The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has launched the programme entitled “Future Leaders Qualification: Developing International Skills for Sustainable Youth Leadership in the Middle East and North Africa,” in partnership with Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University in Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Education, and National Youth Observatory. The programme is implemented as part of the activities of the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd – ICESCO Chair for Intergenerational Human Leadership and Building Future Societies.

Launched on Monday, 19 January 2026, in Tunis, the programme aims to strengthen the skills of young leaders from the MENA region and promote a culture of foresight and strategic planning. It also seeks to develop communication and critical thinking skills to keep pace with technological and socio-economic transformations, and to raise awareness of the ethical use of artificial intelligence through interactive workshops, youth-led dialogue sessions, and experience-sharing activities on mechanisms of innovation and creativity.

Representing ICESCO at the opening session of the launch ceremony, Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of the Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, highlighted the Organization’s efforts to build youth capacities and enhance their skills through various programmes and projects in the fields of entrepreneurship, modern technologies, and innovation. He also underscored the Center’s role in advancing strategic foresight, artificial intelligence, critical thinking, and future skills and professions across Member States.

For his part, Foued Ouni, Director-General of the National Youth Observatory in Tunisia, emphasized the central role of national youth policies and regional initiatives, noting the importance of adopting a culture of foresight as a key component of building the future.