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Nazrin Abdul

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As previously announced, the “Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Model International Relations Academy – 2025” project was launched this October at Baku State University, co-organized by the Eurasian Regional Center of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF-ERC), Ministry of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan and Baku State University, Azernews reports.

The project has so far brought together several prominent figures who have shared their expertise with students. Contributions have included insights from Farhad Mammadov, Director of the South Caucasus Research Center, on “The Security System of the South Caucasus in the Context of the 44-Day Patriotic War,” and from Leyla Hasanova, Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization and COP29 Youth Climate Champion, who focused on “The Importance of International Organizations and Events in Global Recognition and Protection of Interests.” Perspectives on “Contributions of Islamic Civilization to the World” were provided by Aqil Shirinov, Rector of the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology, while the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Azerbaijan, Mohammed Adil Embarch, examined “The Role of International Organizations in Global Issues: Morocco’s Foreign Policy Priorities and Relations with Azerbaijan.”

Further discussions covered “The Role of International Organizations in International Relations: Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Policy Priorities and Relations with Azerbaijan” by Maksat Mamytkanov, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, and “Science, Technological Progress, and State Sovereignty” by Nicjt Mammadli, Advisor to the Minister of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Rafiq Ismayilov, Director General of the OIC Youth Forum Eurasia Regional Center, addressed “Behind-the-Scenes Determinants in International Relations,” while Hasan Hasanov, who served as the first Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, explored ‘Personal Connections in International Relations, the Importance of Communication, and Experience-Based Actions.’

The Ambassador of Türkiye to Azerbaijan, Birol Akgün, delivered a speech to students on the topic “The Role of Türkiye in the Muslim World: Challenges and Opportunities”; the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, Maksat Mamytkanov, spoke on “The Role of International Organisations in International Relations and Kyrgyzstan–Azerbaijan Relations”; and the Ambassador of Palestine to Azerbaijan, Ahmad Metani, addressed the topic “The Role of International Solidarity in the Palestinian Cause”, answering questions of interest from the students.

The “OIC Model International Relations Academy – 2025” project will continue for six weeks. During this time, heads of diplomatic missions representing OIC member states in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani officials, and subject-matter experts will deliver lectures on topics such as international relations, state-building, Islamic civilization, the role of the OIC in the world, the foundations of national statehood, and other current issues. The simulation of the OIC Ministers of Foreign Affairs Conference is planned for December this year in Baku. Over the years, Azerbaijani students have proudly represented their country in the “International OIC Model” competitions, which have included participants from more than 40 OIC member states.