Today, at the UN headquarters, the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), Islamic Development Bank (ISDB), and the Algerian Women Forum successfully convened the side event, “Empowering Youth and Women for a Sustainable Future,” in collaboration with the Commission on the Status of Women and in commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

Focused on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering inclusivity in the era of AI, technology, and social media, the event facilitated dynamic discussions and presentations. Participants engaged with pressing issues such as the role of technology, AI, and social media in the elimination of poverty, racism, and the unique challenges faced by vulnerable youth and women in less developed countries and globally.

Esteemed panelists and speakers, including Mr. Rasul Omarov, Director General of ICYF, Mr. Ahmed Faruk Diken, Manager, Women and Youth Empowerment, Islamic Development Bank, Ms. Frada Amel Maria, representing the Algerian Women Forum, Prof. Azza Karam, Founding President and CEO of Lead Integrity, Dr. Sana Tayyan, Assistant Professor at Redlands University, Los Angeles, Ms. Arezo Farah, The McGill Youth Advisory Delegation, Ms. Nicole Cojuangco, from The Urban Assembly Maker Academy, Brooklyn, New York, and Ms. Oladiwura Oladepo, Executive Director of Tech4Dev, shared their insights on leveraging AI, technology, and social media to empower youth and women worldwide.

The event fostered meaningful dialogue and generated critical discussion on the future of youth and women in the tech age. Many recommendations were made towards an inclusive and sustainable future for all.