Discussion Session on Youth and Environmental Responsibility in Erbil
Ali Hamza Ismail and Shilan Tariq, graduates of the sixth generation of the Youth Leaders Program from Erbil Governorate, implemented a community initiative with the support of Tammuz Organization for Social Development. The initiative consisted of a youth discussion session entitled “Youth and Environmental Responsibility: The Role of Young People in Protecting the Environment in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq,” held on Friday, 21 August 2026, at Ashti Library in Erbil.
The session addressed the main environmental challenges facing the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, including water scarcity, pollution, deforestation, and drought, as well as their impacts on health, daily life, and society. It emphasized that environmental protection is a shared responsibility that is not limited to government institutions or those working in the environmental sector.
A number of young people from diverse backgrounds, academic specializations, and professional fields participated in the session, contributing to a rich discussion and highlighting the importance of young people taking responsibility, showing initiative and leadership, and working collectively to bring about positive change in their communities.
Participants also discussed the importance of increasing environmental activities and initiatives, strengthening environmental awareness within society, and transforming ideas and discussions into practical steps and future initiatives.
This initiative is part of a series of community initiatives implemented by program graduates after completing the program, as part of their social responsibility towards their communities and with the aim of serving the community and raising awareness on various social and humanitarian issues.
It is worth noting that the Youth Leaders Program aims to develop community leaders and is implemented annually by Tammuz Organization for Social Development in partnership with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES). To date, six generations have graduated from the program, comprising more than 160 young men and women from different governorates, religions, sects, and ethnic backgrounds.
