The Model OIC Special Edition, an international simulation Conference of the OIC Foreign Ministers was organized on the 23rd of October at Baku State University, as a side event of the “Azerbaijan Investment and Culture Summit” scheduled for the 27th-29th of October by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The simulation was held under the theme “Sustaining Peace in the Region: Rebuilding Karabakh”.

The Model OIC Special Edition started with an opening speech by Mr. Vusal Gurbanov, Acting Director of ICYF-ERC. Mr. Gurbanov reminded the youth of the importance of playing an active role in diplomacy and being educated in such matters. On behalf of the ICYF Secretariat, Ms. Tugba Ceren Cerci, Director of the International Projects Department at ICYF, took to the floor to welcome the participants and reiterate ICYF’s support for the development of the youth and their role in diplomacy.

30 Talented youth from 6 countries participated at the Model OIC Special Edition event by imitating the work of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. They actively discussed the sustainable peace deals and hot issues for the rehabilitation of the Karabakh region by expressing youth vision on the topic. 5 distinguished participants from the conference will have a chance to attend the Summit and go for a trip to the Karabakh region. The MOIC declaration will also be announced immediately after the corresponding panel on the 28th of October.

Resolutions were adopted by an absolute majority of votes at the end of the event. The final decisions include plans for the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the “smart city”, “smart village” concepts. These decisions also call on OIC member states to participate in the reconstruction and demining processes to ensure the immediate and safe return of refugees to their former places of residence and reaffirm their full solidarity with the Government and people of Azerbaijan in their efforts to defend their country.