Next Generation Peacebuilding in Iraq

With the Iraqi national elections scheduled for March 7, the next generation of Iraqi leaders is learning and waiting its turn. Yet, Iraqi youth today face many challenges including unemployment, a weak educational infrastructure, poverty, security threats and few recreational outlets.

Despite these obstacles, surveys indicate that Iraqi youth are generally optimistic about their futures and believe they can contribute positively in their communities. This event will consider some of the ways they are participating, with a particular focus on USIP’s work with Iraqi young people and partners in the education, media and civil society sectors. There will also be a screening of the USIP-sponsored Iraqi youth documentary "Salam Shabab," just days after its national broadcast debut in Iraq, and a conversation via internet with Iraqi youth featured in the program.

The Iraqi Ambassador to the United States, Samir Shakir al Sumaida’ie, will offer opening remarks and commentary.

Speakers

• Samir Shakir al Sumaida'ie, Introductory Remarks
  Iraqi Ambassador to the United States
• Maria Jessop
  Senior Program Officer, Education and Training Center - International, United States Institute of Peace
• Manal Omar
  Senior Program Officer, Grants, United States Institute of Peace
• Brett Pierce
  Youth Media Expert, Sesame Workshop
• Mish-Mish and Tolfekar, Online discussants
  Iraqi Teens participating via internet from Baghdad and Karbala
• Theo Dolan, Moderator
  Program Officer, Center of Innovation for Media, Conflict and Peacebuilding, U.S. Institute of Peace