Baku, May 6, AZERTAC

The "Model OIC International Relations (IR) Academy" project, which has been successfully implemented in Azerbaijan for several years, has started once again. The first lecture program of the project is organized by the Eurasian Regional Center of Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF-ERC) in partnership with Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Over 100 young people, distinguished by their special talents and foreign language knowledge, were selected from more than 600 applicants who represent the leading universities of Azerbaijan. The students will take part in weekly lectures for 2 months and then in the “Model OIC” Council of Foreign Ministers simulation. In 2024, the events within the framework of the program will be held under the auspice of the idea “Solidarity for the sake of a green world”. The main topic of this year’s program is “Charting a Greener Future: OIC’s Role in Combating Climate Change and Strengthening Resilience”. The main focus of the training will be on enhancing the knowledge among young people about climate issues in preparation for the COP29 conference to be held in November 2024 in Baku. The aim is to help participants discover their potential and explore how youth can collaborate effectively in this regard.

During the opening ceremony at Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), program coordinator Momeena Mehdi presented the goals and tasks of the "Model OIC" program and shared experiences gained in recent years. Rafig Ismayilov, Director General of the ICYF-ERC, expressed gratitude to the UNEC leadership for their support in organizing these events and informed the participants about the ICYF-ERC activities.

The guest lecturers of the program delivered speeches. Ambassador Nassir Abdul Kareem Abdul Raheem of Palestine to Azerbaijan spoke on "The Impact of Middle Eastern Conflicts on the Environment", Ambassador Alim Bayel of Kazakhstan discussed "Kazakhstan's Multilateral Diplomacy - Navigating Relations between East and West", Nijat Mammadli, Advisor to the Minister of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, addressed "The New Geopolitics of the Middle East", and Dr. Javid Valiyev, head of a Department at the Center of Analysis of International Relations, covered "The Current State of International Relations: Strategic Relations Among OIC Member States". Throughout the program, the lecturers answered various questions from the participants.

The main objectives of the Model OIC IR Academy project are to support the strengthening of international cooperation among OIC youth, help young people and members of youth organizations gain new knowledge and experience in diplomacy, management, and communication. After two months of lectures, students will take part in the Model OIC Council of Foreign Ministers simulation. Selected participants with foreign language skills and specific abilities will have the opportunity to represent Azerbaijan in the International Model OIC.

Over the past years, Azerbaijani students have represented the country multiple times in "International Model OIC" simulations, which cover the entire OIC region and are attended by representatives from more than 40 OIC member countries.