most relevant stakeholders in building up resilience against COVID-19. They have been the first responders to the crisis situation in almost everywhere of the world. From providing food and relief, they have facilitated emergency medical support as well as buried the dead bodies of the COVID affected patients when nobody else dared to. They have helped the health caregivers with free transportation and ride during the lockdown situation, showed great care to the stray animals, provided food for the duty heroes and the list goes on and on. Now it’s time their efforts and contributions in combating the COVID-19 pandemic were acknowledged and recognized.
Bangladesh as a nation has also shown great resistance in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and got great success under the prudent and visionary leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. So the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh wants to recognize the Indomitable Spirit shown by the Young Volunteers across the globe in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by organizing “Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award 2020” under the umbrella of the Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020.
Objectives of the Programme
- to recognize the Indomitable Spirit shown by the Young Volunteers across the Globe in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
- to appreciate the great resistance Bangladesh has shown in their successful fight against COVID-19 pandemic under the prudent and visionary leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
- to encourage more youths across the globe to take part in voluntary and humanitarian activities
- to give the young volunteers opportunity to compete against and make connections with their global counterparts
- to give the young volunteers mentorship opportunity where they will get to learn from the leaders
- to make the youth feel an important stakeholder of the society
- to engage the youths in decision and policy making level
Competition Format
The competition is taking place in two stages – National (Bangladesh) and International.
The registration for the national (Bangladesh) stage is already completed. Top 100 and top 10 winners from the national stage will be announced soon. Top 10 participants will automatically join the International Stage.
For the selection of the International Stage of the Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award 2020, ten participants (individual and/or organization) will be shortlisted in five categories from each of the following six regions: Bangladesh, Middle East, Rest of Asia, Africa, North America and Europe.
The categories for the International Stage are as follows:
- Volunteer Leadership
Individuals and groups (not registered organizations/NPOs/NGOs/INGOs) who have led and supported their local communities, conducted voluntary activities to protect the environment and biodiversity, performed acts of bravery, etc. during COVID-19 crisis situation, will get the Volunteer Leadership award.
- Media and Service Excellence
Media personnel and people from different services who have taken life risks and performed their job during the COVID-19 situation, will get the Media and Service Excellence award.
- Online Volunteer Campaign
Individuals and organizations that have played crucial roles in combating COVID-19 pandemic through online volunteerism i.e. online campaigns, information sharing etc., will get the Online Volunteer Campaign award.
- Best Innovative Idea
Individuals and organizations that have come up with the most innovative and creative voluntary initiatives in in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, will get the Best Innovative Idea award.
- Outstanding Youth-led Voluntary Organization
Registered youth-led organizations that have made significant and exemplary contribution through voluntary activities during the COVID-19 crisis situation, will get the Outstanding Youth-led Voluntary Organization award.
Evaluation and Prizes
A Jury Board consisting renowned National & International Personalities related with social and civic work i.e. Researchers and Academicians, Policy Makers, Representatives from Development Sector etc. will be responsible for the selection process. The Jury Board will evaluate the applications based on eligibility and criteria. Top 50 participants from five international regions each will receive customized crest and certificate. Top 5 winners each will receive trophy, certificate and prize money worth USD 2000.
Conditions and Rules for Participation
- Individuals/organizations must submit their voluntary activities as asked in the registration forms
- Participants can register in multiple categories (maximum 2)
- Participation is allowed to the citizens with Muslim background from the selected regions
- The age limit is 18 to 35 years
- Individuals/organizations must submit valid evidence of the voluntary activities
- For video submission, video must not be more than one-minute long and must be submitted in MP4 format (and the size must not exceed 10MB)
- Valid legal documents must be submitted in case of registered organizations
- The participants must adhere to the event’s regulations and procedures as stated by the organizing committee
Volunteers are requested to submit their voluntary activities (available at – http://dhaka.oicyouthcapital.com/shyva). The deadline for the registration is 15 April 2021.
For more information, visit the platforms below –
Website: http://youthpowerhouse.org/shyva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youthpowerhousebd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfZlszcGri4jTSUSC2uIiug

OIC Knowledge Master Press Briefing
The Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh organized a press briefing session in order to inaugurate the “OIC Knowledge Master” competition, which is one of the key programs of the mega event- Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020.
One of the main difficulties the youth face nowadays is making right decisions fast. Being able to make the right decisions fast could save them a lot of time which they could use in shaping the decisions better afterwards. To break this stiffness and help the youth making most of their time during this COVID-19 pandemic, “OIC Knowledge Master” quiz competition is going to be organized in participation with the youth of the OIC Member States and representatives from the Muslim communities of the non-OIC Member States. This competition will also help to address our Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s call to engage youths with decision-making, ideas and innovations to build a resilient and sustainable future for all.
This year’s celebrations come at a time when the whole world is fighting one common enemy, the COVID-19 pandemic where youths have been the most affected in this crisis situation as they are the most active stakeholders in the society in terms of productivity, mobility and interaction, so this COVID-19 crisis is disruptive in terms of their lifestyle and prospects for their future. With most educational institutions being closed and with restrictions on travel, physical activity, and mass gatherings, postponement of events etc., the impact of COVID-19 has had major implications for all youths, especially the students. These implications can have commensurate psychological consequences. To help the students deal with these challenges as well as to polish up their Critical Thinking skill and help them develop a healthy and competitive mind, “OIC Knowledge Master” quiz competition will completely take place online to connect the youths from all over the world.
The “OIC Knowledge Master” quiz competition is going to be held online by organizing the youth of the world to meet the challenges of the ongoing Covid-19 as well as to acquire their constructive thinking and skills and help them develop a healthy and competitive mindset.
Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020 believes that every new life brings a possibility and a promise. Therefore, as part of the Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020 Mega Event, the “OIC Knowledge Master” will showcase the knowledge and skills of the youth as well as inspire them to connect with the youth of other countries of the world and build a vibrant and sustainable future for all.
Objectives:
- To help the young participants improve or expand their knowledge of things, either
general or in specific area
- To promote the history and diverse cultures of Bangladesh and the nations from the OIC
region and beyond
- To provide the global youth an opportunity to learn about the life of Bangabandhu and
get inspired to build their life based on his ideology
- To promote a fun way of studying and in the process help improve one’s general
knowledge
- To enable young participants to think from different angles or simply ‘to think out of the
box’
- To aid in language development and in particular subject areas of study
- To provide the youth a platform where they can assess or measure their growth in the
knowledge, abilities and / or skills either on a general level or restricted to specific fields
for instance: History, Culture, Science etc.
- To conduct an event where it’s fun to participate in but with a competitive element
- To promote harmony and inclusiveness among the youths from different regions and
backgrounds
- To promote a healthy debate amongst participants in order to learn from each other
- To help the young participants build soft skills
COMPETITION FORMAT
The competition will take place in two layers: Regional and International.
Regional Level
In the Regional Level, participants will be selected from each of the following regions:
- Bangladesh
- Middle East
- Africa
- Rest of Asia
- Europe
- North America
International Level
Selected participants from the Regional Level will compete together in the International Level.
Number of primarily selected participants from each region for the international stage is as follows:
- Bangladesh – 48
- Middle East – 24
- Africa – 24
- Rest of Asia – 16
- Europe – 16
- North America – 16
COMPETITION MODULE
The Quiz Competition will take place through following rounds:
Qualifying Round: 100+ (144) participants will be selected for the Qualifying Round,
commemorating the 100th Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Selection will be made based on registrants’ data/information
submission quality and/or lottery (if needed).
Group Round: The Main Stage of the competition will start with this round where a total
number of 72 participants will participate in 24 groups. Each group will consist of 3
participants. Top 24 participants from 24 groups will qualify for the Quarter Final round.
Number of Group Round participants from each region is as follows:
Bangladesh – 24
Middle East – 12
Africa – 12
Rest of Asia – 8
Europe – 8
North America – 8
Quarter Final: Top 24 participants from the Group Round will be divided into 8 groups
with each group consisting 3 participants each. Top 8 participants from 8 groups will
qualify for the Semi Finals.
Semi Final: Top 8 participants from the Quarter Finals will compete in the Semi Finals.
Top 4 will make the Final!
Final: Top 4 participants from the competition will face off each other in the final.
Quiz Formats and Rules:
There will be a general quiz on various topics. There will be five rounds for the quizzing event.
Round-1: General Knowledge
Round 2: Bangabandhu and Bangladesh
Round 3: Knowledge Specialist
Round 4: Take Your Chance
Round 5: Rapid Fire Round
Quiz content:
- General knowledge
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Bangabandhu and Bangladesh
- History
- Art and culture
- Science
- Business education
- and others
Eligibility to participate:
- Citizenship of any country in the world
- Ability to communicate in English
- Accustomed to digital technology with good internet connection
- Age range 18-35
- Detailed knowledge and interest in quiz competition
Conditions and Disclaimer
- Only individual participation is allowed, and individuals must submit data/information as asked in the registration form
- The Contest will be held exclusively in English
- Participation is only open to the eligible people from selected regions
- If there is a tie, then the participant with maximum number of correct answers will be considered as winner
- In case of any disputes, the decision taken by the quizmaster or the quiz organizers shall be considered final
- No electronic gadgets or equipment, written or printed material is allowed during the contest
- If any participant is found misleading the organizer or using unfair means to win, organizers reserve the right to disqualify the team at any stage of the event
- The participants must adhere to the event’s regulations and procedures as stated by the organizing committee
- Organizers hold the right to make changes in the event structure during the event
Program Schedule
1st Prize – 2500 USD
2nd Prize – 2000 USD
3rd Prize – 1500 USD
Program Schedule
- Media Briefing – March 2021
- Registration – March – April 2021
- Primary Selection Announcement – April 2021
- Quizzing Event – April 2021
- Winners Engagement – April 2021
- *Award Giving Ceremony – June 2021

Bangladesh was announced as the “OIC Youth Capital 2020-21” marking a significant recognition for the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her spirited Government in the youth sector. The Istanbul based Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), an entity affiliated to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), made this declaration on 25 December 2019. The selection of Dhaka as the “OIC Youth Capital 2020-21” will play a significant role to reflect a positive brand image of Bangladesh globally specially among the youth. The convergence of the yearlong events with the grand celebration of the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has amplified its significance to a great extent.
Comprising to the youth of Bangladesh and the world, this event will showcase the spirit of Islam and youth and work to build peaceful collaboration among the youth generation. The year-long programs will contain different modes of youth and practices of living together and building the nest world together.
To celebrate the Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020, ten other elaborate mega events (Bangabandhu Global Youth Award, Bangabandhu Global Youth Award, OIC Knowledge Master, Bangabandhu Youth Art Competition, Bangabandhu-Dhaka International Debate Fest for the OIC Youth, Entrepreneurship, Skill & Employment Camp, Dhaka OIC Youth Capital Film Festival 2020-21, Scout Conference for Sustainable Development, Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award, The Holy Qur’an Recitation competition, Closing Ceremony) have been designed which will be implemented by various Ministries and government bodies throughout the year. It is our great pleasure to formally inform that the ‘Dhaka-OIC youth capital 202-21-Bangabandhu- Youth Art Competition’ is scheduled from 15-30 April 2021 virtually. With an objective to disseminate the related information of the exhibition through public media, the press conference has been scheduled to take place on 1 March, 2021. Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka, Bangladesh is going to organize the Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020-21 Bangabandhu- Youth Art Competition in association with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
Interested young artists aged between 18-35 years from the OIC member states and muslim community of other country are eligible to apply to the competition. The entire participating countries are devided into six regions. The regions are Bangladesh, Middle East, Rest of Asia, Africa, North and South America, Europe and Australia.
Two juries from each region will be responsible for the selection of artists, artworks and awards from their regional countries. Three juries from Bangladesh will select Bangladeshi artworks and awards. The jury board will select top 100 artworks – from Bangladesh 20 artists, Middle East 20 artists, Rest of Asia 20 artists, Africa 15 artists, North and South America 10 artists, and from Europe and Australia 15 artists.
Under the theme of the competition ‘Parity & Prosperity’ there will be a virtual exhibition of contemporary art, calligraphy art, photography and graphic design from 15 – 30 April, 2021.
In order to represent their selective thought and imagination to participate in the competition artistsmay follow the subjects like 1) Bangabandhu and Bangladesh; 2) COVID Pandemic; 3) Humanity in Refugee Crisis; 4) Youth Spirit in Technology; 5) Islamic History; 6) Climate Change etc.
Interested participating artists are requested to fill up the registration form (available at http://dhaka.oicyouthcapital.com/program/bangabandhu-youth-art-competition).
Only selected artists will be notified for participation in the virtual exhibition. The selection result will be posted on the website. Applicants are required to attach necessary documents along with the registration form. Each participant may apply with information of their artworks for selection process in maximum three categories and only one artwork for each category. Images of the artworks should be submitted by email in JPEG format in 300 DPI resolution and RGB color mode. Each file size of the attached Image should not be more than 5 MB. All interested participating artistsare requested to submit a scanned copy of their passportornational ID, educational, professional certificate in not be more than 5 MB.
The deadline for the registration and submission of the participation documents is scheduled from 1-31 March 2021. Artworks and regional award selection will be from 1-7 April 2021 from six regions and the selected artists will be notified about their selection through email. The jury session for grand award selection will be held from 11 – 13 April, 2021. A jury panel comprising from Bangladesh and ICYF will be responsible for judging the seclected artworks. Four awards will be given in each categories.
All selected artists will be recive certificate for their participation.
All communication regarding the ecompetition must be directed to the address of the Department of Fine Arts, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, 14/3 Segunbagicha, Ramna, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh. Phone: +88029550602; Mobile: +8801713047571; +8801711183544, +8801711174918;
E-mail: shilpakala.dhaka@oicyouthcapital.com

Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020 was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina in a virtual inauguration declaration ceremony on Monday 27th July, 2020. The Inauguration program was attended by His Excellency Yousef bin Ahmad Al- Othaimeen, Secretary General, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); His Excellency Mr. Azad Rahimov, Hon’ble Minister of Youth and Sports of Republic of Azerbaijan; H.E. Dawda A. Jallow, Justice Minister and Attorney General of the Gambia , His Excellency Mr. Taha Ayhan, President, Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen MP, Honorable Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel MP, Honorable State Minister for Youth and Sports of Bangladesh along with other global leaders and dignitaries.
The event was inaugurated at the National Sports Council. Dr. Momen, Honorable Foreign Minister, Mr. Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel, MP, Hon’ble State Minister of the Ministry of Youth & Sports and high officials from both the Ministry attended the event in person in the venue maintaining proper health standards and social distancing. The other Ministers and Dignitaries which includes Ambassadors of Foreign Missions in Bangladesh, Ambassadors of Bangladesh from some countries, Secretaries from Different Ministries, eminent personalities and Journalists from home and abroad have joined virtually in the inauguration ceremony. More than 200 participants from 75 (seventy five) countries who have been shortlisted for “ Resilient Youth Leadership Summit” also joined this virtual inauguration program.
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh in her statement highlighted on the strength and vitality of Youth and recalled the achievement and sacrifices of the father of the Nation Bangabandhu during his youth. She also highlighted on the plight of the persecuted Rohingya Community and asked the global community to build global consensus for their sustainable, safe and dignified repatriation. Hon’ble Prime Minister has stressed that in all the visions and plan, Bangladesh Government has put utmost importance on the youth. With the power of the youth, Bangladesh has already materialized the Vision-2021 to transform it into a “Digital Bangladesh” and the decision of organizing the whole “Dhaka, OIC Youth Capital 2020” program is a testament to the technologically empowered advanced Bangladesh
Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, MP said, “We were expected to launch the event sequence in April 2020. But the COVID-19 pushed us back. Now – we have remodeled and relaunched ourselves on the web-platform. Additionally, we have reasons to believe that the occurrence of the COVID-19 has only accentuated the underlying rationale for the theme of this year’s edition ‘Resilience for Parity and Prosperity’. Hon’ble Foreign Minister has mentioned about the “Resilient Youth Leadership Summit” where Youth across the globe will visit the Rohingya Camp in Cox’s bazar virtually and sensitize them with the plights of these persecuted people and discuss with humanitarian experts to concoct how the accountability and justice can be ensured for them.
H.E. Dawda A. Jallow, Justice Minister and Attorney General of the Gambia highlighted his country’s principled positions on the Rohingya crisis and the principles of international law and international genocide and other humanitarian laws. He noted that the ICJ ordered provisional measures against Myanmar for stopping the onslaught of the genocide. He noted that the Rohingyas have a birthright to their homeland in the Northern Rakhine and their mandate for citizenship and legal rights remain a common commitment for the international community.
Mr. Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel, MP gave a brief on the history and background of the selection procedure of Dhaka as the OIC Youth Capital. He emphasized on the indomitable spirit and vigour of the of the youth of Bangladesh and world as well. He further mentioned about the achievement of youth in different sector of Bangladesh and welcomed everyone for joining this august event. The Hon’ble State Minister mentioned that he inauguration declaration programme will be followed by a virtual youth summit titled “Resilient Youth Leadership Summit” on 27th and 28th July 2020, where 250 shortlisted youths out of more than 1200 applications from 75 countries will meet expert panelists in various day long activities to learn and craft the strategies to build a Resilient World, particularly, in the context of this COVID-19 pandemic situation.
Mr. Ayhan started his speech by thanking Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, Honorable Prime Minister, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for welcoming this year’s OIC Youth Capital Program in the magnificent city of Dhaka, a city of youth. He continued by emphasizing that “Bangladesh has become one of Asia’s most remarkable success stories in recent years, is moving quickly to a high-value, knowledge-intensive society, beyond apparel manufacturing, and will be the 26th largest economy in the world, by 2030″. “With its asset of two-third of its population is under 25, quick learners, adaptive to technologies, and ready to engage in their communities, Bangladesh will certainly keep moving to highest levels of sustainable development” Mr. Ayhan added.
Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),Hon’ble Minister of Youth and Sports of Republic of Azerbaijan and Hon’ble President of Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) in their statement praised Bangladesh for their outstanding preparation and called upon the youths of the OIC member states to build stronger fraternity among them.
A series of events will be organized at the OIC Youth Capital Dhaka 2020 including OIC Scout Leaders E-Meet: People for better planet, Bangabandhu Youth Leadership Award, Holy Quran Recitation Competition, Film Festival: Lockdown by the Lence, OIC Knowledge Master: Quiz competition, Art Exhibition: Creativity to create better world, Debate Competition: Topics on new Free world, Youth Bootcamp – Leadership, Youth development, Entrepreneurship, Skill & Employment Camp etc. Dates of these events will be confirmed later.