A national platform uniting 200+ actors, sharing knowledge, and advancing inclusive peacebuilding across Iraq's diverse communities.
Comprehensive approaches to building sustainable peace across multiple dimensions
PRWG – Iraq serves as a national coordination platform bringing together over 200 local and international peacebuilding actors, including NGOs, civil society, UN agencies, donors, and governmental entities. Through regular coordination meetings, thematic taskforces, and strategic planning sessions, the working group ensures harmonised interventions, reduces duplication, and promotes joint action across peace and reconciliation efforts.
A cornerstone of PRWG-Iraq's approach is the facilitation of evidence-based programming through the exchange of knowledge, research, assessments, and lessons learned. The working group maintains tools such as the 5Ws matrix, a capacity sharing calendar, and an expert roster to strengthen the technical competencies of its members.
PRWG-Iraq actively promotes the integration of peacebuilding into national and local government policies. By engaging key stakeholders - from district officials to federal authorities – PRWG-Iraq advocates for policy reforms and inclusive governance that reflect the realities and priorities of conflict-affected communities.
The working group prioritises the mainstreaming of conflict sensitivity and the Do-No-Harm principle in all stages of planning and response. PRWG-Iraq develops and disseminates practical tools, checklists, and guidance to ensure that peacebuilding efforts do not exacerbate existing tensions.
Originally rooted in Nineveh, PRWG has expanded its reach to Baghdad, Basra, Nasiriyya, Najaf, Diyala, Anbar, Salaheddin and Kirkuk governorates, with the aim of achieving national coverage by 2026. This geographic scaling reflects PRWG-Iraq's commitment to ensuring that diverse communities across Iraq have access to coordinated and inclusive peace mechanisms.
Together, we connect voices, align efforts, and forge sustainable peace in the heart of Iraq's conflict-affected communities.
Real change happening across Iraq through coordinated peacebuilding efforts
In Bashiqa, a town affected by both conflict and climate-induced tensions, PRWG – Iraq facilitated dialogues among local communities to address environmental challenges. By engaging residents in discussions about water scarcity and land degradation, the working group helped foster collaborative solutions that not only mitigated environmental issues but also strengthened community bonds and resilience.
Following the liberation of Nineveh from extremist control, PRWG – Iraq supported the establishment of Local Peace Committees (LPCs) comprising diverse community members. These LPCs played a pivotal role in rebuilding trust among different ethnic and religious groups, facilitating dialogues, and implementing community-driven initiatives that promoted reconciliation and social cohesion.
Recognising the importance of education in peacebuilding, PRWG – Iraq collaborated with academic institutions to integrate peace and conflict studies into university curricula. This initiative aimed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address the complexities of conflict, thereby fostering a culture of peace and dialogue among the youth.
PRWG – Iraq has been instrumental in promoting gender inclusivity within peacebuilding efforts. By facilitating workshops and capacity-building sessions, the working group empowered women to take active roles in reconciliation initiatives, ensuring that their perspectives and experiences inform the development of sustainable peace strategies.
A national multi-stakeholder coordination platform committed to advancing inclusive peacebuilding
The Peace and Reconciliation Working Group – Iraq (PRWG – Iraq) is a national, multi-stakeholder coordination platform committed to advancing inclusive peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social cohesion across Iraq. Established in 2018, PRWG has evolved into a central hub for harmonising efforts among peace actors.
Since 2024, the Sustainable Peace Foundation (SPF) has served as both Technical Coordinator and Secretariat, guiding the working group's strategic and operational direction. The PRWG's governance is strengthened by a Steering Committee ensuring balanced leadership and cross-sector collaboration.
Peacebuilding policies and tools
Training and expertise development
Provincial and national engagement
Collaborative conflict analysis
Humanitarian & development programming
Multi-stakeholder alignment
Join us in building a unified, peaceful Iraq
One dialogue, one community, and one coordinated effort at a time.