Dear Friends,

On November 2-4, 2009, the Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC), an international institution affiliated to the Organization of Islamic Conference, will organize the International Information Technology Conference and Exhibition under the theme "Digital Age and New Generation: Strengthening Capabilities and Capacities of Youth in ICT". This innovative double fold event, to be held in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, will be hosted by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology of the Republic of Azerbaijan and supported by Turk Telekom which is a major Turkish telecommunication company. The Organizing Committee has the pleasure to invite you to this Conference and believes that your experience and input will enrich the quality of discourse and contribute to its overall success.

Many would agree that young people and talents are the driving force of today's ICT based world. However despite being a huge and growing demographic strata young people have too often been seen as a burden rather than an asset, a group to be taught but not to teach, and to receive but not to give. Development of ICT is dramatically changing this paradigm. After all young people, the first generation to have grown up with the Internet, have a lot to offer: energy, enthusiasm, and above all expertise to help bridge the digital divide.

ICYF-DC and its partners see the aim of this unique Conference and Exhibition as a platform to provide opportunities for developing both academic and practical cooperation and interaction amongst young experts and entrepreneurs from OIC countries and their counterparts from West in the field of ICT, as well as to develop ways for progress of information technology in the OIC countries. This event will be an opportunity for your company/organization to find new partners and investors for your innovative projects, learn from leading CEOs in the business and share your own experience. Together we will find the ways in application of ICT to the benefit of youth developments. The best projects discussed and approved by the conference will be chosen for submission to financing/investment by leading ICT developing company and institutions in presence. Therefore we encourage you to prepare your innovative project which matches the objective of the conference (utilization of ICT for the sake of development of youth) and submit its outline for presentation together with your response to this letter. Your project can also be displayed at the Bakutell Annual International Exhibition being a leading regional ICT exhibition and to be held on 4 November.

The Committee will appreciate receiving confirmation of your participation together with filled-in participation form (enclosed) by the deadline of 30 September, 2009 at the following contacts: Mrs. Nebat Karakhanova, ICYF-DC Director for Education and Media Fax: 00 99 412 492 11 52, E-mails: office@icyf-dc.org, nkarahanova@icyf-dc.org. Given the overwhelming interest to this unique event your timely response will enable the organizers for effective organization of relevant logistical arrangements. The organizers will provide local hospitality including accommodation, meals and local transportation. Your direct, roundtrip transportation by economy class will also be reimbursed by the organizers. The costs of visa and medical insurance are not reimbursable.

Looking forward to seeing you in Baku and having a unique and fruitful event in November.

Accept my best regards and whishes of all success.

Organizing Committee