Promoting dialogue and participation in Iraq

Project description

Title: Promoting dialogue and participation in Iraq
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Iraq
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Planning
Overall term: 2021 to 2022

Context

Following its liberation from the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation, Iraq remains in a critical phase. The armed conflict that divided the country has been replaced by a new wave of violent conflict over resources. Far-reaching reforms are needed to realise democracy, stabilise the country and guarantee its citizens’ safety and security.

Almost 60 per cent of Iraq’s 38.5 million people are under the age of 24. Their future prospects will depend on the creation of new social models and opportunities for participation. However, confidence in the government is dwindling. At the end of 2019, this erupted in a nationwide protest movement that gained broad support across society.

Objective

Inclusive dialogue and participation mechanisms for reform proposals have been tested in Iraq.

Approach

The project is active in three areas:

  1. Together with the Shaikh Group (TSG), it is establishing inclusive dialogue formats for socio-economic reform proposals. The issues covered include access to education and health care services, and economic diversification. Working in partnership with the Iraqi Al-Amal Association (IAA), the project also organises youth dialogue based on the association’s model and provides upskilling training for Iraqi moderators.
  2. The project offers training for state and civil society actors on the topics of dialogue, cooperation and social exchange. It implements these in cooperation with the Center for Applied Research in Partnership with the Orient (CARPO) e.V..
  3. To create a more positive environment for dialogue and participation, the project also promotes the exchange of information and is involved in setting up an Iraqi exchange network to this end. It is drafting guidance on this for government agencies, civil society and international stakeholders in order to ensure long-term support for dialogue and participation processes.

Last update: February 2022