As part of the Baghdad Youth Leaders Forum 2024, organized by Ishtar Center for Democracy Support on July 3rd at the Babylon/Rotana Hotel, the Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at the American University of Sulaimani (AUIS) held a roundtable discussion on the sidelines of the event, in partnership with Ishtar Center. The roundtable, titled “Climate Policies: Activating the Role of Society in Environmental Monitoring,” was based on the principle that citizens and local communities should have access to the data required to safeguard a healthy and safe environment. The session aimed to strengthen cooperation between government institutions and communities in environmental monitoring and to build the support needed from key stakeholders to engage the public in environmental action in Iraq. The discussion gathered representatives from government institutions, academia, and civil society, including: Sarmad Amjad, Director at the Ministry of Environment Hamdiya Al-Khafaji, Deputy Director of the Water Resources Management Center, Ministry of Water Resources Zainab Bahaa, Director of the Environmental Research Center, University of Technology Qutaiba Jawad, Director of the Environmental Observatory Platform Ammar Al-Attiyah, Advisor to the Health and Environment Committee, Council of Representatives Speakers addressed current challenges, ongoing initiatives, and opportunities within environmental action. They highlighted the importance of expanding community involvement in monitoring efforts and collaborating with relevant authorities to mitigate the harmful impacts of water and air pollution on public health. This roundtable is part of the Strengthening Collective Action for Climate and the Environment in Iraq program, a three-year initiative designed to train students from Baghdad, Basra, and Sulaimaniyah in environmental monitoring, develop advocacy campaigns, and enhance community participation in environmental decision-making.
