In celebration of the World Mental Health Day, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, WHO, European Union Delegation in Morocco, Arab Voluntary Union in Bahrain held a round-table under the theme: “All for the Mental Health and Well-Being of Youth”, to raise awareness of the importance of concerting efforts at all levels to address mental health issues and support people suffering from mental disorders.

In his speech at the opening of the round-table, today, Wednesday (9 October 2024) at the headquarters of the Ministry of Youth and Culture – Youth Sector – in Rabat, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, touched upon the relationship between mental health and culture, stating that cultural activities contribute to reducing mental illnesses and disorders. He gave an overview of ICESCO’s anti-bullying programme, which includes holding a series of educational workshops, lectures and various competitions.

For her part, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector at ICESCO, praised the fruitful partnership between ICESCO, the Ministry and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, which culminated in holding this roundtable. She also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts in the field of health and psychological care.

Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mr. Mustafa Al-Masoudi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Youth Sector, praised the distinguished partnership between the Ministry and ICESCO, translated in a number of programmes and projects.

For his part, Mr. Ismail Taqi, Head of Trade Facilitation Department at the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, pointed out that mental health is one of the determinants of social balance to achieve development at various levels, and that the Centre pays great attention to youth.

Mr. Fouad Chafiqi, Inspector General of Educational Affairs at the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports in the Kingdom of Morocco, reviewed the Ministry’s strategy to combat school violence.

Following the opening session, the participants officially launched the Psychological First Aid Guide, and the graphic story “Show Me Your Smile”, by the Egyptian writer Hegra Mahmoud Al-Sawy Ahmed, which deals with the phenomenon of bullying in schools. Then the winners of the story illustrations competition were announced, with artist Badr Rahawi came first, Osama Otrot second, and Youssef Rahali from the Kingdom of Morocco came third.

The winners of the Innovation Lab-Youth Changemakers Initiative 2024, launched in partnership between ICESCO, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, were also announced as part of ICESCO’s International Forum “From Youth for Youth”.

For the record, the first session of the roundtable discussed “Confronting Mental Health Challenges in Times of Crisis: Drawing Lessons from Best Practices and Case Studies”, while the second session debated: “ICESCO’s Anti-Bullying Programme: Enhancing Shared Knowledge to Build a Strong Psychological Future for Children and Youth”.