2nd Edition of the Indian Ocean Islands Cultural Exchange Forum
Mayotte hosted the 2nd Indian Ocean Islands Forum, uniting Qur'an students from nine islands.
2nd Edition of the Indian Ocean Islands Cultural Exchange Forum
Mamoudzou, Mayotte | 24–26 July 2026
The second edition of the Indian Ocean Islands Cultural Exchange Forum was held in Mamoudzou, Mayotte, from 24 to 26 July 2026, bringing together young people, Qur’an students, teachers, parents, scholars and community representatives from across the Indian Ocean.
Hosted in Mayotte, France’s 101st department, the forum welcomed delegations from Mayotte, Mauritius, Rodrigues, the Comoros, Seychelles, the Maldives, Réunion, Madagascar and Zanzibar, creating a unique platform for cultural exchange, brotherhood and Qur’anic excellence.
The initiative follows the success of the first edition, held in Mauritius in 2024 and organised by the Centre de Documentation Sur l’Islam (CDI) under the leadership of the president, Yousouf Joomun. The forum was established with a vision of strengthening Muslim youth across the Indian Ocean and encouraging them to pursue excellence while remaining firmly grounded in Islamic values.
Today’s youth face numerous challenges, including social pressures, uncertainty, educational difficulties and the growing influence of social media. In such an environment, the transmission of strong moral, spiritual and human values has become more important than ever.
Qur’anic and Islamic educational institutions have an essential role to play in providing young people with guidance, discipline and a strong sense of identity, while teaching them respect for others and preparing them to become responsible members of society.
It was with this vision that the Centre de Documentation Sur l’Islam (CDI) in Mauritius, Tandem Al-Qur’an Association in Mayotte, the Qadi Council of Mayotte and their partners strengthened their regional cooperation through this second edition of the forum.
The Qur’anic competition brought together 23 contestants — 13 boys and 10 girls — who competed across different categories, among which there were 4 Mauritians.
The initiative also received broad support from different sections of Mayotte’s society. Students, parents, teachers, Qur’an scholars, community leaders and prominent figures came together alongside elected representatives at municipal, departmental and regional levels, as well as members of Parliament.
The presence of prominent personalities from Mayotte and France further highlighted the significance of the initiative and its contribution to youth development, education and stronger ties among the islands of the Indian Ocean.
The programme extended beyond the Qur’anic competition. Delegations were given the opportunity to visit the Parliament of Mayotte, providing participants with an insight into the island’s institutions and public life. The visitors also had the opportunity to discover part of Mayotte’s healthcare system and learn more about the realities and challenges faced by its population.
A total of €9,600 in prizes was awarded to contestants who achieved first and second place across the six competition categories. However, the true achievement of the forum went far beyond the financial value of the prizes. The real winners were the young people who discovered their ability to challenge themselves, meet others who share their passion for the Qur’an and experience the fruits of their dedication and perseverance.
Mr Yousouf Joomun, President of the Indian Ocean Islands Qur’anic Forum and the Centre de Documentation Sur l’Islam (CDI), emphasised that the initiative represents much more than a competition:
“The Indian Ocean Islands Qur’anic Forum represents much more than a competition. It is a space for brotherhood, knowledge-sharing and the empowerment of our youth. Through this regional initiative, we seek to encourage excellence in learning the Holy Qur’an, strengthen the bonds between our islands, and transmit essential values of discipline, respect and unity to our young people.”
Mr Kamalddin Dahalani, President of the Tandem Al-Qur’an Association of Mayotte, also expressed his appreciation for the strong response from the local community.
Despite the challenges encountered before and during the organisation of the event, the people of Mayotte came together and contributed significantly to its success. “It was a great success despite the difficulties. The people of Mayotte stood with us and helped make this event a success.”
Following the first edition in Mauritius in 2024, the second edition in Mayotte in 2026 has reaffirmed the power of initiatives built around youth, knowledge and the Holy Qur’an.
The forum has opened a new chapter of cooperation between the islands of the Indian Ocean, strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for future generations. This initiative will continue from one island to another Insha Allah.
Mamoudzou, Mayotte | 24–26 July 2026
The second edition of the Indian Ocean Islands Cultural Exchange Forum was held in Mamoudzou, Mayotte, from 24 to 26 July 2026, bringing together young people, Qur’an students, teachers, parents, scholars and community representatives from across the Indian Ocean.
Hosted in Mayotte, France’s 101st department, the forum welcomed delegations from Mayotte, Mauritius, Rodrigues, the Comoros, Seychelles, the Maldives, Réunion, Madagascar and Zanzibar, creating a unique platform for cultural exchange, brotherhood and Qur’anic excellence.
The initiative follows the success of the first edition, held in Mauritius in 2024 and organised by the Centre de Documentation Sur l’Islam (CDI) under the leadership of the president, Yousouf Joomun. The forum was established with a vision of strengthening Muslim youth across the Indian Ocean and encouraging them to pursue excellence while remaining firmly grounded in Islamic values.
Today’s youth face numerous challenges, including social pressures, uncertainty, educational difficulties and the growing influence of social media. In such an environment, the transmission of strong moral, spiritual and human values has become more important than ever.
Qur’anic and Islamic educational institutions have an essential role to play in providing young people with guidance, discipline and a strong sense of identity, while teaching them respect for others and preparing them to become responsible members of society.
It was with this vision that the Centre de Documentation Sur l’Islam (CDI) in Mauritius, Tandem Al-Qur’an Association in Mayotte, the Qadi Council of Mayotte and their partners strengthened their regional cooperation through this second edition of the forum.
The Qur’anic competition brought together 23 contestants — 13 boys and 10 girls — who competed across different categories, among which there were 4 Mauritians.
The initiative also received broad support from different sections of Mayotte’s society. Students, parents, teachers, Qur’an scholars, community leaders and prominent figures came together alongside elected representatives at municipal, departmental and regional levels, as well as members of Parliament.
The presence of prominent personalities from Mayotte and France further highlighted the significance of the initiative and its contribution to youth development, education and stronger ties among the islands of the Indian Ocean.
The programme extended beyond the Qur’anic competition. Delegations were given the opportunity to visit the Parliament of Mayotte, providing participants with an insight into the island’s institutions and public life. The visitors also had the opportunity to discover part of Mayotte’s healthcare system and learn more about the realities and challenges faced by its population.
A total of €9,600 in prizes was awarded to contestants who achieved first and second place across the six competition categories. However, the true achievement of the forum went far beyond the financial value of the prizes. The real winners were the young people who discovered their ability to challenge themselves, meet others who share their passion for the Qur’an and experience the fruits of their dedication and perseverance.
Mr Yousouf Joomun, President of the Indian Ocean Islands Qur’anic Forum and the Centre de Documentation Sur l’Islam (CDI), emphasised that the initiative represents much more than a competition:
“The Indian Ocean Islands Qur’anic Forum represents much more than a competition. It is a space for brotherhood, knowledge-sharing and the empowerment of our youth. Through this regional initiative, we seek to encourage excellence in learning the Holy Qur’an, strengthen the bonds between our islands, and transmit essential values of discipline, respect and unity to our young people.”
Mr Kamalddin Dahalani, President of the Tandem Al-Qur’an Association of Mayotte, also expressed his appreciation for the strong response from the local community.
Despite the challenges encountered before and during the organisation of the event, the people of Mayotte came together and contributed significantly to its success. “It was a great success despite the difficulties. The people of Mayotte stood with us and helped make this event a success.”
Following the first edition in Mauritius in 2024, the second edition in Mayotte in 2026 has reaffirmed the power of initiatives built around youth, knowledge and the Holy Qur’an.
The forum has opened a new chapter of cooperation between the islands of the Indian Ocean, strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for future generations. This initiative will continue from one island to another Insha Allah.
