Baghdad: The delegation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Iraq engaged in discussions today with the deans of the Colleges of Media and Education for Girls at the University of Baghdad. The focus was on a new project funded by the European Union for 2025-2027, titled “Community Media – Social Communication for Peace.” This project is seen as a gateway for Iraq to interact officially with global digital platforms and major internet companies through UNESCO channels. It aims to establish national and international regulatory rules to keep up with the rapid developments in digital media and artificial intelligence and their impact on society.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Diaa Thabet, the project director, reviewed the significance of involving university institutions in building a culture of digital media with the deans, Dr. Athmar Al-Shatri and Dr. Ammar Taher. The discussions emphasized the importance of qualifying students and activating the rol
e of academics in formulating sustainable digital policies. The collaboration aims to involve students and the academic community in shaping the project’s outcomes, focusing on developing digital literacy programs and improving students’ information literacy.
UNESCO highlights the crucial role of the College of Education for Girls in enhancing the presence of women and girls in the digital world. The project aims to provide support and empowerment programs that offer women greater opportunities for effective participation in the digital field and enhance their digital security.
The deans of the colleges expressed their full commitment to this partnership, emphasizing the importance of integrating educational institutions into the initiative. The Ministry of Higher Education, a significant member of UNESCO, plays a crucial role in this digital reform process in Iraq. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has emphasized the need for international support for the Ministry of Higher Education. Diaa Thabet note
d that the coming period would witness activities aimed at integrating the academic community in shaping the digital landscape in Iraq, with one of the key goals being the preparation of a comprehensive national report on the impact of social media and the Internet on social cohesion and community peace in Iraq.
Through this cooperation, Iraq joins a global movement towards regulating digital media and building a safer cyberspace. The initiative aims to enhance digital awareness, protect freedom of expression, and empower marginalized groups, transforming technology from a source of division to a tool for peace and development.
This initiative is part of international efforts led by UNESCO to adopt global working charters in line with the digital revolution. It seeks to enhance partnerships between governmental and academic institutions, including the Iraqi judiciary, to ensure a comprehensive system for the safe and responsible use of digital space.
This marks a new beginning for a responsible digital era
in Iraq, led by academics and supported by society, with a legal framework to guide community media for peace as a strategic vision for the future of media and communication in Iraq.