5th International Model OIC Summit in Istanbul Prioritizes Gaza Crisis

Youth Delegates Convene in Istanbul with Strong Focus on Gaza

The 5th International Model OIC High School Summit officially began on Friday, November 28, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey, gathering young delegates from across the globe to simulate the diplomatic processes of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The four-day event, held at the Grand Cevahir Hotel & Convention Center, is set to conclude on December 1, 2025. A central theme of this year's summit is the ongoing crisis in Gaza, with the overarching slogan being 'Justice for Palestine: Resistance Against Oppression'.

Organized by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), the summit aims to provide high school students with practical experience in diplomacy, negotiation, and multilateral decision-making. The event underscores the importance of youth engagement in addressing critical global issues, particularly those affecting the Islamic world.

Emphasis on Palestinian Accountability and Humanitarian Concerns

The Gaza crisis has taken center stage at the summit, with discussions heavily emphasizing the humanitarian and political dimensions of the Palestinian question. Taha Ayhan, President of the ICYF, highlighted the students' focus on 'accountability for the attacks on Palestinians' as a reflection of their 'moral conscience and sense of global responsibility'. The summit's program includes a dedicated Al-Quds Committee, reflecting the consistent priority of the Palestinian issue within the ICYF agenda.

Delegates are tasked with deliberating on ways to address the situation in Gaza, including discussions on stopping what has been described as 'genocide' and ensuring accountability for alleged crimes committed against the Palestinian people. Beyond the immediate crisis, the agenda also covers broader topics such as post-conflict reconstruction, scientific cooperation, and environmental challenges, all approached through the lens of moral responsibility.

Global Participation and Leadership Development

The 5th International Model OIC High School Summit has brought together 224 high school delegates from 56 OIC member states and countries with significant Muslim communities. Participants also include students from various Turkish high schools, including Anatolian Imam Hatip High Schools, Science High Schools, and Social Sciences High Schools. The simulation replicates the actual workings of the 57-member OIC, fostering an environment for young individuals to develop leadership skills and diplomatic acumen.

The Model OIC initiative has seen rapid expansion, with clubs now operating in over 800 universities and numerous high schools across more than 70 countries, reflecting a shared belief in cultivating youth leadership early. Notable figures attending the opening ceremony and scheduled to address the delegates include Istanbul Governor Davut Gul, Turkish Deputy Education Minister Omer Faruk Yelkenci, World Ethnosport Confederation President Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan, and Türkiye's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran.

New Initiatives for Future Leaders

During the summit, the ICYF announced the launch of the MOIC Umrah Fellowship Program. This initiative will provide a fully funded visit to Makkah and Madinah for 50 top-performing students worldwide, aiming to reward academic excellence and nurture 'the values of humility and responsibility'. This program further underscores the commitment to developing future leaders who are not only skilled in diplomacy but also grounded in ethical principles.