About IPO
The
Iraqi Prospect Organisation (IPO), a not-for-profit and
non-partisan group, is an Iraq-based network of young men
and women which seeks to educate young Iraqis about democratic
values and civil society and to increase their participation
in the political process. Through activities such as educational
workshops, student newsletters and debating societies, IPO
has managed to achieve a genuine grassroots presence in
the country.
Focusing
on promoting tolerance, freedom of speech, and democratic
values the IPO established debating societies and newsletters
at the University of Baghdad, the University of Mustansiriyah
and the University of Babylon. These projects are ongoing
and have helped give students a voice, encouraged debate
and helped tackle radicalization on university campuses.
In 2005,
the IPO ran a nationwide project that gave Iraqi youth and
students the opportunity to participate in the constitutional
drafting process of Iraq. The success of this project has
meant it is ongoing and has been expanded to include legislative,
as well as constitutional, issues which concern Iraq's youth.
The
IPO also publishes regular analysis, articles, and timely
reports concerning Iraq's democratisation, which can be
found on the website. If you would like to receive the IPO's
articles and reports in your email you can sign up here.
The
IPO was first established in January 2002 by a group of
young Iraqi exiles in London. Following the fall of Saddam
Hussein's regime, the IPO expanded to Iraq, where its headquarters
now resides. The IPO has a nationwide membership, reflective
of Iraq's multiple sects and ethnicities. The IPO also has
offices and extensive networks in the cities of Baghdad,
Hillah, Najaf and Nassiriyah. The Baghdad-based Executive
Committee is responsible for the day-to-day running of the
organisation and implementation of projects. The work of
the Executive Committee and the local networks is watched
over by the annually elected Board of Directors.
