WNAMMONITORING: Young entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers from across the Islamic world gathered in Istanbul on Wednesday for the opening of the 2026 OIC Youth Entrepreneurship Conference (OIC YEC), aimed at strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship across member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Hosted at the Istanbul Financial Center, the conference was organized through cooperation between Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry, Industry and Technology Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry, the Presidency Investment and Finance Office, and the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül highlighted the demographic advantage of Muslim-majority countries, stressing the importance of equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
ICYF President Taha Ayhan described Istanbul as a unique bridge between East and West, encouraging participants to actively engage in building partnerships throughout the conference.
From Pakistan side Mujeeb Alam Toru Focal Person to Prime Minister’s Youth Programme also attebded the ceremony. He held different meetings including one with Enes Eminoglu Deputy Minister for Youth & Sport of Turkiye.
