Dr. Mohammed Elwia
محمد علوية
Founder & President, Ishtar Center for Democracy Support
A leader in Iraqi civil society focused on democratic governance and institutional and economic reform — empowering youth, leading dialogue initiatives between Iraq's new generation and its decision-makers, and building bridges of cooperation and partnership between Iraq and the international community.
About Dr. Mohammed Elwia
Mohammed Elwia was born in Najaf in 1994 and is a dentist engaged in public affairs. His activism grew from a conviction that Iraq's democratic experiment needs institutional development at the level of both state and society: in 2017 he founded the Ishtar Political Club, a platform bringing together young Iraqis engaged in public affairs with influential elites and decision-makers, and in 2021 he founded the Ishtar Center for Democracy Support, which he has led as president since.
From Najaf — the seat of Iraq's religious establishment — he has personally led dialogue initiatives between liberal youth and the religious institution, and took part in the Tishreen (October 2019) protest movement. His work focuses on empowering young Iraqis politically and on institutional capacity-building programs that help turn youth civic efforts into organized political and civic projects.
Under his leadership, the Center has organized dozens of conferences, forums, and roundtables on democratic consolidation, elections, and political participation. He maintains working relationships with Iraq's most senior decision-makers, alongside many international institutions, diplomatic missions, and global and regional think tanks. He is an alumnus of the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).
Governance & reform
Democratic governance and institutional and economic reform — developing institutional structures at the level of both state and society.
Youth empowerment
Programs and forums that build the capacities of young leaders and turn their civic efforts into organized projects.
Dialogue initiatives
Leading dialogue initiatives between Iraq's new generation and decision-makers, and between youth and the religious establishment in Najaf.
International partnerships
Building bridges of cooperation and partnership between Iraq and the international community — institutions, diplomatic missions, and global and regional think tanks.
See the Center's work up close
Conferences, dialogue forums, and programs led by Dr. Mohammed Elwia and the Ishtar Center team.