The Iraqi Institution for Development (IID) organized a conference titled: Partners to Prevent Violent Extremism in Nineveh Governorate, held in Mosul City on 15 December 2022, with the participation of more than 100 participants representing governmental, security, religious, academic institutions, as well as international and local organizations.
The conference served as a strategic platform to enhance coordination among stakeholders and unify efforts to counter violent extremism, particularly in the post-conflict context of Nineveh Governorate.
Conference Objectives:
- The conference aimed to achieve practical outcomes, including:
- Establishing a multi-stakeholder coordination platform
- Developing actionable recommendations to prevent violent extremism
- Supporting the reintegration of returnees and strengthening social cohesion
- Linking security efforts with development and social interventions
Results and Outputs:
- The conference achieved several tangible results, including:
- Development of more than 40 actionable recommendations across four main thematic areas
- Formation of 4 specialized working groups (social, security, economic, and educational)
- Establishing a preliminary framework for a civil society coordination network in Nineveh
- Strengthening collaboration between government institutions and NGOs in PVE programs
- Identifying key priority areas, including:
* Psychosocial support
* Livelihoods
* Education
* Transitional justice
Participants:
The conference brought together representatives from more than 20 governmental, international, and local entities, including:
- Nineveh Governorate
- National Security Advisory
- Supreme Judicial Council
- Security forces
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Universities (University of Mosul and University of Nineveh)
- Religious endowments (Sunni, Shiite, Yazidi, Christian)
- Civil society organizations
- Media representatives
Thematic Areas and Key Findings
1. Social Reintegration of Returnees
- Identified the need to establish Psychosocial Support (PSS) centers
- Recommended establishing vocational training centers in affected areas
- Developed programs for the rehabilitation of children and returnee families
- Promoted community acceptance and social cohesion initiatives
2. Role of Civil Society, Security Forces, and Religious Leaders
- Proposed establishing a PVE civil society alliance in Nineveh
- Developed joint awareness programs between security actors and civil society
- Strengthened community reconciliation initiatives
- Promoted media campaigns to foster tolerance and acceptance
3. Transitional Justice and Economic Development
- Emphasized the importance of justice and accountability
- Recommended strengthening compensation programs for affected populations
- Proposed launching small loans and income-generating projects
- Highlighted the link between economic stability and security
4. Education and Prevention of Violent Extremism
- Reintegration of returnee children into schools
- Training teachers on inclusive education approaches
- Strengthening the role of social workers in schools
- Promoting cultural and artistic activities to enhance social cohesion
Strategic Impact
The conference contributed to:
- Establishing an effective coordination platform among more than 20 stakeholders
- Aligning visions and priorities for preventing violent extremism in Nineveh
- Integrating security, social, and development approaches
- Strengthening the role of civil society in stabilization efforts
Added Value
- Bringing together decision-makers and civil society actors in one platform
- Translating discussions into actionable recommendations
- Supporting future programming and planning for PVE initiatives
- Strengthening partnerships with international actors such as UNDP
Conclusion
This conference represents a practical step toward building an integrated coordination model for preventing violent extremism in Iraq, based on partnerships between government institutions, civil society, and international actors.
The Iraqi Institution for Development (IID) reaffirms its commitment to advancing these outcomes into concrete programs that contribute to sustainable stability in Nineveh Governorate.