Baghdad, 15 December 2022 (TDI): United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) organized a conference for youth engagement. The conference highlighted the ideas and talent of Iraqi youth and their contribution to their country’s future.
The UNAMI conference concluded in Baghdad on 13th December. It was a national conference that included more than 35 young people from all over Iraq, representatives from the government and parliament, and UNAMI.
The Prime Minister’s Adviser for Youth, Qasim al-Zalimi, Minister of Youth & Sports Ahmed al-Mubarqaa, Members of Parliament, & Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Political Affairs & Electoral Assistance, were all present at the closing conference.
Achievements of the Conference
The conference was the conclusion of events that took place between June and December 2022. It engaged more than 220 young people, half of whom were female governorates.
Various activities involving youth were carried out. Some of them were workshops on building capacity, technical assistance, and mentorship support on topics linked to leadership, decision-making, communication, and climate change action.
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The conference gave the chance to young people to set priorities and create specific policies. In order to inform government programs & policies, particularly those aimed at helping to lessen the effects of climate change on their communities and the nation as a whole, they submitted projects and proposals for policymakers to consider at the provincial and national levels.
Address by DSRSG
The DSRSG, Claudio Cordone addressed the conference. He emphasized the value of the Iraqi young participating actively in the social, cultural, and political life of their nation.
Cordone noted that it is important to not undervalue the ideas and enthusiasm of the young people, who make up 60% of Iraq’s population.
Following the welcome remarks, the representatives interacted with the young people as they presented their initiatives and discussed their concepts.
The young people also used creative outlets like music and art to communicate with political leaders and express their opinions.
