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Model Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (MOIC) Programme Conducted at Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) on 26-27 December 2023

• 30th December, 2023 1:30am

IUIU, in conjunction with the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) -an OIC-affiliated institution- based in Istanbul, Türkiye,  successfully conducted Model Organization of Islamic Cooperation (MOIC) programme at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Kampala Campus on the 26th and 27th of December 2023.

This program was initiated by ICYF to educate participants on the current trends in the theory and practice of international relations, effective communication, and multilateral diplomacy. It is an academic simulation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and forms part of the 14-priority Joint Youth Action Plan, approved by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers and adopted by the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Minister.

The idea of the program came about when the Rector of IUIU, together with the University Secretary and the Coordinator of the Centre for Capacity Development, visited the Headquarters of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum in Türkiye. They were warmly received by the officials among whom the ICYF Moic coordinator Dr Yunus Colak was present. After thorough discussions, the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum decided to conduct the Model OIC program at the Islamic University in Uganda.

The MOIC training was conducted by Dr. Yunus Colak, the ICYF Program Coordinator, on 26th December 2023. The participants learned the rules and procedures of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) conferences and meetings, the member states, and how resolutions are made at the OIC through the training. In addition to this, Dr Yunus Colak provided insightful information on the Palestinian issue.

On the second day of the program, 27th December 2023, the program officially kicked off with an opening ceremony that was attended by Dr. Jamil Serwanga, the Vice-Rector of Academic Affairs, who represented the Rector, university staff, and Country Director of Tika.
After a brief introduction of the programme by Mr. Saim Celik the coordinator of Centre for Capacity Development IUIU, The Vice -Rector thanked the President of ICYF His Excellency Taha Ahyan for considering the Islamic University in Uganda for hosting the Model OIC program, stating that IUIU is humbled by this opportunity and will not take it for granted. 

He also thanked Dr. Yunus for his tremendous effort as the ICYF coordinator and called for the participants to be committed and put into practice the experience gained during the program.

The MOIC programme saw 30 students who acted as delegates from the member states discuss critical topics, including providing security for the Palestinians and how to solve Palestinian problems economically and humanitarian, under the leadership of Dr. Yunus Colak. All of the resolutions were reached as a result of discussions and negotiations were adopted by the delegates from the first to fourth sessions. The resolutions would be taken to the OIC General Secretariat in the archive.

The Model Organization of Islamic Cooperation (MOIC) and the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) came to an end with a closing ceremony after the resolutions were adopted by the delegates from the member states of the OIC. Dr. Yunus, the ICYF, closed the session, and Dr. Taha Kasule, the Director of Kampala Campus, thanked the ICYF and pledged that next year, the University would be glad to host the MOIC again. 
Dr. Yunus Colak, the ICYF, expressed his gratitude to the Rector of IUIU Prof Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, and the university staff who generously welcomed the initiative, and commended the students for exhibiting good character, commitment, and a high level of competence. The programme was officially closed with a dua, certificates were presented to the participants, and organizers, and a group photo was taken.