UNESCO, Japan Launch Ninewa Project to Rebuild Education

UNESCO and the Government of Japan have launched the project “Reviving the Bridges for Peace in Ninewa: Education and Reconciliation for Conflict-Affected Communities”, aimed at supporting youth and local communities in West Mosul and Sinjar to overcome the long-term impacts of conflict.

The initiative will strengthen social cohesion and peacebuilding through inclusive education, participatory training for schools and parents, youth empowerment, and community engagement. It will create safe learning environments in 10 primary and secondary schools, benefiting more than 3,000 children and youth, with a particular focus on returnees, displaced populations, and adolescent girls.

“This project represents a critical step toward restoring trust, rebuilding communities, and empowering young people as agents of peace in Ninewa,” said Dr. Alexandros Makarigakis, UNESCO Representative to Iraq.

Ambassador Akira Endo of Japan reaffirmed his country’s support for Iraq, noting Japan’s commitment to helping communities recover from past conflicts and restore peace and stability.

The project aligns with Iraq’s National Education Strategy 2022–2032, the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the UN Youth Strategy – Youth 2030. It builds on UNESCO’s ongoing work in Iraq, including teacher training, youth-led campaigns, and educational initiatives aimed at preventing violent extremism.

Source: UNESCO Iraq