RSC Religion & Security Council

Nineveh has long been a cradle of civilizations, a mosaic of cultures, ethnic groups, and religions, and a beacon of coexistence and mutual respect. Despite the challenges and conflicts that have cast a shadow over this region in recent decades, the unwavering spirit of its people and their commitment to unity provide a firm basis for rebuilding Nineveh as a symbol of peace, unity, and prosperity.

We, the participants in the Nināwā Forum, held on 28-29 April 2025 at the University of Mosul, from all backgrounds and walks of life (religious leaders, security officers, academics, civil society), driven by our belief in the importance of “interreligious dialogue” and after thorough and fruitful discussions on the challenges and opportunities before us, declare that we will put in our maximum effort and full determination to protect and promote the values of peace, living together, and cooperation for common good in Nineveh among all the components of its rich social and cultural fabric.

We will stand together to combat extremism in all forms and manifestations; we will strive to preserve brotherhood and coexistence; we will also work to restore Nineveh’s identity as a city of science and knowledge, a city of culture and development, a city for all, far from division and conflicts. We should all be proud of Nineveh’s varied background and environment, not to fear it.

Inspired by the shared heritage of Nineveh, we, the participants in the Nināwā Forum, present this Declaration as a roadmap for the promotion of peace and living together among religious communities in Nineveh Governorate and Iraq in general.

Principles of the Declaration

1. Fostering peace and living together by:

– Promoting dialogue among all religious groups and communities in Nineveh and Iraq, bridging divisions and enhancing mutual understanding.

– Encouraging communication at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to dialogue at leadership level, to address social grievances and establish trust among Nineveh‘s different components.

– Rejecting all forms of violence, hatred, and extremism, while asserting that constructive dialogue is the only possible path to sustainable peace.

– Denouncing hatred and extremism in all their forms, and working toward promoting mutual respect and social cohesion.

2. Upholding unity and coexistence by:

– Embracing and celebrating Nineveh’s richness of religions, cultures, and traditions as a hallmark and source of strength.

– Ensuring equal opportunities and representation for all communities, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or cultural background.

– Creating sustainable spaces for interreligious and intercultural dialogue to promote shared values and collective aspirations.

3. Honoring human rights and dignity by:

– Safeguarding the human rights and dignity of all citizens of Nineveh and Iraq.

– Opposing all forms of discrimination and marginalization, and ensuring that no person is excluded based on their beliefs or background.

– Empowering women and youth as key contributors to social cohesion and sustainable development.

4. Striving for reconstruction and socio-economic development by:

– Committing to rebuilding the urban and social fabric of Nineveh, and ensuring the restoration of its infrastructure and historical sites.

– Advocating for equitable and open to all economic opportunities, and fostering sustainable development that benefits all communities.

– Collaborating with national and international partners to secure the necessary resources for reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.

5. Promoting education and preserving cultural heritage by:

– Investing in education to combat illiteracy and promote coexistence through curricula that emphasize shared values and respect for the varied religious and cultural backgrounds of all local communities.

– Preserving and protecting Nineveh’s heritage as a testament to the history of the region as a cradle of civilizations and a symbol of unity among its various components.

– Promoting arts, literature, and cultural exchange as a way of consolidating social ties.

6. Enhancing citizenship and governance by:

– Advancing the concept of equal citizenship and ensuring equal rights and responsibilities for all.

– Establishing trust in the local government through transparency, accountability, and fair representation for all communities.

– Calling for the elimination of divisive terms, such as “minorities”, and promoting unity based on equal citizenship for all.

7. Enhancing good governance and civil society by:

– Supporting local organizations working to enhance transparency and justice.

– Strengthening civil society to be a reliable partner in building the new Nineveh.

8. Supporting international cooperation and solidarity by:

– Seeking the support of international organizations to strengthen reconstruction, reconciliation, and development efforts.

– Urging the international community to consider Nineveh a model for coexistence and invest in its reconstruction.

– Upholding international human rights standards as a key pillar for coexistence and social justice.

9. Supporting youth and women as catalysts for change by:

– Empowering the youth through education, employment, and leadership opportunities, thus enabling them to shape a peaceful future for Nineveh.

– Supporting women’s active involvement in decision-making processes, and recognizing their leading and vital role in peace-building and community development.

10. Fostering community reconciliation and justice by:

– Strengthening transitional justice mechanisms to address grievances and heal the wounds of past conflicts.

– Launching reconciliation initiatives in local communities, ensuring victims are heard and supported, and holding perpetrators to account.

– Promoting a culture of tolerance and mutual respect as a path to community recovery.

11. Upholding sustainability and environmental protection by:

– Recognizing the nexus between environmental sustainability and social stability.

– Advocating for sustainable practices in reconstruction efforts, and ensuring the preservation of Nineveh’s natural resources for future generations.

In conclusion, this Declaration represents a collective commitment to rebuild Nineveh as a land of peace and living together. By adhering to these principles, we aim to honor the legacy of Nineveh’s harmonious past and pave the way for a future where its rich religious and cultural fabric is not only celebrated, but also upheld as a symbol of national unity. We call upon all Iraqi leaders and organizations, as well as international partners, to join us in the journey to rebuild Nineveh and reaffirm its place as a global symbol of peace.