About the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program
The Iraq Leadership Fellows Program is generously supported by DT Institute and hosted by the Institute for Regional and International Studies at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. The Fellowship was founded in 2017 in response to the growth of a generation of educated, politically and socially engaged young Iraqis who are keen to positively shape the future of their country. Whether these young activists engage through the formal political process, through protest movements, or through civil society organizations – their energy and passion for Iraq is to be applauded and encouraged.
We offer these future leaders an opportunity to learn cutting-edge techniques in campaigning, community organizing, and advocacy. We do this through training workshops with world-class teachers, and through peer-to-peer engagement with other young leaders from across the Middle East. Through the course of the Fellowship, our Fellows develop, refine and launch their own political or social campaigns with intensive mentoring and support. The Fellows also develop deep relationships within the Fellowship, equipping them with a diverse network of Iraqis with whom they can collaborate and continue to develop their movements.
The Fellowship offers two tracks, one for social activists, and the second for future political candidates. The training for social activists focuses on building the skills needed to mount effective campaigns, while the training for future political candidates develops the skills that are needed to participate in the electoral process.
Meet the fellows
