Suriname made its first acquaintance with the Marrakech OIC Youth Capital 2025, a large-scale youth conference under the banner of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Morocco, from June 30 to July 3. In the Moroccan royal city, youth council members Sercheenio Moeljakarta and Thiara Amatmohamed - assisted by Director of Youth Affairs Genti Mangroe - stepped onto the world stage on behalf of our country.
This first is a milestone since Suriname joined the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in 1996. The OIC Youth Capital initiative brings together young people from participating countries to highlight the most pressing issues and look ahead to future youth policies. This year's edition revolved around the aftermath of the corona crisis and the resilience of young generations.
Led by leading academics and policy makers, thematic sessions addressed mental resilience, social inclusion and priorities for youth after the pandemic. For Suriname, where youth mental health is now high on the agenda, these discussions perfectly complemented ongoing projects of the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Youth Affairs. During the corona wave, AWJ and UNICEF already conducted joint research that underscored the worrisome adherence of schoolchildren. Last year, an interdepartmental task force forged new policies on the subject.
The official opening on June 30 was followed by intensive workshops and panel discussions on July 1 and 2. On the final day, July 3, a cultural day was scheduled: the participants immersed themselves in the ancient traditions as well as the warm hospitality of Marrakech.
With its debut in Morocco, Suriname not only showed its face at the international youth forum, but also opened new doors for cooperation in the areas of youth participation and mental health care. According to those involved, the positive outcome of this visit may set the stage for future joint initiatives within the OIC member states.
