Challenges

This section should provide an overview of the challenge(s) the project is seeking to overcome in the country or region in which the initiative is being implemented in (or has been implemented), as well as what is required to address them for the achievement of one or more of the SDGs.

The OIC region has a large youth population—18.1% aged 18–24 compared to 30.5% globally—posing both opportunities and significant challenges, particularly in securing decent employment. Youth labour force participation remains low at 36.3%, with unemployment at 12.8%, and only 25% of young women economically active. This gap severely hinders progress, especially in Less Developed Countries. A major obstacle lies in the mismatch between education and labour market needs; many graduates emerge without practical skills or experience, leaving them ill-equipped for the workforce and contributing to persistent unemployment and underemployment. As a result, many young people struggle to transition from education to the workforce, contributing to persistent unemployment and underemployment across the region. At the same time, these developing nations face an urgent need for human resources with experience in multidisciplinary development fields.

Toward a Solution

The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) is a subsidiary organ of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) whose work focuses on statistics, research, and training, particularly concerning development-related topics. In this regard, SESRIC launched the Emerging Talents Capacity Building Programme (SET-CAB) in 2023 as a learning and experience-sharing platform aligned with the Centre’s mandate on development studies. Building on its extensive expertise in development, SESRIC aims to support young professionals and recent graduates from OIC Member Countries by contributing to their professional growth through a comprehensive and enriching learning environment. The programme is designed not only to provide theoretical knowledge but also to enable participants to apply what they learn in real-world settings, making it a well-rounded and impactful initiative. In order to broaden the impact and audience of SET-CAB, SESRIC collaborates with foreign student NGOs in Türkiye and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), which implements the Türkiye Scholarships Programme for international students.

SET-CAB provides motivated young individuals with an opportunity to delve into the economic and social issues that affect the OIC Member Countries, while gaining practical experience in an international setting. Participants have the chance to work at SESRIC Headquarters alongside experienced professionals from various fields and enhance their skills and knowledge in their areas of interest. This comprehensive approach not only equips participants for their future careers, but also fosters a sense of global responsibility and commitment to the progress and development of the Islamic World. The programme offers a unique chance to better understand how international development institutions operate and how policy decisions are informed by data and research. Participants also gain exposure to intercultural communication and teamwork, which are essential skills in today’s global job market.

Participants in this programme have significantly benefited by enhancing their professional capacities through diverse, hands-on experiences. They have gained practical expertise in the full data lifecycle, having actively contributed to the collection, collation, processing, and analysis of statistical data, alongside maintaining crucial departmental files and databases. Many have honed their analytical skills by conducting research, creating impactful data visualizations, and authoring reports on key socio-economic issues. Furthermore, participants developed valuable project management capabilities by designing and implementing training activities, drafting essential documents like partnership agreements and Terms of Reference, and executing specific assignments. Their communication skills were sharpened through regular interaction with stakeholders, developing social media content, designing visuals, preparing presentations, translating technical documents, and establishing effective communication networks, while also gaining exposure to vital support functions like IT, Publications, and library management. In addition, the programme includes regular feedback sessions and mentorship opportunities, allowing participants to reflect on their progress and receive guidance for future career development.

Since initiated in May 2023, within the framework of SESRIC’s Emerging Talents Capacity Building Programme (SET-CAB), 59 participants received training courses at SESRIC headquarters in Ankara, Republic of Türkiye. SESRIC’s team of experts and researchers provided the training for the benefit of participants from 23 OIC countries so far: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, The Gambia, Guinea, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Morocco. The selection of participants from a wide geographical range ensures a diversity of perspectives and encourages dialogue and collaboration among young professionals from different backgrounds. SESRIC delivers certificates of participation upon completing SET-CAB, which help document the skills of the participants. Additionally, some of the successful participants are offered positions at SESRIC and begin working for the Centre.

The SET-CAB Programme contributes significantly to the achievement of SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 4.7: Education for Sustainable Development, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. By equipping young professionals with practical skills, technical expertise, and international exposure, it enhances their employability and supports inclusive economic growth. At the same time, by engaging participants from a wide range of OIC Member Countries, including least developed and developing nations, SET-CAB reduces inequalities by fostering equal access to learning opportunities, strengthening institutional capacities, and promoting South-South cooperation. The programme also encourages knowledge-sharing among participants, helping them build lasting professional networks that can benefit their countries’ development agendas in the long term. This integrated approach enables young talents to actively contribute to the sustainable development of their countries while advancing shared prosperity across the Islamic world.

We believe the programme serves as an excellent example for all OIC Member Countries, international organizations, and NGOs to develop their own training initiatives in development-related fields. Such programmes can equip newly graduated students with valuable skills that enhance their employability, while also supporting relevant institutions by providing trained junior experts. Encouraging the replication of similar capacity building efforts across Member Countries can help create a more resilient and skilled workforce that is capable of addressing the developmental challenges.