Our History
Emerging from community
IRO’s origins date back to 2005, when its founders began working in civic activism, youth empowerment, and community development. Between 2005 and 2016, they gained extensive experience through the Youth Forum in Garmyan, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), implementing initiatives in democratic participation, youth leadership, community mobilization, and civil society development.
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Empowering Communities, Protecting Nature, Inspiring Sustainable Change
IRO Organization for Community Development (IRO) is an independent, non-profit civil society organization dedicated to advancing sustainable development through community participation, environmental stewardship, youth leadership, research, and innovation. Although officially registered in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in 2019, the organization builds on more than two decades of civic engagement and community activism dating back to 2004.
IRO works alongside communities to identify priorities, strengthen local capacities, and implement practical, locally led solutions to environmental and social challenges. Its integrated program address climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation, environmental education, community development, youth empowerment, environmental journalism, digital innovation, human rights, and research.
Legal Status
IRO Organization for Community Development is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental, and non-partisan organization registered under Law No. 1 of 2011 governing NGOs in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The organization was officially registered on 26 June 2019 under Registration Code L-4925.
Our Vision
A resilient and equitable society where all people—particularly vulnerable and marginalized groups—actively participate in shaping their future and enjoy equitable access to sustainable opportunities, resources, and services that enable them to thrive in a changing world.
Our Mission
IRO empowers communities, particularly youth and marginalized groups, to lead sustainable development through participatory approaches, climate action, environmental stewardship, research, innovation, and locally driven solutions that strengthen resilience, protect natural resources, advance human rights, and improve quality of life.
Core Values
IRO’s work is guided by principles that shape every program, partnership, and organizational decision:
Community Participation
Communities are active partners in identifying priorities, designing solutions, implementing initiatives, and sustaining long-term development outcomes.
Integrity and Accountability
IRO upholds transparency, ethical conduct, responsible financial management, and accountability to beneficiaries, partners, and donors.
Inclusion and Equality
The organization promotes equal opportunities regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, or social background, ensuring meaningful participation of marginalized groups.
Environmental Stewardship
IRO is committed to protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable natural resource management, and encouraging environmentally responsible behavior.
Innovation and Learning
The organization embraces research, digital technologies, innovation, and continuous learning to improve program quality and respond to emerging challenges.
Human Rights and Social Justice
IRO believes that sustainable development depends on protecting human rights, dignity, participation, and equal opportunities for all.
Partnership and Collaboration
IRO values collaboration with communities, civil society, academia, government institutions, and international organizations to maximize sustainable impact.