Assistant Secretary-General for Arab Countries Mohamed Yahya Murad speaks at an international dialogue session on what international organisations can actually change
Sharjah – 1 November 2026
The Afro-Arab Youth Council participated in the 2026 ICESCO Regional Family Forum, organised by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) through its Regional Office in Sharjah on 28–29 October 2026, under the theme “The Family: A Balance That Shapes the Future” and under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Council for Family Affairs and Community.
The Council was represented at the Forum by Mr. Mohamed Yahya Murad, Assistant Secretary-General for Arab Countries, who spoke at an international dialogue session entitled “The Family on the Agenda of the Islamic World: What Can International Organisations Actually Change?” The session was moderated by Ms. Hasina Salhi, Head of Strategic Planning and Project Management at ICESCO, with the participation of Dr. Mustafa Yousuf Ali, Secretary-General of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC).
The session discussed how international organisations can move beyond representative roles and temporary initiatives towards achieving tangible and sustainable impact in the lives of families, children and youth.
In his contribution, Mr. Murad addressed three main themes:
Moving youth from the position of beneficiaries to that of partners in designing and implementing initiatives.
The role of youth organisations in intergenerational dialogue and family stability.
The ability of Arab and African youth networks to translate recommendations into practical projects led by young people and serving families and communities.
Mr. Murad stated: “Families are not protected by recommendations alone, but by young people who participate in shaping and implementing solutions. The value of any international initiative is measured by what remains after the event ends.”
Since its establishment in 2004, the Afro-Arab Youth Council has brought together youth organisations and leaders from Arab and African countries, working to transform shared values and international partnerships into programmes that reach families and children in their everyday lives.
The participation provided an opportunity to connect with regional and international institutions concerned with family and childhood, and to discuss opportunities for cooperation between youth organisations and institutions working in the fields of family and childhood.
This participation forms part of the Council’s efforts to expand its regional and international presence and strengthen the position of Arab and African youth as partners in major social and development issues.
