On December 23 and 24, 2024, the national committee tasked with drafting the national plan for youth, peace, and security held its first meeting and a consultative dialogue session, with high attendance from committee members and participation from a diverse group of youth from various Iraqi provinces, within the framework of enhancing the role of youth in peacebuilding and security, based on UN Security Council Resolution 2250.
Day One: An Ambitious Roadmap for Writing the National Plan
The meeting began on the morning of Monday, December 23, 2024, with an opening speech delivered by Mr. Advisor Dr. Qasim Al-Zahimi, the committee chair, who welcomed the committee members and congratulated them on their assignment to this important national task. He emphasized the significance of Resolution 2250 as an international framework to enhance youth participation in peacebuilding, affirming that Iraq aims to be a leading model in the region through this initiative.
During the meeting, the text of the Diwani Order No. 241009, which regulates the committee's work, was read, and the tasks assigned to it were clarified. The attendees discussed the work program for drafting the national plan, focusing on the vision, message, and core objectives of the plan, as well as identifying the mechanisms and resources that will be relied upon to ensure the writing of a comprehensive plan that considers Iraqi specifics.
A clear roadmap for preparing the plan was also agreed upon, which includes involving youth from all over Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, in formulating the plan to reflect their aspirations and needs. Committee members considered that preparing this plan represents an important step in enhancing the role of Iraqi youth in achieving social stability and sustainable development.
Day Two: Consultative Dialogue Session with Youth
On the second day of the meeting, Tuesday, December 24, 2024, the committee organized a consultative dialogue session that brought together its members and a group of youth representing various Iraqi provinces. The session served as an open platform for youth to express their visions and aspirations regarding the national plan for youth, peace, and security.
During the session, the youth expressed their opinions and ambitions, making several appeals to the committee, most notably the necessity of ensuring their active participation in writing the plan, consulting them continuously, and ensuring that the plan reflects their visions and needs in line with the Iraqi reality.
Committee members showed great understanding of these demands and pledged that youth perspectives would be an essential part of the national plan.
The session also featured the Peace and Freedom organization presenting a number of international examples and experiences related to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2250, allowing committee members and youth to learn about successful models and the importance of the resolution in achieving stability and building peace.
The activities of the two days concluded with an affirmation of the committee's commitment to continue working according to the agreed-upon roadmap, ensuring youth involvement in all stages of writing the plan. Committee members confirmed that this historic step represents the beginning of a new phase of partnership between youth and decision-makers in Iraq, to enhance their role in achieving peace and development.
With this meeting, Iraq has taken an additional step towards becoming one of the first Arab countries to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2250, which will enhance its position as a role model in empowering youth and involving them in building the future.