The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold the fourth session of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers (ICYSM) in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 17-19 April 2018, under the theme "Solidarity in Action for Youth Development". The ICYSM shall review the draft OIC Youth Strategy for adoption. This draft emphasizes the priority of action for youth empowerment and the investment in their future as a key priority. It calls upon Member States to develop national policies, action plans and mechanisms that guarantee the protection of youth rights, improve their lives and economic and social status, their educational and knowledge levels and provide them with opportunities to participate in the decision-making process. The Strategy also urges the establishment of joint working mechanisms among Member States for exchanging experiences, mutual support and coordinating policies in the field of youth. The ICYSM will discuss the status of youth in the OIC Member States, the activities of the Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYFDC), the activities of the Sports Federation of the Islamic Solidarity Games and the Joint Action Plan for Youth. The ICYSM will also discuss the international program of the Islamic Youth Capital and the implementation of the resolutions related to youth and sports by Member States in coordination with the OIC General Secretariat and the OIC institutions working in the field of youth and sports. The ICYSM will also represent an opportunity for Member States and concerned institutions to share their experiences, study the challenges they face, and highlight success stories in dealing with youth issues and the importance that Member States and the OIC attach to youth and sports matters.
