In an enthusiastic, joyful and optimistic graduation ceremony, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) celebrated the first cohort of the Young Professionals Program (2022-2024), at its headquarters, in Rabat, at the close of the first edition of the Program, which was supported and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Graduates from 10 of ICESCO’s Member States received their graduation certificates and shields in the high-level presence of several officials, ambassadors and representatives of international missions accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco.

The ceremony, held on Tuesday (October 29, 2024), kicked off with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the screening of a video documenting the professional journey of the graduates, who received vocational training over 24 months in ICESCO’s specialized sectors, departments and centers.

In his address, Ambassador Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco, said that the program has prepared specialized young professionals qualified to serve the Islamic world in various fields, which is a source of pride for ICESCO in these young people, who will contribute to the efforts geared towards developing their countries and the world at large, noting that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan was keen to meet these young people during his visit to ICESCO headquarters in November 2023.

Afterwards, Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, presented the Organization’s shield to Ambassador Samadov in appreciation of Azerbaijan’s support for this program and many of ICESCO’s initiatives, programs and activities at the level of the Islamic world.

In his address, the DG of ICESCO stressed that youth are the pillar of development and progress, their visions are renaissance projects, and their dreams are nations’ future given the enormous human wealth they represent today; pointing out that grasping this fact is the way to own the present and the future. “ICESCO has made great strides in this context. It is now referred to as a young Organization, with youth representing 42% of its work force,” he added.

He also indicated that this program, which was meticulously organized by ICESCO and supported by the generous sponsorship of Azerbaijan, has become a successful example to be followed, with more than 100 training activities organized through the program’s period, addressing several pieces of advice to the young professionals, and concluding his address by announcing the launch of the second edition of ICESCO’s Young Professionals Program.

For her part, Kenza Abourmane, Director of Youth at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, stressed that the program demonstrates ICESCO’s commitment to building the capacities of young people in its Member States, noting that the Ministry implements several activities and programs in cooperation with the Organization to empower youth and inspire them to be leaders of positive change.

Then, Alaa Mawla Al-Duwaila and Masrané Reoukadji Dior, members of the Young Professionals Program, delivered speeches in which they emphasized their pride in receiving professional training in ICESCO’s sectors, centers and departments, noting that the training has paved their way to professional excellence and success.

Speaking on behalf of the program team, Rana Ezzeddine, expert at the Legal Affairs and International Standards Department of ICESCO, stressed that the program provided a unique experience for the young professionals and equipped them to build a unique professional future.

At the end of the ceremony, ICESCO DG along with a number of ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco presented the young professionals with the graduation certificates and honorary shields.

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