The Shusha OIC Youth Capital 2024 official launch and handover ceremony was held in the pearl of Karabakh, the historic city of Shusha from the 4th to the 6th of June 2024.

ICYF President H.E. Taha Ayhan was among the key speakers and attendees at the grand opening together with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports H.E. Farid Gayibov, Boubakari Maiga from the OIC, MP Shahin Ismayilov, and SESRIC Chief of Cabinet Atilla Karaman.

Addressing the gathering, Mr.Ayhan recalled the words of the President of Azerbaijan H.E. Ilham Aliyev, the victorious Commander In Chief who liberated Karabakh stated, “We deeply grieve for the families who lost their loved ones and for the innocent children killed in Palestine.” “The current difficulties require us to show realistic solutions and sincere solidarity with our brothers,” he added. During the course of the year, more than 150 young participants from 36 countries will engage in year-long events on science, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and education, under the theme ‘Empowering Youth, Uniting Cultures.’

Shusha is not just a geographical location on the map of Azerbaijan; it is a page of history, a symbol of strength in resistance and resilience over decades. With the program starting here today, we will highlight Shusha’s history and culture and share it with the global community through the lens of youth” he added.

During his speech, Youth and Sports Minister H.E. Mr. Gayibov announced plans for over 12 large-scale offline and online events, covering various fields such as science, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and education for the youth of the Islamic world in collaboration with ICYF.

Over 150 young participants from 36 countries will engage in year-long events on science, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and education, under the theme ‘Empowering Youth, Uniting Cultures.’

The three-day launch also featured the International Leadership and Diplomacy Conference, the ‘Islamic Youth Talks for Peace and Harmony’ panel, and the NexGen Social Innovation Forum and a city tour of Shusha.