Jeddah, September 2, 2020, SPA -- The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen stressed that the half a billion young men and women throughout the Islamic world are certainly the springs of energy, vitality, and creativity in their respective societies and the elements of change towards a better future, paying tribute to their remarkable contribution to improving our world and to acknowledge their important role in development. The Secretary General said, on the occasion of Youth Day of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) celebrated by Member States on September 3 each year, that in recognition of its role in this collective and international responsibility, the OIC, during the Forty-fourth Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) held in Côte d'Ivoire in 2017, adopted a decision designating September 3 of each year as the OIC's Youth Day. He added, "The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the entire world and resulted in unprecedented challenges to youth empowerment as it has plunged humanity into a state of doubt and perplexity. Experts believe indications foretell the COVID-19 pandemic will have multidimensional and long-term effects on all societies, including social, cultural, economic, and political repercussions, especially among young people who pay a heavy price for this pandemic. A large part of them has to face challenges related to employment, education, health, and social activity, thus young people today, and future generations, will bear many of the long-term economic and social consequences of the crisis. During these turbulent times that humanity is going through, we have seen your creative response and resilience towards the current crisis as a vibrant model and a useful contribution to the measures all stakeholders should take to confront this pandemic and overcome the crisis." Dr. Al-Othaimeen added that in light of these challenges related to pandemic control and post-Covid-19 management, I commend and call on the governments of Member States to continue developing strategies aimed at engaging youth for a successful transition to a post-pandemic world, and to develop urgent and broad-based policy responses to prevent long-term damage on youth. "As a contribution to these solutions and strategies, the OIC's General Secretariat has undertaken various initiatives. These include providing assistance to some Member States through its financing arms, such as the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF), to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and prepare a better future for all segments of society, including young men and women", the Secretary General further said. Dr. Al-Othaimeen shed light on the threat of violent extremism and terrorism that has been trying to undermine peace and security in the Islamic world and hijacking the identity and social fabric in Member States claiming in this abysmal process the lives of thousands of innocent victims. Therefore, we should undertake the responsibility to spread the true image of Islam in terms of moderation and tolerance and educate young people about the dangers of joining criminal and takfiri groups, especially since these terrorist groups exploit social media to spread the culture of extremism, stir up sedition, recruit youth, and promote their destructive ideas. The Secretary General concluded by saying, "I would like to point out that the OIC has adopted a strategy for youth that includes important and sustainable policies for youth empowerment. I reiterate the OIC General Secretariat's readiness to cooperate with all Member States as well as other partners, including institutions working in the field of youth and youth leaders, in everything that would contribute to strengthening youth capabilities and activating their role in the Islamic world." --SPA 15:32 LOCAL TIME 12:32 GMT 0014 www.spa.gov.sa/w1402973