The program celebrating the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Afro-Arab Youth Council in the Ugandan capital Kampala kicked off today, Monday 4 March 2024. The Event, organized by the Council, in partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), carries the theme: “Youth, Peace, Culture, and Wellbeing.” It includes a week-long series of workshops, training sessions, and roundtable discussions highlighting the relationship between culture, sports, and good health. The Celebration is attended by several officials, international figures, and a host of youth hailing from all around the world, all aimed at promoting a culture of peace and responsible leadership among youth.

Prior to the opening session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, along with a delegation of representatives from Member States of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, visited the Innovation Laboratory at Makerere University. There, they were briefed on the modern technologies and equipment available at the lab, all aimed at encouraging students to engage in scientific research and innovation.

In his opening remarks, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s declaration of 2023 as its Youth Year to enhance their creative potential and motivate them to seek and achieve personal development. ICESCO Director-General also praised the partnership existing between the Organization and the Afro-Arab Youth Council, paving the way for fruitful cooperation at the service of youth in Africa, the Islamic world, and beyond.

Furthermore, His Excellency reaffirms that launching the training sessions for the third group of beneficiaries of ICESCO’s Leadership Training in Peace and Security Program, in parallel with the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Council’s founding, is a major step in this direction. The 3rd group of the program will see the number of ICESCO’s youth ambassadors for peace climb to 180, hailing from over 68 countries.

Dr. AlMalik underlined that culture plays a vital role in bringing about positive change in societies, enhancing social cohesion, and driving economic transformation. His Excellency also highlighted the Organization’s efforts to raise awareness among young people about the rich cultural heritage of African and Islamic countries, with an aim to promote and preserve it.

In his address, Dr. Abbas Agaba, Secretary-General of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, highlighted the roles and efforts of the Council in promoting unity and cooperation between African and Arab countries, as well as accompanying youth on their educational journey and peace-building efforts.

Mr. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports in the Republic of Gambia, emphasized the importance of integrating youth into various fields and the need to enhance quality education to build generations that are capable of contributing to peace, addressing global challenges, and resolving conflicts.

For her part, Ms. Rosie Agoi, Secretary-General of the Ugandan National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO, reviewed the Commission’s work, lauding the fruitful cooperation with ICESCO in several programs, including improving water and sanitation services in several schools and providing technological equipment to students.

Ms. Asmaa El Hilali, from the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, reaffirmed Morocco’s keenness to empowering and enhancing the youth capacities, considering its importance in establishing security and peace. She reviewed Morocco’s experience in encouraging youth involvement and supporting them in entrepreneurship.