Konya Named 2026 OIC Youth Capital

Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay stated that they are pleased with Konya being selected as the 2026 Youth Capital of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation by the Board of Directors of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum.

Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay noted that Konya has long followed an approach that places young people at the center of its policies, saying:

“We have implemented many model projects that contribute to young people’s education as well as their social and spiritual development. These include youth councils, youth centers, libraries, a science center, sports facilities, youth camps, educational support programs, the Capsule Technology Platform, and the Social Innovation Agency. Receiving international recognition for this approach has made us extremely happy. We always act with a participatory and inclusive understanding of municipal governance in which the ideas of young people are valued. With Konya’s historical and cultural heritage, the universal message of tolerance of Mevlana, and its tradition of hospitality, we will strive to host this process in the best possible way. I hope that Konya’s selection as the 2026 OIC Youth Capital will be beneficial for our city and our country, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed.”

Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay, recalling that Konya also holds the title of 2026 European Cycling Capital, said, “In 2026, our Konya, which is both the European Cycling Capital and the OIC Youth Capital, will experience a very dynamic and eventful year, filled with activities in sports and cycling as well as in the field of youth.”

The OIC Youth Capital program, under which a city from an Organization of Islamic Cooperation member country has been selected each year since 2015, aims to strengthen solidarity among young people, cultural interaction, and a shared vision. As part of the program, seminars, conferences, cultural and artistic events, and various social activities are organized.