Indonesian President Joko Widodo opened the 12th World Islamic Economic Forum here on Tuesday, urging the Muslim community to use their fundamental powers to tackle global economy.
Speaking at the Jakarta Convention Centre, President Widodo said the Muslim community had the best demographic figures, apparently dominated by youths when compared to other communities, Xinhua news agency reported.
"The age average of Muslim youths across the world was 23 years with the median age recorded at 30 years," President Widodo told leaders of several countries attending the event.
Widodo said the Muslim community also sees the vibrant development of Sharia financial industry which is now worth of millions of dollars.
Despite those compelling facts, the Indonesian president said the world's Muslim community faced challenges from high unemployment rates and poor capability to boost their competitiveness.
The opening ceremony was attended by Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Guinea President Alpha Conde and Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickemenshinghe.
The president of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Ahmad Mohamed Ali, was also present.
The event will run until Thursday with the participation of more than 2,500 delegates from 69 countries.
--IANS
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