Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a delegation from the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC), headed by Dr. Abbas Agaba, Council Secretary-General. The two parties discussed prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and the Council to promote youth involvement and build their capacities.

During the meeting, held on Monday, November 27, 2023, at ICESCO headquarters, Dr. Benarafa reaffirmed the importance ICESCO accords to training youth, building their capacities and encouraging them to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship paths. He added that to achieve this goal, the Organization implements a number of programs and initiatives, notably its proclamation of the Year of Youth and its launch of key programs such as the Leadership Training in Peace and Security Program (LTIPS) and the Young Professionals Program.

For his part, the AAYC Secretary-General stated that the Council seeks to disseminate and promote the values of peace, democracy and human rights, anchor unity, solidarity and sustainable development, and support African and Arab youth to overcome the challenges they are facing. Dr. Agaba also reaffirmed his keenness to build fruitful cooperation with ICESCO in areas of common interest.

Two ICESCO officials, namely Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Sector of Human and Social Sciences, and Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to the Director-General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), attended the meeting, along with Ms. Amina Hilmi, Coordinator of Northern Africa Affairs at the AAYC.