Youth Development Programme

About

The Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDBG) recognizes that empowering youth is essential to achieving inclusive development and reducing poverty. By investing in young people’s skills, supporting their active participation, and creating space for their voices in development dialogue, the Bank works to advance the socio-economic potential of youth across its 57 Member Countries. This commitment is embedded in IsDB’s 10-Year Strategy, which prioritizes sustainable and inclusive social progress.

Youth play a vital role in shaping the future of their communities and countries. Their energy, innovation, and resilience are key drivers of transformation in a rapidly changing world. Recognizing this, the IsDB promotes youth development as a cross-cutting priority—guided by the principles of Islamic finance and focused on sectors that generate inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and support long-term sustainability.

The Bank’s Youth Development Strategy (YDS) and the 2022–2025 strategic priorities reflect this approach, reinforcing youth empowerment not as a standalone goal but as a core element of IsDB’s development mission.

Youth Development Strategy (YDS)

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is committed to unlocking youth potential as a force for development. By empowering young people to overcome challenges and thrive economically, the Bank supports the emergence of productive, engaged citizens who will shape the future of their communities and lead with responsibility.

IsDB’s Youth Development Programme is built around three strategic pillars:

1. Education
The Bank promotes inclusive, lifelong learning across all levels—early childhood, formal schooling, technical and vocational training, higher education, and non-formal education. IsDB supports initiatives that equip youth with future-ready skills and foster equitable access to quality education, preparing them for evolving job markets and meaningful roles in society.

2. Economic Empowerment
To harness the demographic dividend, member countries need bold policies and investments in job creation, human capital, and private sector growth. IsDB addresses youth economic empowerment through initiatives in infrastructure, Islamic finance, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development—ensuring young people can benefit from emerging technologies and new market opportunities.

3. Engagement
Youth must be active participants in shaping the policies and decisions that impact their lives. IsDB helps member countries create platforms for youth engagement, civic participation, and leadership. By positioning young people as partners in development, the Bank ensures their voices are heard and their ideas drive progress.

Youth Development Strategy

General Publications

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Programs & Projects

HIGHLIGHT OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS

Youth Digitalization for Employability and Entrepreneurship Programme (Y-DEEP)
This flagship initiative equips youth with digital, entrepreneurial, and 21st-century skills. It creates digital pathways for employment and business creation, directly addressing SDGs and building sustainable livelihoods.
Youth Leadership Development Project in Jordan
This pilot project enhances youth leadership and civic engagement among 16–18-year-olds in Jordan. It encourages social leadership, supports talent development, and provides training and activities to help youth reach their full potential.
Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Reports
In partnership with the UNDP, the IsDB developed diagnostic reports assessing the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem in member countries. These studies have been conducted in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan and Maldives so far. In addition, a toolkit has been developed as a public resource that provides step-by-step guidance and tools for conducting ecosystem diagnostics through a youth-responsive lens.
Building Capacity for Empowering Women and Youth in Agriculture Project
This initiative addresses capacity deficits facing women and youth in agriculture, empowering them to access financing and business opportunities. It applies four strategies: research, skills-building, institutional strengthening, and business development support.