About the Project
Young people in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) possess enormous potential, yet many struggle to transition successfully from education to employment and active civic participation. Every year, nearly 40,000 students graduate from universities and technical institutes, but many face limited job opportunities, weak professional networks, and a lack of practical skills needed in today’s labor market. In 2023, youth unemployment reached 15%, with significantly lower employment rates among young women than men, while thousands of graduates remained unemployed despite holding university degrees.
Recognizing these challenges, this initiative aims to equip university students and recent graduates with the leadership, digital, and creative skills necessary to become active contributors to their communities and future workforce. The project addresses critical gaps in higher education by promoting practical learning, peer collaboration, and stronger connections between universities, civil society, and the private sector.
Through a series of interactive training programs, participants will strengthen their leadership, teamwork, communication, creativity, digital literacy, and advocacy skills. A peer-to-peer learning model will enable trained participants to mentor additional young people, expanding the project’s reach and creating a sustainable cycle of knowledge sharing beyond university campuses.
A key component of the initiative is the establishment of a Youth Hub—both physical and digital—that will serve as a collaborative platform where young people can connect, exchange ideas, access mentorship, and develop innovative initiatives. The project will also support youth in producing digital content, including videos, podcasts, social media campaigns, articles, and infographics that raise awareness about youth employment, civic participation, climate change, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
To ensure meaningful youth participation, a Youth Advisory Board will be created, giving young leaders an active role in shaping project activities, monitoring progress, and contributing to decision-making processes.
The initiative brings together universities, technical institutes, civil society organizations, community centers, media professionals, and private-sector partners to build stronger pathways between education, employment, and community engagement.
By fostering leadership, creativity, digital innovation, and collaboration, the project seeks to create a new generation of confident, skilled, and socially engaged young leaders who are prepared to drive positive change and contribute to the sustainable development of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
