UNESCO & Japan Launch New Initiative in Iraq's Ninewa

UNESCO and the Government of Japan have launched a project to support children, youth, and communities in West Mosul and Sinjar to overcome the long-lasting impacts of conflict.

The "Reviving the Bridges for Peace in Ninewa: Education and Reconciliation for Conflict-Affected Communities" initiative aims to strengthen social cohesion and peace-building through inclusive education, participatory training for schools and parents, youth empowerment and community engagement.

It will provide safe and supportive learning environments in 10 primary and secondary schools, benefiting over 3,000 children and youth, with a particular focus on returnees and displaced youth (especially adolescent girls).
Full statement from UNESCO:

UNESCO and Japan Launch Initiative to Revive Education and Peace in Ninewa, Iraq

UNESCO and the Government of Japan, today launched the project "Reviving the Bridges for Peace in Ninewa: Education and Reconciliation for Conflict-Affected Communities", aimed at supporting children, youth, and communities in West Mosul and Sinjar to overcome the long-lasting impacts of conflict.

This initiative will strengthen social cohesion and peacebuilding through inclusive education, participatory training for schools and parents, youth empowerment and community engagement. It will provide safe and supportive learning environments in 10 primary and secondary schools, benefiting over 3,000 children and youth, with a particular focus on returnees and displaced youth (especially adolescent girls).

The project builds on UNESCO's ongoing work in Iraq, including previous initiatives supported by Japan and other international partners, leveraging training materials, teacher capacity-building, and youth-led campaigns to foster positive social behavior and prevent violent extremism.

"This project represents a critical step toward restoring trust, rebuilding communities, and empowering young people as agents of peace in Ninewa," said Dr. Alexandros Makarigakis, UNESCO Representative to Iraq. "By combining education, youth empowerment, and community engagement, we aim to lay the foundation for sustainable reconciliation and long-term resilience."

His Excellency Mr. Akira Endo, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, expressed his appreciation to the longstanding cooperation with UNESCO in supporting Iraqi people, then "I would like to reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the government and people of Japan to standing with the people of Iraq until Iraq overcomes the humanitarian crisis caused by past wars and truly restore its peace and stability," in conclusion.

The initiative aligns with Iraq's National Education Strategy 2022-2032, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the UN Youth Strategy - Youth 2030, emphasizing equitable access to education, human rights, and gender equality.

Through this partnership, UNESCO and Japan reaffirm their shared commitment to fostering inclusive education, strengthening youth leadership, and promoting sustainable peace in post-conflict Iraq.