Marrakech OIC Youth Capital 2025 \ Newslooks \ Special \ Summary \ Marrakech is designated the OIC’s Youth Capital 2025 under King Mohammed VI’s patronage, hosting 200 youth from 48 countries. The program features forums on post‑COVID challenges, digital innovation, and intercultural dialogue. Key leaders highlighted youth as drivers of sustainable development and AI‑enabled transformation.
Marrakech OIC Youth Capital 2025” Quick Looks
- Historic patronage & global reach: June 30–Dec 3, 2025, under King Mohammed VI, with participants from 48 OIC countries.
- Flagship topics: Post-COVID priorities, digital innovation, AI investment, intercultural exchange.
- Institutional backing: Moroccan & Islamic bodies affirm youth centrality in policymaking, peace, and development.
- Cultural integration: Forums, sports, art, and guided tours ensure a blend of intellectual and heritage experiences.

Deep Look
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom of Morocco is hosting the “Marrakech OIC Youth Capital 2025” from June 30 to December 3, 2025. This program seeks to unite Islamic youth across cultural, educational, and religious dimensions. Announced in a June 27 press conference, Mr. Mohamed Ouziane, Director at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, emphasized that Marrakech’s designation reflects Morocco’s commitment to youth empowerment through innovation and intercultural connectivity. The event gathers approximately 200 young leaders representing 48 countries .
ICYF President Taha Ayhan praised Marrakech as a cultural jewel and outlined a dynamic “Youth Capital” agenda to foster youth capacity building. ICYF Director General Rasul Omarov noted the event’s focus on Islamic and Moroccan youth for greater global outreach and exchange .
The official launch took place on June 30 at Marrakech’s Meydane Theater, attended by Moroccan Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd, ministers and ambassadors from OIC member states. Moroccan artist Yassine Lachhab delivered a rousing performance, setting an inspiring tone for the ceremony .
In his address, Minister Bensaïd emphasized the event’s historical significance in empowering youth and remarked that the initiative aligns with Morocco’s wider strategy—integrating youth into public policy and innovation, resonating with the Royal vision .

Aftab Ahmad Khokher, OIC Secretary‑General for Science & Technology, called for youth inclusion in crafting sustainable and peaceful futures, heralding the event as a symbol of Islamic solidarity and unity .
Taha Ayhan expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan government. Saudi representative Ahmed bin Salmane Alghimlas celebrated Marrakech’s historic and modern spirit as a model for Muslim youth navigating digital and AI transformation post‑COVID. ICESCO Director‑General Salem Ben Mohamed El Malek praised Marrakech as a true crossroad of Islamic civilization, fostering a bright future .
Mr. Ouziane, also the program’s director, emphasized the anticipated connections among Islamic youth and Marrakech’s role as a platform for addressing major global challenges. The program began July 1 with an international youth forum on “Islamic World Youth: Post‑COVID Challenges,” launching a three‑day discussion on innovation, mental health, AI, democracy, and sustainable development .

Panelists—ministers, academics, and even a former White House security advisor—shared insights on youth’s pivotal role during COVID‑19. They highlighted shifts in learning, employment, and mental health priorities, advocating for AI investment and democratized access to technology. The forums underscored the need for nurturing environments for youth in development, especially in less‑advanced nations .
On July 2, participants applauded Morocco’s youth‑centric New Development Model and proposed an Islamic Youth Charter for the post‑COVID era to strengthen OIC cooperation. The following day, attendees toured Marrakech’s historical monuments, immersing themselves in the city’s rich heritage .
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