Istanbul (TDI): A high-level entrepreneurship conference bringing together government leaders, investors, academics, and young innovators from across the Islamic world opened today, Wednesday, in Istanbul.
Organized by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) in partnership with key Turkish ministries and the Presidential Investment Office, the conference is a two-day gathering designed to empower youth-led startups and drive economic diversification across member states.
In his opening address, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, whose message was delivered by Naghi Jabbarov, said that unlocking youth entrepreneurship is no longer optional.
The OIC Entrepreneurs Conference Opens in Istanbul
Organised by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) in partnership with key Turkish ministries and the Presidential Investment Office, this high-level event aims to empower youth-led startups and drive regional economic… pic.twitter.com/Wry7EKy8Mc
— OIC (@OIC_OCI) June 3, 2026
Young-led businesses, he said, are critical drivers of wealth generation and job creation in a region where a significant share of the population is under 30.
The Secretary-General issued a direct call to action for policymakers and financial institutions, urging them to work together to develop youth-focused microcredit schemes, affordable financing instruments, and dedicated startup grants.
Keynote addresses were delivered by senior dignitaries including Deputy Ministers from Türkiye and Azerbaijan, as well as the Governor of Istanbul, signaling strong political will behind the conference’s ambitions.
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Over its two days, the event brings public- and private-sector leaders to the same table as young entrepreneurs and researchers, with a focus on producing concrete, actionable strategies rather than broad declarations.
Organizers say the goal is to leave Istanbul with a clear blueprint for fostering innovation and startup culture throughout the Islamic world.
Istanbul’s selection as the host city is itself symbolic. Straddling Europe and Asia and home to a thriving startup ecosystem, Türkiye has positioned itself as a regional hub for entrepreneurship and technology investment.
The conference comes at a moment of growing global recognition that youth entrepreneurship, when properly supported, can be a powerful lever for economic resilience.
