SESRIC and ICYF co-hosted the side event on "Youth Holding the Key to Green Future: Initiatives and Practices in the OIC Region" on the margins of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum on 18 April 2022 at 4:00 pm (GMT +3).

This side event brought together high-level policymakers and experts from OIC member countries, OIC institutions, and relevant UN agencies to discuss issues pertaining to the effects of climate change in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and share some of the best practices on youth engagement in attaining the sustainable development goals in the OIC region.

The event started with the opening statements by H.E. Taha AYHAN, President of ICYF, H.E. Mr. Nebil DABUR, DG of SESRIC, and H.E. Dr. Amina AL HAJRI, DG of Cultural, Social and Family Affairs Department at OIC General Secretariate. During his opening speech, H.E. Mr. Nebil DABUR, DG of SESRIC, highlighted the importance of this side event by pointing out the critical role of youth as human resources for development and key agents for social change, economic growth, and technical innovation. He also stated that with innovative and effective policies, programmes, and initiatives OIC member countries can empower and engage young people in their quest for a greener and sustainable future. Before concluding, Mr. DABUR reiterated to the participants that SESRIC will continue its efforts towards promoting and enhancing the capacities of young people as well as facilitating intra-OIC cooperation in this important area.

The opening session was followed by keynote addresses by H.E. Mr. Farhad HACIYEV, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ms. Nicholle BAAZAOUI, Senior Economic Policy Advisor and Director for Women’s Economic Empowerment within the Secretary of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, and H.E. Mr. Mansur MUHTAR, Vice President of IsDB. During their addresses, the high-level representatives praised the organisation of this event and stressed the importance of investment in youth for attaining sustainable development throughout the OIC region.

The event continued with a panel discussion attended by experts from SESRIC, IsDB and ICYF. During the panel discussion, Mr. Mazhar HUSSAIN, Director of the Economic and Social Research Department at SESRIC, made a presentation on "Youth Role in Sustainable and Resilient Recovery from COVID-19 in OIC Region". In his presentation, Mr. HUSSAIN highlighted the state of youth in OIC countries; the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth, and approaches for "building back better" and more resilient recovery for green sustainable development. Other presenters from IsDB and ICYF also put the spotlight on promoting holistic approaches and policies for green job opportunities and supporting youth-led initiatives for a green future. The panel discussion was concluded with an interactive Q&A session with the participants.

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