Japan and UNESCO Launch Major Education and Reconciliation Initiative in Iraq's Ninewa Province

New Initiative Targets Conflict-Affected Communities

UNESCO and the Government of Japan officially launched the project 'Reviving the Bridges for Peace in Ninewa: Education and Reconciliation for Conflict-Affected Communities' on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This initiative aims to provide crucial support to children, youth, and communities in West Mosul and Sinjar, located within Iraq's Ninewa province, as they strive to overcome the enduring impacts of conflict. The project focuses on strengthening social cohesion and peacebuilding through inclusive education and reconciliation efforts.

Project Scope and Objectives

The comprehensive initiative is designed to create safe and supportive learning environments in 10 primary and secondary schools across the targeted regions. It is expected to benefit over 3,000 children and youth, with a particular emphasis on returnees and displaced youth, especially adolescent girls. Key components of the project include:

• Inclusive Education: Establishing supportive learning environments.
• Participatory Training: Providing training for schools and parents.
• Youth Empowerment: Engaging youth in peacebuilding activities.
• Community Engagement: Fostering broader community involvement in reconciliation.
• Capacity Building: Leveraging training materials and teacher capacity-building.
• Youth-Led Campaigns: Implementing campaigns to promote positive social behavior and prevent violent extremism, including the 'Youth for Peace' campaign to counter hate speech and rebuild community ties.

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

Japan's Commitment and Broader Context

The project's funding, totaling $107,000 for school construction, falls under Japan's 2025 supplementary budget. This initiative underscores Japan's long-standing commitment to Iraq, with the country having implemented over $21 billion in official economic cooperation projects since 2003. His Excellency Mr. Akira Endo, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, reaffirmed Japan's 'unwavering commitment' to supporting the people of Iraq until the country overcomes its humanitarian crisis and achieves peace and stability.

The launch of this project comes eight years after the end of significant conflict in the region, yet communities in Ninewa, particularly West Mosul and Sinjar, continue to grapple with social fragmentation, psychological trauma, and reintegration challenges. Over one million Iraqis remain displaced, and the displacement crisis in Sinjar alone affects approximately 110,000 residents still living in camps. The initiative aligns with Iraq's National Education Strategy 2022–2032, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the UN Youth Strategy – Youth 2030.