13th International Youth Gathering, "Sustainable Future for Youth"

Gathering youth under one umbrella through International Youth Gatherings—youth who eagerly await the future and strive to make each day better than the last—Young UNIW continues to organize vital events that enable the Islamic world to formulate policies aligned with contemporary conditions.

One such event, the 13th International Youth Gathering, was executed between August 18–24, 2016, across Istanbul, Ankara, and Konya. Organised by Young UNIW, this program provides young people from different geographies, nations, languages, and backgrounds the opportunity to exchange mutual perspectives.

Opened with the keynote address of UNIW Secretary General Atty. Ali Kurt, the gathering was honored by the presence of the 26th Prime Minister of Turkey, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, and Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Efkan Ala.

Likewise, the program was attended by Secretary General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars Prof. Ali Al-Qaradaghi; AK Party Members of Parliament Mrs. Hüsniye Erdoğan, Mrs. Ravza Kavakcı Kan, Mr. Yasin Aktay, Mr. Uğur Kaleli, Mrs. Lütfiye İlksen Ceritoğlu Kurt, Mr. Abdullah Ağralı, and Mr. Kani Torun; President of Turkish Red Crescent Dr. Kerem Kınık; President of YTB Mr. Mehmet Köse; AK Party Youth Branch Chairman Mr. Melih Ecertaş; Governor of Konya Mr. Yakup Canpolat; Mayor of Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mr. Tahir Akyürek; and Rector of Necmettin Erbakan University Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker; alongside 40 international NGO presidents from abroad.

First held in 2008 and organized in subsequent years across Indonesia, Sudan, Morocco, Albania, Cyprus, Malaysia, and Turkey, the International Youth Gatherings have brought together over 1,800 youth from nearly 50 countries to date. This valuable youth movement will continue its journey by convening in a different country next year.

13th IYG Program Overview

The summary schedule of the 13th International Youth Gathering held in August 2016 in Ankara is as follows:

August 18, 2016, Thursday: Accommodation in Istanbul

August 19, 2016, Friday: Transfer to Ankara and Opening Ceremony

August 20, 2016, Saturday: Academic Forum (Day 1)

August 21, 2016, Sunday: Ankara Tour and Transfer to Konya

August 22, 2016, Monday: Academic Forum (Day 2) and Closing Program

August 23, 2016, Tuesday: Konya Tour

August 24, 2016, Wednesday: Transfer to Istanbul