The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that youth are the cornerstone of the present, the driving force of the future, and the foundation for the progress of nations and the development of societies. The Council urges the urgent need to empower youth and foster their active participation in peacebuilding, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
In a statement released on International Youth Day, which is observed on August 12 each year, the Muslim Council of Elders highlighted that this year’s theme, “Local Youth Initiatives for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond,” underscores the critical need to harness the energy and innovative ideas of youth in promoting peace, addressing global challenges, and advancing partnerships and technological initiatives to create a more inclusive and equitable world.
The Council emphasized that investing in youth education, enhancing their digital and social skills, and providing a supportive environment for their creativity is the most effective way to ensure prosperous futures for nations. Proven experiences demonstrate the ability of youth to make significant impacts in their communities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and volunteerism.
The Muslim Council of Elders places great importance on empowering youth for creativity and innovation, driven by its firm belief in the need to cultivate a generation capable of fostering peace and human coexistence. This is achieved through a range of targeted initiatives, including the “Emerging Peacemakers Forum,” the “Student Dialogues on Human Fraternity Program,” the “Ethics Education Program,” the “Azadi Fellowship for Promoting Dialogue and Coexistence,” and other initiatives that enhance youth’s role in tackling global challenges and fostering a positive sense of belonging.