The Nināwa Forum – organized by the University of Mosul and the Religion & Security Council (RSC), with the support of KAICIID Dialogue Centre – continued successfully into its second and final day on April 29, reinforcing interreligious dialogue as an essential pillar for achieving lasting peace in the Nineveh region.
During the proceedings, the session titled “Living Together in Nineveh: Reality and Challenges” brought together Dr. Mahmoud Azzo, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Mosul; Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmoud Hamy, Professor of Sociology, University of Mosul; Mr. Yohanna Youssef Towaya, Director of the Humanitarian Nineveh Relief Organization; Mr. Khidher Domle, Coordinator and Trainer at the Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies, University of Duhok. The session was coordinated by Dr. Raqeeb Muhammad Jassim Al-Hamawi, Professor of Human Rights Law and Director of the UNESCO Chair on Countering Violent Extremism and Promoting a Culture of Peace, University of Mosul.
The following session focused on “The Role of Youth and Women in Promoting Citizenship And Community Peace”, including as speakers H.E. Pascale Warda, President of the Hammurabi Human Rights Organization, RSC Senior Fellow, and Former Minister for Migration and the Displaced, Iraqi Interim Government; Dr. Nagham Nouzad, Director of the Hope Makers Organization for Women; Dr. Abdulkareem Al-Jarba, Director of the Al-Tahreer Association for Development. The session was coordinated by Prof. Dr. Qabas Hassan Awad, Professor of Public Law and Member of the UNESCO Chair Committee, University of Mosul.
The defining moment of the Nināwa Forum was the launch of the “Declaration for Peace, Dialogue, and Coexistence in Nineveh”, personally endorsed by the Governor of Nineveh, H.E. Abdulqadir Al-Dakhi.
The “Declaration” is a comprehensive roadmap for the Nineveh region, grounded in the following core principles and action points:
– Furthering multi-level interreligious and intercultural engagement to bridge divides, foster reconciliation and mutual understanding, strenghten cooperation for the common good;
– Standing firmly against all forms of violence, extremism, and hate speech;
– Education to peace, co-existence, and citizenship, while eliminating divisive terminology;
– Upholding the respect for human rights and dignity, with dedicated support for victims, marginalized, and displaced;
– Promotion of the role of women, youth, and the civil society;
– Equitable economic growth and sustainable development;
– Good governance and accountability;
– Safeguarding and celebrating Nineveh’s rich historical and cultural heritage;
– Engagement with international partners.
The “Declaration” will act as a blueprint for the future initiatives that will be implemented under the Nināwa Forum, providing strategic direction and a unified vision for advancing peace and living together in the Nineveh region.
See also:
OPENING DAY
PROGRAM
NINĀWĀ FORUM
