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Organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC), Ufuq Organization for Human Development, and Christian Aid Program, under the auspices of the National Security Advisory Office of the Prime Minister, this initiative marks a historic step towards fostering inclusive governance and societal harmony in Iraq.
The workshop brought together members of a national committee tasked with developing Iraq's first comprehensive strategy for managing societal diversity. This initiative, the first of its kind in Iraq and the broader Middle East, included representatives from 42 institutions encompassing government leaders, ministries, independent bodies, and civil society organizations.
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the challenges necessitating this strategy, such as stereotypes, discrimination, social segregation, and sectarian and political conflicts that weaken the social fabric. They examined diversity management strategies from Lebanon, Singapore, and Rwanda, learning from both their successes and shortcomings.
Key outcomes of the workshop included the establishment of foundational elements, a working plan, and methodologies for Iraq’s national diversity management strategy.
“The WCC's contribution to the process of drafting this strategy represents the culmination of over a decade of dedicated efforts within the country", said Carla Khijoyan, WCC programme executive for peace building in the Middle East. "Ending terrorism cannot be achieved solely through military actions; it requires a fundamental shift in mentalities, cultures, and legislations to ensure that inclusivity is ingrained in the constitution of the nation. Governments change, and political powers alternate", she said.
"To achieve sustainable safety, security, and peace, we need comprehensive laws, regulations, and heightened public awareness", added Khijoyan.
Once implemented, the national strategy is anticipated to promote an inclusive society and governance, protection of rights of all Iraqi components and reduce violence and conflicts. The strategy will also emphasize promoting diversity in educational curricula, fostering inclusive media narratives, and celebrating cultural diversity. The overarching goal is to transform Iraq’s rich diversity into a source of strength and enrichment, rather than a cause of division and conflict.
The concluding minutes of the workshop highlighted: “The workshop successfully launched the process of developing Iraq’s first national strategy for managing diversity. By leveraging insights from international experiences and focusing on constitutional principles, the strategy aims to create an inclusive and stable society, setting a regional precedent for comprehensive diversity management.”
"WCC continues to promote inclusive citizenship in Iraq" - WCC news release, 15 January 2024
