The Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation held in Istanbul announces Jerusalem as the “Islamic World’s Youth Capital” for 2018
Jerusalem has been announced as the “Islamic World’s Youth Capital” for 2018, the Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC) President Elshad Iskandarov said. “Our main objectives in this program is that youngsters across the Islamic world flood to Jerusalem, to see to it that our holy land is not left alone, and to ensure that the Islamic characteristics of Jerusalem is officially supported.”
The protocol for announcing Jerusalem as the “Islamic World’s Youth Capital” for 2018 was signed by Palestinian Youth and Sport Minister Jibril Rajoub, ICYF-DC President and Ambassador President Elshad Iskandarov at the Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation Headquarters at World Trade Center in Istanbul.
Iskandarov noted that Istanbul was the first Youth Capital of the Islamic world in 2016.
Stating that Putrajaya of Malaysia, Fez of Morocco, and Shiraz of Iran also hosted this year’s program, Jerusalem was elected as the “Islamic World’s Youth Capital” as a result of assessments for 2018.
Israel’s recent violations of human rights in Palestine, incidents that occurred around the al-Aqsa Mosque, and civilians being subjected to violence was effective in this decision, Iskandarov said.
The events aim to have a lasting impact on Palestinian youth, and to strengthen unity across the Islamic world for the sake of Jerusalem. Iskandarov also emphasized the importance of support to come from Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and added that many cultural, athletic, academic and political events will be organized in Jerusalem throughout the year. The events will also include photography, drawing and writing contests.
Palestinian Youth and Sport Minister Jibril Rajoub expressed appreciation for Jerusalem being announced as the youth capital.
Rajoub said that this project, considered important by the Palestinian people, aims to actualize goals, and that it is not a symbolic one. “This program will show that the Muslim community stands by Palestinians against the atrocity of Israel,” he added.
