Institutional State… Advanced Democracy
Introduction
Ishtar Center is an Iraqi civil non-governmental organization with a clear mission: to actively support the growth of democratic practices within Iraq, rectify misguided policy trajectories, and contribute to the overall maturation of the democratic experience in the country. Committed not only politically but also socially, Ishtar Center strives to foster the creation of a democratic society that seamlessly aligns with Iraq’s prevailing governance framework.
About Ishtar
The Ishtar Center for Democracy Support emerged in the city of Najaf as an initiative spearheaded by a group of passionate young individuals who harbor a keen interest in Iraq’s public, political, social, economic, and cultural affairs. Prior to its formal establishment since 2015, the center’s activities were kick-started through the facilitation of small-scale youth gatherings and sessions. These platforms served as conduits for the exchange of insights and ideas pertaining to the state and society’s overarching issues. The aim was to dissect challenges, explore remedies, and subsequently communicate these perspectives to influential figures in both political and social spheres.
In subsequent phases, the Ishtar Political Club took shape across social media platforms, acting as a bridge that connected proactive youth with influential luminaries within Iraqi society, including those who shape decisions. Gradually, this club transformed into a neutral arena fostering meaningful and substantive dialogues concerning pertinent public concerns.
As a result of the cumulative and systematic evolution of activities and programs, the initiative transformed into a more structured and institutionalized body. Consequently, the Ishtar Center for Democracy Support was formally established. It grew into a socio-political sanctuary that encompasses a diverse array of expert opinion leaders, politicians, government officials, distinguished researchers, academics, religious figures, media experts, and prominent figures on the Iraqi stage.
The core mission of the center revolves around actively engaging the community in collaboration with its accomplished members and stakeholders to shape the nation’s overarching policies. This entails contributing significantly to the advancement of democratic practices through a comprehensive suite of programs. These encompass hosting discussions, panel talks, conferences, seminars, and workshops in partnership with relevant decision-makers, research institutions, academic bodies, local entities, and international organizations. These collaborative endeavors yield a range of recommendations, proposals, plans, and policy papers, which are subsequently presented to pertinent individuals, entities, or institutions. The Ishtar Center operates as an advocacy force, leveraging its influence to drive legislative actions, catalyze amendments to laws, and foster the issuance of governmental resolutions that effectively address pressing social concerns while upholding the paramount national interests.
Objectives
Enhancing the trajectories within state institutions and advocating for the development and execution of effective strategies across local and federal political, administrative, and economic domains stand out as paramount. The implementation of visions that bolster Iraq’s democratic journey takes center stage in its progression towards maturity.
Fostering the growth of youth competencies and enabling them to endorse civic and political youth endeavors are key objectives. This effort aims to cultivate a capable and skilled generation, poised to guide Iraq towards a prosperous future.
Facilitate economic advancement by offering support to the private sector, which serves as a pivotal driver of sustainable growth and prosperity within the country
Engage in social efforts to elevate the understanding of democratic principles, mechanisms, and tools.
Boosting community involvement and establishing it as a potent instrument in the decision-making process, thereby reinforcing the role of society in influencing the operations of the state and its institutions.
The Strategic Pathways of the Ishtar Center
The National Political Trajectory:
This dimension encompasses a series of programs, plans, and initiatives aimed at bolstering democracy. The center leverages its extensive network of connections with diverse entities, such as established and emerging political factions, media experts, writers, bloggers, journalists, political advocates, researchers, academic leaders, scientific authorities, governmental and non-governmental organizations, social and religious establishments, as well as decision-making circles. The overarching goal is to rectify the political course and amplify community engagement in the decision-making process, while also shaping policies. Additionally, this approach seeks to foster a comprehensive national political-social environment, where collective efforts converge on shared challenges and objectives.
The Path of Developing State Institutions
(Technical – Economic, Administrative, Legal)
Activities within this trajectory encompass providing technical and specialized guidance to Iraqi governmental bodies—both legislative and executive—by tapping into the knowledge and expertise of respected individuals, as well as academic professionals dedicated to enhancing the performance of administrative and procedural aspects within executive institutions, and legal aspects within legislative bodies. This process involves identifying challenges, rectifying errors, and crafting effective solutions and strategies, all with the purpose of fortifying state institutions.
External Relations
Within this avenue, efforts are directed at implementing the comprehensive strategy devised by the Ishtar Center. These efforts involve fostering transparent and meaningful interactions with international and regional organizations, official diplomatic missions, universities, and global research institutes. This approach is instrumental in enriching Iraq’s democratic journey with foreign insights and expertise, while aligning it with successful international political, social, and economic models. The Ishtar Center endeavors to establish a conducive environment for fostering relationships that prioritize the nation’s overarching interests.
Youth Initiatives Endeavors
Engagements within this dimension revolve around initiatives designed to equip students and youth with the necessary tools for active engagement in public affairs. This encompasses their political and cultural education, leadership development, and honing of personal skills. The objective is to cultivate a generation of influential young leaders who contribute positively and effectively to the political sphere. This dimension also includes supporting youth-focused civil society organizations that promote progressive and impactful feminism.