Each year on April 21st, the world celebrates World Creativity and Innovation Day to stress the crucial role of creativity and innovation in finding sustainable solutions to economic and social challenges, and in adapting to the rapid global transformations. On this occasion, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) sheds light on the importance of creativity and innovation in enhancing international efforts to build thriving, knowledge-based, and culturally diverse societies.

In this context, ICESCO calls for the integration of youth and women and the enhancement of their innovative capacities to broaden societal horizons and accelerate their developmental progress, by providing job opportunities and training, and implementing various initiatives and programs in science and technology.

ICESCO has launched an ambitious program to train youth in establishing small projects in technology and innovation, with the goal of promoting entrepreneurship in the Islamic world and contributing to sustainable and comprehensive development. Launched in 2021 across 19 countries, the program has already supported 54 start-up projects. Its ultimate objective is to reach 150 such companies by the end of 2025, while also enhancing the capacities of over 5,000 entrepreneurs.

The Organization has also introduced an award for converting bio-waste into food bars, aiming to support entrepreneurs and start-ups in developing innovative techniques to maximize the utilization of wasted food.