Capacity Building Program for National Chapter Representatives of the NAM Youth Organization

On 5 February, the Capacity Building Program for National Chapter Representatives of the NAM Youth Organization was officially launched in Baku, Azerbaijan. The program brought together representatives from 18 National Chapters, providing a comprehensive platform aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing cooperation, and fostering knowledge exchange within the NAMYO network.

The program commenced with an opening ceremony at the NAMYO Headquarters, where participants were introduced to the Organization’s facilities and the Research Center established within the headquarters. This was followed by introductory remarks and country presentations delivered by the National Chapter Representatives, offering insights into youth-related initiatives and priorities in their respective countries.

Throughout the program, participants took part in a series of academic, professional, and cultural activities. Training sessions held at ADA University addressed key topics including Azerbaijan’s energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources, the implications of the desiccation of the Caspian Sea, nation branding strategies, and an introductory session on Azerbaijan and the institutional work of NAMYO. The educational component was complemented by campus visits and tours of major cultural landmarks, including the Heydar Aliyev Center, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of Azerbaijan’s history, governance, and development trajectory.

Within the framework of the program, the National Chapter Representatives also met with Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. During the meeting, participants shared experiences from their national activities, discussed future initiatives, and explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation and joint projects.

The cultural dimension of the program featured visits to the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, reflecting Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage and multicultural identity. The program concluded with a gala dinner, providing a space for informal exchange and strengthening interpersonal ties among participants.

The Capacity Building Program marked an important step in reinforcing collaboration among NAMYO National Chapters and advancing the Organization’s mission to empower youth through education, dialogue, and international cooperation.