The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded a training workshop titled “Capacity Building: Mental Health Training for Adolescents and Youth,” organized in cooperation with the Yemeni National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, in Aden on 6 and 7 October 2025. The workshop benefited 35 young men and women and aimed to raise awareness about mental and psychological health while equipping youth with the skills needed to cope with crises.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Hafiza Al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Yemeni National Commission, emphasized the importance of the workshop in enhancing young people’s understanding of mental health and its connection to conflict, thereby strengthening their resilience within their communities. She noted that societies cannot mature without fostering inner strength and ensuring psychological and social well-being.

For his part, ICESCO representative Mr. Alioune Ndiaye, Head of Peace Division at the Social and Human Sciences Sector, highlighted that mental health and youth empowerment form a central focus of ICESCO’s strategic vision. He referred to the Organization’s practical initiatives, including the publication of two mental health guides and the organization of previous training sessions in Morocco and Libya.

The workshop concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony attended by Mr. Iqbal Yassin Bahader, Deputy Director of the Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Yemen, Dr. Al-Khader Nasser Laswar, President of the University of Aden, along with several professors and academics.