Baghdad: The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities is actively promoting community awareness and fostering literary and cultural activities throughout Baghdad and various provinces. This initiative, led by the Department of Public Cultural Relations and its affiliated departments, aims to bolster community engagement and support cultural endeavors.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry revealed in a press release that the Cultural Center on Palestine Street/Al-Fayli, in partnership with the Iraqi National Security Service, organized a lecture titled “No to Drugs.” This session focused on the risks and repercussions of drug use, while also highlighting preventive measures and protective strategies for the youth.

The Ministry further reported that the Cultural Center in Al-Shu’la, collaborating with the Sports and Youth Forum, the Community Police, and the Martyr Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr Library, conducted an event called “No to Drugs… Yes to Life.” This event emphasized the importance of family and institutional roles in shielding youth and encouraging them to partake in constructive activities such as sports and cultural engagements.

Additionally, on the literary front, the Palace of Culture and Arts in Babylon hosted a session featuring novelist Shawqi Karim, who shared insights into his creative journey. Meanwhile, the Cultural Center in Al-Musayyib celebrated the launch of poet Ali al-Jumaili’s inaugural poetry collection, “Letters That Never Arrived and Never Will,” with a book signing event.

The Ministry’s statement also mentioned that the Palace of Culture and Arts in Kirkuk organized a seminar titled “Managing Psychological Stress.” This seminar explored methods to handle psychological stress and address individual and societal needs, with contributions from government entities, civil society organizations, intellectuals, and media professionals.