The Iraqi Social Forum (ISF) and the Iraqi Civil Society Solidarity Initiative (ICSSI) would like to invite you to the 4^th annual event of the Iraqi Social Forum, to take place from 30 November – 2 December in Baghdad. The Iraqi Social Forum is a powerful space for coordination among civil society organizations and civil society networks in Iraq, with a secretariat based in Baghdad and a national committee consisting of NGOs, trade unions, activists and volunteers. Since its foundation in 2013 it has organized 3 annual events in Baghdad (2013, 2015, 2016), and partnered on massive sports events like the Baghdad Marathon for Peace, cultural festivals in Nasiriya, youth camps in the Iraqi Marshlands and others.

The annual event of the Iraqi Social Forum is an open platform where people can come together to discuss ideas, formulate proposals, exchange experiences and engage productively on a range of societal issues. The framework is non-governmental, and rejects all forms of discrimination based on race, gender, origin, color, religion, belief, economic or social status. The ISF is a valuable space for networking among civil society groups, both at the national and international levels, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers in Baghdad and other cities in central and southern Iraq for human rights and peacebuilding.

In this season an important role will be played by the five working groups coordinated by the ISF and operating under the project ‘Mesopotamian Youth for Democratic Governance, Social Cohesion and Reconciliation’, funded by the European Union. Civil society will focus on the following topics: protection of IDPs and minorities, social justice and employment, political rights, media promoting tolerance and democracy, women’s participation in civil society and policy-making, water rights and the protection of Mesopotamia’s rivers, peacebuilding and non-violence. On the first day civil society organizations will conduct parallel workshops. The second day will consist of convergence assemblies where civil society can strategize and discuss joint collaboration for the next year. The event will finish with the third edition of the Baghdad Marathon and a cultural festival. More than 70 civil society organizations and 3000 people are expected to attend.

The event is open for participation for anyone. For more information, please contact ISF secretary Yasamin Falah (07716687634) or ISF coordinator Ali Saheb (07702685201). Visit the ISF on Facebook.

Below the tentative program of the Iraqi Social Forum event 2017: