Unity during a pandemic: Messages of peace from Iraq

October 3, 2021

 

Over the past year, resilient Iraqis have been forced to deal with the devastating health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the aftermath of decades of war and conflict. September 21 is International Day of Peace and this year’s theme focuses on recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world, allowing time for reflection on our collective recovery from the global pandemic.  

UNDP works across a broad range of projects to support an enabling environment for peace in Iraq, from provision of infrastructure to housing rehabilitation, promotion of social cohesion, security, environment, climate change, and innovation. To celebrate International Day of Peace, we have asked Iraqis associated with UNDP projects to share their thoughts on Iraq’s collective recovery during the pandemic.  

In a few words, how do you describe Iraq’s journey to recovery?   

 

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, people from different countries, religions and backgrounds faced the same problem and this is why we need to continue as a united front. As a religious leader, I believe that we should all listen to the advice of medical experts.”  

-Omar Yassin Hussein, Religious Leader, Anbar 

Omar attended the Social Cohesion Programme’s Anbar Interfaith Religious Leader Conference in September 2021 to discuss moderate religious discourse and religious diversity in Iraq, supported by the governments of Denmark and Germany. 

 

“As a recent graduate, I was looking for ways to improve my skills and gain experience. The COVID-19 pandemic turned our lives upside down. Previously, there were more job opportunities but the situation changed after the pandemic. I joined the apprenticeship programme supported by UNDP. Today, after completing the training, I have received a six-month work contract. This has lifted my spirits. So, to all the young Iraqis, stick to your dreams and never give up.” 

-Maryam Farouq, 24, Mosul.

 

“Hope is a powerful tool to keep going and never give up. During the pandemic, coupled with the after effects of the conflict, we did not have many opportunities. Today, that situation is slowly changing.”

 

-Shadan Sirwan, 22, Chemistry Graduate 

Based in Kirkuk, Maryam and Shadan received a three-month on-the-job training following a six-month job placement in housing design and chemical equipment usage, respectively. They were supported by UNDP’s flagship programme the Funding Facility for Stabilization along with Sahara Economic Development Organization (SEDO) in partnership with the Government of Iraq with funding from the Government of Canada. 

 

“We have become more capable of using the available resources to increase production and communication, we have learned to make the world smaller.”  

-Abdullah Ibrahim, 22 

 

“Seeing the glass half full, I was introduced to telecommunications and video conferencing apps. I was also able to dig deeper into the use of social media and how to better utilize it.” 

-Zeyad Tarik Abdulsattar, 29 

 

“Nature had its own way of shaking up mindsets of humans. The past two years have been tough for all of us, but on the “glass half full” side; we have learnt about so many valuable things we didn’t take seriously like health and family. In addition, we started to learn all kinds of things because we had to, all the muscles around innovation, flexibility and creativity that we didn’t think we had. We had them all along!” 

-Aya Kadhim, 22 

Abdullah, Zeyad, and Aya were part of UNDP’s Youth Leadership Programme in Iraq. Aya also participated in the Community Reporters training course focusing on broadcast journalism under the Supporting Recovery and Stability in Iraq Through Local Development Programme funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic affected everything, and we lost our jobs. This puts undue pressure on us. However, after taking the vaccine and lifting the curfew, jobs are becoming available again. I hope that peace and stability prevail.” 

-Harbi Salih Ahmed Mutlaq, 40 

Based in Al Shirqat, Salah al-Din, Harbi is a current employee under the cash for work project supported by UNDP’s Iraq Crisis Response and Resilience Programme (ICRRP), implemented by Mercy Hands with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), provided through KFW Development Bank. 

 

“During the pandemic, I got a lot closer to my family, and I realized how this connection was more important than anything else in life. Having loved ones around made that tough period pass much more easily, and I am grateful for having them.”  

-Kazewa Jalal Ahmed, Erbil  

Kazewa was involved in the “Let’s Beat Corona Campaign” under UNDP Iraq’s Headway Programme, supported by the European Union.