Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

The opening ceremony of the “Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Model International Relations Academy – 2025” project, which has been held annually in Azerbaijan for the past 15 years, took place at Baku State University.

The project is implemented in joint partnership with the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum Eurasian Regional Center, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, and Baku State University. More than 600 young people representing over 15 leading higher education institutions applied to participate in the project. From among the applicants, 100 young participants distinguished by their relevant knowledge and foreign language skills were selected.

At the opening ceremony held at BSU, Rector Elchin Babayev, Chairman of the Board of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum Eurasian Regional Center Elchin Asgarov, and Head of the Youth Affairs Department of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Ramil Jabbarov delivered speeches. In their remarks, the speakers emphasized the significance of the “OIC Model International Relations Academy – 2025” project, highlighting its role in the development of youth in Islamic countries and its contribution to the international representation of Azerbaijani youth.

Following the opening ceremony, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to Azerbaijan, Mohammed Adil Embarch, addressed the participants as a guest speaker on the topic “The Role of International Organizations in Global Issues: Morocco’s Foreign Policy Priorities and Relations with Azerbaijan.”

It should be noted that within the framework of the six-week “OIC Model International Relations Academy – 2025” project, heads of diplomatic missions of OIC member states accredited to Azerbaijan, as well as Azerbaijani officials and field experts, will deliver lectures on international relations, state-building, Islamic civilization, the role of the OIC in the world, the foundations of national statehood, and other current topics.

In addition, simulation conferences of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs representing various OIC countries will be held at five higher education institutions in Azerbaijan, culminating in a simulation of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting. Based on the decision of the jury, students distinguished by their foreign language proficiency and exceptional creativity will earn the right to represent Azerbaijan in the “International OIC Model” competition.

The main objectives of the OIC Model program are to support the strengthening of international cooperation among youth within the OIC space and to assist leaders and members of youth organizations in acquiring new knowledge and experience in diplomacy, governance, and communication.

Over the years, Azerbaijani students have repeatedly represented the country with distinction at “International OIC Model” competitions attended by representatives from more than 40 OIC member states.

SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)