Posted on January 18, 2021
Religious leaders from various faiths across Iraq have come together to celebrate Iraq's diversity and promote peace in their communities.
Supported by UNDP Iraq, 87 religious leaders from Erbil, Baghdad, Anbar, and Ninewa attended an eight-day online training session that coincided with the end of a challenging 2020, and a universal period of hope for good things to come in the year ahead. Over six different religious sects were represented, including Sunni and Shia Muslim, Christian, Yazidism, Sabian Mandaeism, Zoroastrianism, Yarsanism, and Bahai.
About the training
The training included peacebuilding workshops focusing on enhancing dialogue, creative expression, coexistence during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of Iraqi women in building peace. It also helped religious leaders to disseminate accurate information about COVID-19 to the public and improve the skills necessary for implementation of community peace initiatives.
A coexistence network will be established among the trained religious leaders to foster dialogue, coexistence, and tolerance among communities in close coordination with the 24 Local Peace Committees supported by UNDP across the country.
UNDP Iraq’s Social Cohesion Programme is committed to improving community well-being and building cohesion by promoting peace and tolerance among various religious groups and ethnicities in Iraq, thanks to generous support from the Government of Denmark.
