Training Course on Youth, Cultural Diplomacy, and Leadership Development Launched at the OIC Headquarters

Jeddah: A training course on Youth, Cultural Diplomacy, and Leadership Development commenced today, Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah. According to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the course is organized by the OIC General Secretariat and chaired by the Ministry of Sports of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which holds the presidency of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers (ICYSM). This initiative is being coordinated with the Islamic Solidarity Fund and other relevant OIC bodies and institutions. Significantly, the course coincides with OIC Youth Day, celebrated annually by the Organization on September 3. The Secretary-General of the OIC, Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, highlighted that youth currently constitute over 28% of the population within OIC member states, with this figure expected to rise to 30.7% by 2030. His speech, delivered by the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, C ultural, and Social Affairs, Ambassador Tariq Ali Bakheet, emphasized that Youth Cultural Diplomacy is a practical tool for developing young people's ability to build bridges, promote dialogue, counter misguided ideologies and violent extremism, and disseminate values of tolerance and moderation inherent in the noble religion. The speech further outlined the training program's key objectives, which include training and enhancing young people's capabilities in cultural diplomacy and leadership development, providing a platform to discuss youth empowerment issues, and familiarizing participants with the OIC's efforts in this field. Sincere thanks and appreciation were extended to member states, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for chairing the fifth session of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers and for implementing the session's resolutions. The support provided by Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Prime Mi nister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was also commended.