Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, has been designated as the Arab Capital of Tourism for 2025 by the Arab Tourism Organization. To celebrate this prestigious recognition, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) hosted a cultural carnival today at its headquarters in Baghdad. The event featured a vibrant cultural exhibition, including traditional music, dance, and fashion. Attendees included the Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, Dr. Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, Dr. Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, as well as several ministers, Iraqi officials, ambassadors, and representatives of diplomatic missions.Additionally, the Mayoralty of Baghdad organized a bazaar at the venue showcasing handicrafts and artisanal products, highlighting Iraq’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.  , filtered_html

From 2 to 10 February 2025, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) conducted a digital technology and entrepreneurship training programme in Sharya Camp for the internally displaced person (IDP) community. This initiative is part of UNIDO's broader project with funding from the Austrian government, “Digital technology skills to enhance employability in Iraq,” to enhance employability and self-reliance among IDPs and refugees, particularly youth and women, through digital skills and entrepreneurship development. The training aimed to equip participants with skills in entrepreneurship, graphic design, and social media marketing (SMM), enabling them to secure employment opportunities or launch their own businesses. Twenty participants aged 17 to 30 – 12 women and 8 men – were selected for the training in Sharya Camp. The training was the third of some similar capacity-building initiatives planned by the project.The training programme consisted of three key components: Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), photoshop and graphic design, and SMM. EDP: This module was led by Newar Ameen Saleh, a specialist in regional development economics. The module introduced participants to core entrepreneurship concepts, guiding them in identifying viable business opportunities. Using Business Model Canvas, trainees learned how to develop practical business plans, manage resources, and budget for startup ventures.Photoshop and Graphic Design: Co-facilitated by Mohammed Qasim Ali Baba, an IT specialist, and Areen Adrees Mahmood, a computer engineer and social media expert, this component focused on graphic design principles such as colour theory, typography, and layout. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops using Photoshop and Canva to learn about creating logos, marketing materials, and reusable design templates.SMM: This was also co-facilitated by Mohammed and Areen and provided participants with skills to optimize social media accounts, plan content calendars, and conduct digital marketing campaigns. A key highlight of the training programme was the opportunity for top-performing participants to receive high-end laptops, enabling them to continue practicing what they have learned throughout the training in digital technology and one day start their own businesses in technology fields.The trainers emphasized the transformative potential of the programme. Mohammed noted, “This type of training will greatly benefit the students. They are highly motivated and quick learners. I encourage them to continue refining their graphic design and marketing skills to create their own businesses in the future.”Areen highlighted the challenges of living in displacement and the importance of digital skills in overcoming these barriers. “Many students feel trapped by their circumstances in the camp. I remind them that this training is a steppingstone to changing their lives. If they continue practicing, they can secure freelance work or establish their own ventures. I hope to see them succeed in the technology sector and improve their livelihoods.”A graduate of the Duhok University in Computer Science, Zalal Alyas Abozet, saw this training as an essential step in becoming a full-stack developer. “I decided to participate in this class because I am also a mobile application programmer. But I need to learn graphic design to be a full-stack developer,” he explained. Zalal found the entrepreneurship component particularly valuable, noting, “Newar taught us how we could start our own business and gave us the skills to be successful.”Zalal believes the training is an important opportunity for the IDP community. “I have many ideas for my own business, and this class is crucial for our entire community,” he stated, adding “I hope that many more people can benefit from this project, not only from Sharya Camp but from the larger community, even in Sinjar.”Dakhil Mishko Khalil had no choice but to give up his education due to family difficulties, but he has taken on the responsibility of caring for his loved ones. “We had many problems in my family, so I could not finish school. Now, I have a job taking care of my family,” he shared. Despite his responsibilities, he remains eager to learn. “Every day I am learning something new in programming and how I can make my own business.”A barber by profession, Dakhil recognizes the importance of digital design for growing his business. “This course was so professional and good. I know that someday I will need this design programme. My business will need this design, especially to market on social media. Designing and creating a page for social media is crucial.” His aspirations extend beyond his current location. “Now my barber shop is in Sharya, but I hope to return to Sinjar soon to open a new business. I will need these skills to promote my business.”Abeer Ibrahim Hassan, a graduate of the College of Law at the Duhok University, found immense value in the training despite its difference from her primary field of study. “I love this training. It is my goal to develop my skill in technology. I really appreciate this chance to improve my skills,” she expressed. Having lived in Sharya for 10 years, with a family of 10 members, she sees digital skills as an essential tool for self-sufficiency. “Even if I work as a lawyer, in my extra time, I hope to work in photography and design to bring in extra income.”Abeer highlighted the financial benefits of the training. “If someone wants a logo, they usually have to pay for this service. But with this training, I can depend on myself to create my own designs and logos. This can be additional income for myself and my family.” Abeer hopes to return to Sinjar one day if stability improves.Reflecting on the broader significance of the training, Abeer emphasized its impact on young IDPs. “This training is important, especially for displaced youth, because we suffered a lot and lost everything. We need to develop our skills and depend on ourselves. It is difficult to find jobs during this time, but this training provides us with skills in digital design so that we can find employment more easily.”Through this initiative, UNIDO, with support from the Austrian government, is contributing to the long-term resilience of IDPs by providing them with market-oriented skills. The programme is a crucial step toward economic empowerment, enabling participants to build sustainable futures despite the challenges of displacement. As UNIDO continues to expand its digital technology and entrepreneurship training, it remains committed to fostering opportunities for marginalized communities such as IDPs and refugees, supporting their integration into the digital economy and self-reliance., filtered_html

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, participated today in the national conference for the launch of the National Protection of Civilians Policy.Under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the conference was organized by the Permanent National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, in coordination with the National Security Advisory, in cooperation with the PAX organization. In attendance were the National Security Adviser Mr. Qassim Al-Araji and a number of dignitaries.In his remarks, Dr. Al Hassan conveyed the commendation of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, for the decision of the Iraqi government to launch the National Protection of Civilians Policy.The Special Representative said: "We are with you in this initiative, and we believe that the time has come to launch such an initiative."He added: "Iraq will find in the international community and the United Nations all the support and assistance in what is good for this honorable land."While stressing the importance of formulating a national policy to enhance accountability and hold perpetrators accountable, Dr. Al Hassan stressed the need for the policy to be carried out through fair and transparent laws to achieve justice.“We are proud to work with you, side by side, towards an Iraq that is secure from within and with its neighbors, sovereign, strong and prosperous,” he concluded., filtered_html

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with funding from the Austrian government, conducted a 7-day training programme at Domiz 2 Refugee Camp near the city of Duhok, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), from 15 to 23 January 2025. This training programme is part of Austria and UNIDO's broader initiative, “Digital technology skills to enhance employability in Iraq,” to support young refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities with a particular focus on digital technologies and entrepreneurship. The programme aims to empower participants, especially women, by equipping them with practical skills that can lead to wage employment or self-employment.The training attracted over 650 applications. Following a competitive selection process, 20 Syrian refugees aged 17 to 30 were chosen to participate, including 13 women. This is the first of some planned UNIDO digital technology training programmes. Participants represented both Domiz 1 and Domiz 2 refugee camps, with the majority residing in Domiz 2, where the training took place.The training programme consisted of three key components. The first one, Photoshop and Graphic Design, spanned three days. It emphasized graphic design principles such as color theory, typography, and layout. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, utilizing tools like Photoshop and Canva to create logos, flyers, and reusable templates. The second component, Social Media Marketing (SMM) over two days, equipped participants with skills to optimize social media accounts, plan content calendars, and execute campaigns with paid advertisements. A standout feature of the programme was the incentive for top-performing participants to receive high-end laptops, providing them with the tools to launch their careers in digital fields.The third component, the Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) over two days, introduced participants to foundational entrepreneurship concepts. The EDP guided them in identifying business opportunities and developing practical business plans using the Business Model Canvas, with a focus on budgeting and resource management. Trainers highlighted the transformative potential of the programme. Mohammed Qasim Ali Baba, an IT specialist, emphasized the impact of the training, saying, “This type of training will greatly benefit the students. They are very smart and successful in learning graphic design techniques. I encourage them to continue practicing and focus on marketing skills to manage their own businesses in the future.”Areen Adrees Mahmood, a computer engineer and social media expert, noted that many participants feel trapped by the challenges of the camp life. “I remind them this training is a chance to change their lives. By the second day, they already felt that they were accomplishing something important,” adding, “I hope they continue practicing even after the course is finished because graphic design skills are in high demand in the job market.” Areen also commented that she hopes to one day see that all her students succeed in managing their own businesses and improving their livelihoods and financial situations.The trainees, on the other hand, expressed excitement and hope for their futures. Mediya Nassar Ahmad, a 27-year-old from Domiz 2, has lived in the KRI for 10 years. She shared, “This training is so important for me. I’ve learned new skills in Photoshop and graphic design. One day, I hope to start my own business focused on technology and design. I also hope to see more women working in the tech field.” Mediya also explained that due to the challenging circumstances within camps, she had no opportunities for employment. However, the training from the Austrian government and UNIDO has given her hope for a brighter future.Alaa Abdulhamid Sulaiman, a 23-year-old from Rojava in Syria, has lived in the KRI since 2013.  He said, “As refugees, we need strong skills to compete in the job market. This training has helped me improve my graphic design skills, and I plan to promote my designs through a social media page. I encourage other refugees to join programmes like this if given the opportunity.” Alaa added that the  trainers are highly experienced and have done an excellent job in not only training participantsin new digital methods but also supporting and encouraging them to use their knowledge to improve their lives. UNIDO’s initiative aligns with its vision of fostering shared prosperity by equipping individuals with means to overcome economic challenges. As one of the trainers, Areen, aptly put it, “This is a golden opportunity for these students to change their lives. I hope they focus on the good things in their lives which will help them overcome challenges and build amazing futures.”Beyond technical skills, this training has given participants the confidence to pursue their goals. The inclusion of women in such programmes underscores the importance of empowering marginalized groups in refugee communities. By providing opportunities like this, UNIDO, with the funding support from the Austrian government, continues to make a significant impact in the lives of refugees, IDPs, returnees, and host community people, helping them rebuild their futures and contribute to the local economy., filtered_html