The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded its 3rd Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program (LTIPS). The Program aims to train and graduate ICESCO Youth Ambassadors for Peace. The third edition saw the participation of 100 ambassadors from 68 countries, bringing the total number of ICESCO Youth Ambassadors to 180.

To mark the conclusion of the Program, the “Leadership for Peace: From Theory to Practice” webinar was convened on Thursday, December 19, 2024. The event brought together prominent experts and specialists in youth inclusion, peacebuilding, and sustainable development, alongside ICESCO Youth Ambassadors.

In her address, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of ICESCO’s Sector of Social and Human Sciences, emphasized the Organization’s efforts to develop the capacities of youth, both within and beyond the Islamic world. Ms. Ramata highlighted leadership, intergenerational dialogue, cultural exchange, and social cohesion as key areas of focus. Moreover, she affirmed that LTIPS seeks to establish Peace 360º Approach, employing a multidisciplinary methodology to train and mobilize young leaders for a brighter future.

For his part, Mr. Ali Ndiaye, Head of Peace Division, reviewed several of ICESCO’s initiatives and programs aimed at involving youth and women in advancing sustainable development. Chief among these is ICESCO’s Best Innovative Youth Projects for Peace Award, which encourages youth to take proactive steps in promoting peace from various dimensions.

The webinar’s agenda included sessions on a range of topics, including: The 2024 Global Peace Index: Insights and the Role of Youth in Advancing Peace, Sports as a Universal Language for Peace, The Economics of Peace: How Inclusive Growth Can Foster Stability and Sustainable Development, Intercultural Dialogue: Advancing Peace by Protecting Cultural Heritage, Interfaith Dialogue, and Empowering Agents of Change: The Role of Youth and Women in Peacebuilding, and Designing and Implementing Peace Initiatives.