LocationsBridging Divides: UNDP's community dialogues for rebuilding social cohesion in Ninewa
November 30, 2023
Participants in a group discussion during the first joint dialogue on reintegration and social cohesion facilitated by UNDP in Ninewa, Iraq.
As the curtain closed on the month of October, UNDP hosted the first joint dialogue on reintegration and social cohesion in Ninewa Governorate. The dialogue served as an open conversation among a diverse set of opinion leaders to discuss ways to rebuild the common bonds that held their communities together before the ISIS insurgency seven years ago.
These dialogues on social cohesion are critical for successful reintegration, especially in areas previously occupied by ISIL, as they aim to rebuild trust, help with countering the resurgence of violent extremism, which are foundational for sustainable peace and stability and economic development.
Social cohesion is crucial for successful humanitarian and reintegration efforts in post-conflict areas, as it facilitates the sustainable return of displaced populations, promotes reintegration and supports the rehabilitation of affected communities. Without social cohesion, these efforts can be undermined, leading to continued displacement and marginalization.
The 64 opinion leaders in attendance included local government officials, members of the Local Peace Committees, Community-Based Organizations, religious and tribal leaders, youth and women groups, and other community leaders. The discussions focused on issues of returnees' reintegration and community acceptance, Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) as well as the social service needs of the entire community.
Ola Ziad one of the participants listens in during the dialogue.
Ola Ziad, a participant, stated, “Through extensive dialogues and sessions conducted in Erbil and Mosul, we have noticed a significant increase in awareness and acceptance of these families within the community. This growing acceptance is pivotal to preserving the well-being of families, including children and women, and integrating them into society.”
While UNDP has organized similar dialogues before, this was the first joint dialogue bringing together different groups and opinion leaders in response to their continuous feedback requesting a combined dialogue. The primary goal was to establish a collaborative platform for open discussions on reintegration and social cohesion.
Sheik Faisal Al-Abbasi listens keenly to group discussions during the dialogue.
“We have conducted several meetings and workshops focused on community peace and integration in Ninewa Governorate, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme. Engaging in them has helped us to identify and resolve the numerous challenges we face in the Governorate,” Sheikh Faisal Al-Abbasi shared after the dialogue.
He hoped the meetings would continue to provide a platform for conversation that fosters peace, establishing a secure and prosperous society in Ninewa.
By the end of the two-day dialogue, participants had gained an understanding of the importance of reintegration for their communities and also provided solutions and recommendations to the challenges they all face in the community. It was also an opportunity for them to learn about the perspectives of other community segments.
For Manal Thanoon Younis (right), a peace group member, the most significant challenge faced is not related to housing or volunteer work. Rather, it relates to perception, especially among the youth and high school students, in the 15-25 age range. 
“The primary concern is how to make these young individuals welcome returnees and ensure a smooth integration of returnees with the host community,” she said while highlighting the need for collective collaboration with the communities to build a society founded on peace and security.
By fostering this type of open dialogue and collaboration, UNDP hopes to empower the communities to lead the way toward sustainable reintegration, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by each group while working toward a more cohesive society.
Ends.
UNDP’s Integrated Social Cohesion Programme supports efforts towards peaceful and more cohesive societies in Iraq. Its work in facilitating community dialogues is made possible with the generous contributions of the Government of Denmark.