Dr. Mohammed Elwia
محمد علوية
Founder & President, Ishtar Center for Democracy Support
An Iraqi civic leader working at the intersection of youth, politics, and dialogue — building bridges between a new generation of Iraqis and the country's decision-makers.
About Dr. Mohammed Elwia
Mohammed Elwia was born in Najaf in 1994 and trained as a dentist. His public work grew from a conviction that Iraq's democratic experiment needs organized, informed citizens: in 2017 he founded the Ishtar Political Club, a platform connecting politically engaged young Iraqis with influential community 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 them turn civic energy 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 — building working relationships that reach Iraq's most senior decision-makers alongside international institutions, diplomatic missions, and global think tanks.
Dialogue initiatives
Bridging liberal youth and the religious establishment in Najaf, and fostering dialogue among Iraq's social components.
Coalitions & advocacy
Deep experience in networking, alliance-building, and leading advocacy and lobbying campaigns.
Youth empowerment
Programs and forums that build the capacities of young leaders across Iraq's provinces.
International engagement
Active relationships with international institutions, diplomatic missions, and global think tanks.
Milestones
- 1994
Born in Najaf, Iraq.
- 2017
Founds the Ishtar Political Club, linking active youth with community elites and decision-makers.
- 2019
Takes part in the Tishreen (October) protest movement.
- 2021
Founds the Ishtar Center for Democracy Support.
- 2023
Meets Iraq's Prime Minister and the President of the Supreme Judicial Council.
- 2024
Convenes the Baghdad Forum for Young Leaders — seven platforms with national figures.
- 2025
Founding participant of the Levant & Iraq Forum in Amman; convenes Baghdad Forum 2 with the British Council.
- 2026
Hosts diplomatic missions — including the German Embassy's Political Counsellor — and launches the Parliamentary Dialogues series.
See the Center's work up close
Conferences, dialogue forums, and programs led by Dr. Mohammed Elwia and the Ishtar Center team.