Comprehensive framework defining the mission, objectives, and strategic direction of the Peace and Reconciliation Working Group in Iraq.
The Peace and Reconciliation Working Group - Iraq is a coordination platform that brings together circa two hundred local and international peacebuilding organisations, government representatives as well as UN agencies and donors. The aim of this coordination mechanism is to share capacity while integrating broader development and systems approaches to peacebuilding and to reduce duplication of peacebuilding programmes and address gaps.
To coordinate and enhance peacebuilding efforts across Iraq through inclusive collaboration, capacity sharing, and strategic alignment of local and international actors working towards sustainable peace and reconciliation.
Since its establishment in August 2018, the PRWG - Iraq has successfully run monthly coordination meetings and strategic planning sessions whereby different thematic and operational topics relevant to the emerging context in Nineveh were introduced and discussed. These efforts have resulted in improved coordination in the design and implementation of peacebuilding programming and increased awareness and knowledge of peacebuilding efforts among local and international actors.
The PRWG - Iraq has also run several thematic taskforce meetings to increase synergies between the various peacebuilding actors and practitioners, such as the Local Peace Committees (LPCs) and Advocacy Taskforces, which enhanced coordination and created a concerted approach in communicating with the government and the targeted communities and stakeholders.
The PRWG - Iraq has hosted a range of subject matter experts, government officials, and donors. The PRWG - Iraq, as a coordination mechanism, was also successful in bringing together different clusters/working groups such as the Return Working Group, and the Protection Cluster, facilitating a collaborative working environment towards the realisation of the goal against which the PRWG - Iraq has been established.
The PRWG - Iraq is comprised of two chairs: the Secretariat, the Technical Coordinator along with local and national Government Representation. In accordance with the PRWG - Iraq's Terms of References (ToRs), both the Secretariat and the Technical Coordinator are annually elected by the members of the PRWG - Iraq.
Took the bold leap towards localisation and became the first working group in Iraq that is led by a local NGO, marking a significant shift towards locally-led peacebuilding initiatives.
The PRWG - Iraq engaged the private sector to support its efforts in Nineveh governorate, expanding the network beyond traditional humanitarian and development actors.
Expanded efforts to cover Diyala, Anbar, Salaheddin, Kirkuk and Nineveh governorates, significantly increasing the geographical scope of coordination activities.
Established operations and proved effectiveness in Nineveh governorate, building the foundation for future expansion.
Extended coverage to include Diyala, Anbar, Salaheddin, and Kirkuk governorates, bringing total coverage to 5 governorates.
Advanced expansion to include Baghdad, Basra, Nasiriyya and Najaf governorates, bringing current coverage to 9 governorates.
Objective to expand coverage across all 19 governorates of Iraq, achieving comprehensive national coordination.
In 2023, the Sustainable Peace Foundation (SPF) was elected to host, starting from January 2024, both the Secretariat and Technical Coordination of the PRWG -- Iraq. This leadership role is supported by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which serves as co-chair and provides ongoing technical backstopping.
Secretariat & Technical Coordinator: Sustainable Peace Foundation (SPF)
Co-Chair: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Role: Technical backstopping and strategic support
To ensure inclusive governance and strategic direction, PRWG is further guided by a Steering Committee comprised of key organizations:
Learn more about PRWG's mission and join our peacebuilding efforts