“Iraqi Youth: Pioneers for Dialogue and Stability” workshop held in Anbar

This was the fourth in a series of workshops under the theme “Iraqi Youth: Pioneers for Dialogue and Stability”, which are taking place in locations across in Iraq throughout 2019 organised by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), in cooperation with the Committee for Coexistence and Societal Peace in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Iraqi Al-Amal Association.

On the third and final day of the workshop, key local political figures including Anbar Governor Ali Farhan Al Dulaimi, Anbari MPs and members of Anbar Provincial Council, as well as the Mayor of Ramadi, joined the young people to discuss their conclusions and proposals, which included a call for active participation by young people in local decision-making, strengthening of the private sector to provide youth job opportunities and a greater focus on the environment. The session provided the politicians with a valuable opportunity to learn first-hand about the young peoples’ concerns and to respond to them.

UNAMI’s Deputy Special Representative for Iraq, Alice Walpole, who chaired the session, reminded participants that “Unfortunately, Iraq’s youth are currently often neglected in political negotiations; denied a voice or a seat at the table. Yet, as witnessed elsewhere in the world, the catalytic energy that young people can bring to resolve political or social deadlock should not be underestimated. Young people are a wonderful source of innovation, ideas and solutions, and their efforts for change are key to the establishment of just, inclusive societies”.

The activity is in line with UNAMI’s mandate to support youth and their valuable contributions to Iraqi public life. Similar workshops were recently organised in Basra, Karbala, and Babil.