The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, the Baku Higher Oil School, and the institution of New Space Innovation, launched a program to train young people on how to create and develop small projects in the field of technology and innovation. The program includes a two-day bootcamp and a six-week intensive course, during which the young participants will put to practice their newly acquired knowledge to launch start-ups.

The program, which ICESCO will implement in 10 other Member States over the upcoming period, aims at supporting the creative economy in the Islamic world, promoting technology-oriented startups, and launching more than 150 companies by the end of 2025. A jury of experts will select the top three teams from each country to participate in the grand finale and present their proposals to funders and investors.

In his video speech at the launch ceremony of the program on Sunday, September 12, 2021, in the Azerbaijani capital Baku, the Director-General of ICESCO, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, highlighted the program’s goals in enhancing the skills of young graduates in the Islamic world, and supporting women. “The Organization believes in the creative capabilities of young people and women that can contribute to achieving the goals of sustainable development,” he added.

The First Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, Mr. Elnur Aliyev, underlined the strong partnership between ICESCO and Azerbaijan in many fields, wishing the participants success. The head of the Baku Higher Oil School, Mr. Elmar Gasimov, also commended ICESCO’s efforts to support the countries of the Islamic world, including Azerbaijan, stressing the importance of the training program in which 23 teams are participating.

During his statement, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, the Advisor at the Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, noted the high level cooperation between the Organization and Azerbaijan, elaborating on the various stages of the program.

The program is ICESCO’s most recent effort towards its new vision, which promotes benefitting from the modern technology to achieve sustainable development in the Member States. Particularly as the first phase of the program focuses on building the capacities of participants constructing business models and conducting market research, with a focus on five sectors: agriculture, digital media, financial technology, entertainment and games, tourism, and food technology.