The opening ceremony of the “OIC Model – International Relations Academy 2025” project was held at Baku State University (BSU). More than 600 young people from universities across the country are participating in the project, jointly implemented by The Eurasian Regional Center of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF – ERC), the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and BSU. Among them, 100 participants who demonstrated strong expertise and foreign language skills were selected to represent their universities.

The final opening ceremony, hosted by BSU, featured speeches by BSU Rector Elchin Babayev, Head of board - Eurasian Regional Center, OIC Youth Forum Elchin Askerov and Head of the Youth Department of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Ramil Jabbarov. The speakers underlined the importance of the OIC Model project in developing young leaders across the Islamic world and strengthening the global representation of Azerbaijani youth.

Following the opening remarks, Ambassador Mohamed Adil Embarch of the Kingdom of Morocco delivered a lecture on “The Role of International Organizations: Priorities of Morocco’s Foreign Policy and Relations with Azerbaijan.”

Within the framework of the OIC Model – International Relations Academy, representatives of the OIC mission in Azerbaijan, along with officials and experts from various countries, deliver lectures on international relations, state-building, Islamic civilization, the OIC’s global role, and the foundations of national statehood.

In addition, simulation conferences of the OIC Foreign Ministry are being held at five universities across Azerbaijan, culminating in a Model OIC Foreign Ministers’ Summit. Students demonstrating outstanding language proficiency, diplomacy, and creativity in these simulations will earn the opportunity to represent Azerbaijan at the international stage of the OIC Model competition.