The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) organized the 1st Joint Webinar on ‘Youth and Innovative Entrepreneurship’ titling ‘One Nation, Various Youth Experiences’. Government officials, young entrepreneurs, students from the D-8 Member States participated in this webinar. The webinar started with the welcome remarks by the D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari and the Executive Director of ESCWA Technology Center Mr. Kareem Hassan.

Referring the D-8 as a youth-friendly organization, Ambassador Ku Jaafar mentioned that D-8 has the incredible demographic asset of having a young and dynamic population of nearly 550 million. If leveraged properly, this demographic power will certainly bolster Member States’ competitive edge and contribute to achieving a shared goal of a prosperous region in terms of economy, trade, science, technology, innovation, sports, and culture. He also highlighted some important projects and initiatives of the D-8 e.g., D8-TTEN, NPRI, Project Support Fund, D-8 International University from where the youths could be immensely benefitted. He also acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Kareem Hussein the Professor of International Relations and the initiator of the program, with high appreciation.

In his remarks, the Executive Director of the ESCWA Technology Center, Mr. Kareem Hassan stressed networking and collaboration among the young entrepreneurs. Highlighting the activities of ESCWA  for youth and employment generation, he stated that this platform would help the promising youths link or connect with the investor/sponsor groups. He also put emphasis on technology and innovation.

Seven participants from different D-8 Member States presented their projects/initiatives on various issues namely- Humanitarian assistance, Hunger Alleviation, environmental education for combating climate change, ensuring food security and health. Those initiatives were highly appreciated by the D-8 Secretariat and the ESCWA. They expressed their strong interest to extend support and expertise to implement those projects.

The D-8 is putting extra importance on youth and youth-related issues. In April 2021 Bangladesh hosted the first-ever D-8 Youth Summit on the side of the 10th  D-8 Youth Summit. Being an endeavor in line with the agenda set by the leaders in Youth Summit, this joint program will be acting as a platform for network building and experience sharing among the young entrepreneurs of the D-8 Member States.