Youth Connect (Nexus) 2026 Inaugural Conference Venue: Auditorium, American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) Organised by: Ishtar Center for Democracy Support (ICDS) In Partnership with: British Council and the American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) Coverage of the Opening Session The opening session featured the following activities: 1. Welcome and Opening Remarks Prof. Bradley Cook, President of the American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB). Dr. Mohammed Alwiya, President of Ishtar Center for Democracy Support (ICDS). Richard Sunderland, Country Director of the British Council in Iraq. 2. Introduction to the Youth Nexus Programme A presentation by Salman Turki, Youth and Education Programmes Manager at the British Council, introducing the Youth Nexus Programme and highlighting its objectives within the broader global framework of the initiative. 3. Youth Nexus Programme Video Presentation Ishtar Center for Democracy Support presented a video highlighting the Youth Nexus Programme within the context of the Center’s ongoing activities and initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering young people across Iraq. 4. Official Launch of Youth Nexus in Iraq The session concluded with the official announcement of the launch of Youth Nexus – Iraq, marking the beginning of the programme's activities in the country. Attendance and Participation The inaugural conference brought together a diverse group of young men and women actively engaged in their communities from various governorates across Iraq. The event also welcomed a distinguished gathering of government officials, parliamentarians, political leaders, and policymakers, alongside ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions operating in Iraq. Researchers, academics, journalists, and other stakeholders interested in youth engagement and empowerment also attended, reflecting the broad institutional and community support for the launch of Youth Nexus in Iraq.
On the ground
