Roundtable: Youth Demographics and Change
Iraq stands at a demographic crossroads, with a rising generation that could either drive the country forward or deepen its existing challenges. Young people now make up the clear majority of the population, yet they face shrinking opportunities and growing exclusion. Despite multiple government strategies aimed at supporting youth, these efforts have lacked follow-through and have done little to ensure meaningful roles in public life. In the face of mounting climate pressures, selective infrastructure investments that many argue benefit only a narrow elite, and growing frustration among young citizens, Iraq risks squandering the energy and talent of an entire generation, leading to increased frustration.
Speakers:
- Dr. Amanj Harki (MP and Deputy Chair of the Youth and Sports committee at the Iraqi Council of Representatives)
- Zahraa Al-Sadr (Member of the Political Bureau, Al-Hikma National Movement (ILF Alumni))
- Ahang Hawrami (Researcher, Sbey Research Center (ILF Alumni))
- Ahmed Fathi (Founder and Director, Project Leap)
Moderator:
- Hayder Al-Shakeri (Research Fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House)