Introduction

1. The State of the Muslim Youth – Annual Report 2011Prepared for: Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC) Prepared by: Ali Dinsmoor, Bryan Isom, Diego SeniorAdvisor:Ambassador Rafat MahdiMay 13, 2011Graduate Program In International Affairs, New SchoolPracticum in International Affairs Final Project

3. Introduction Recent Uprisings • Youth Issues: new priority for Arab States • Re assessment of Muslim Values in ordinary people • Inclusion of further factors when measuring Development • Changing role of Information Communication Technologies • Age Standard for Muslim Youth

4. Introduction Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) -OIC System and members -OIC Charter -10 Year Plan of Action

5. Introduction Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) -OIC System and members -OIC Charter -10 Year Plan of Action Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC or ‘’The Forum’’) -Objectives and Members -Muslim Youth Population

6. Introduction Purpose of Study • Increment of ICYF-DC Participation • Initiation of yearly reports Methodology • 57 Country Profiles • 35 Case Studies • 10 areas for Challenges • 41 Recommendations

7. Challenges • Rule of law, human rights and protection of youth • Role of Information Communication Technologies • Armed conflicts, trafficking, refugees and IDPs • Climate change, environmental sustainability, and natural disaster reduction • Leadership development and political participation • Political and religious plurality: combating fundamentalism and Islamophobia

8. Challenges In Depth: • Poverty and hunger • Gender equality and empowerment • Education • Health

9. Poverty and Hunger • Muslim-majority countries are among the poorest in the world, with a median GDP per capita of $4,000 • Food security • Agricultural Youth

10. Education • Enrollment in secondary, tertiary, and higher education • Access • Quality • Vocational training • Literacy rates

11. Health • Access and practitioners • Lack of information about prevention and treatment • Diseases: polio, malaria, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS.

12. Gender Empowerment and Equality • Long-standing practices with bias against women • The Strategic Action Plan of ICYF-DC and the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW) • Social and economic constraints

13. Gender Empowerment and Equality • OIC recognizes lack of equality and fundamental rights for women and that they are subjected to violence and discrimination in many countries. • Many girls and young women experience inequality of gender roles, income, and education. • Early and secondary education.

14. Recommendations • Gender • Increase educational access of females to secondary, tertiary and higher education levels • Educate population on Women’s rights granted under Islamic law.

15. Recommendations • Gender • Increase access to sexual and reproductive health services and education.

16. Recommendations • Poverty Reduction and Employment • Develop employment strategies that are self supporting. • Impart relevant pastoral or agricultural information to areas with large rural populations.

17. Recommendations • Education • Assess regional employment needs and offer vocational training.

18. Recommendations • Education • Adopt policies and programs that encourage participation

19. Recommendations • Health • Increase sector capacity structures • Focus on preventive measures

20. Recommendations • Health • Enact national health policies and strategies with input of international organizations, local NGOs, and the communities

21. Recommendations • General • Standardize birth registrations and citizenship requirements to include all segments of society • Adopt a uniform definition of what age groups constitute ‘youth’

22. Thank you