UPG Viewer

23 Years Old

Iraq

Male

Yes! That is really who you are!

I am Abdulrahman Al Bo Ragheef, a 23-year-old youth activist from Iraq with a deep passion for environmental security and civic engagement. Growing up in Iraq, I witnessed the severe challenges my country faces due to climate change and water scarcity, which ignited my commitment to sustainability and community action.

Over the years, I have co-founded and managed programs at the Iraqi Youth Institute (SASA Organization), where I led over 40 workshops aimed at fostering civic literacy and environmental advocacy among Iraqi youth. I have authored multiple policy papers on environmental security

Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft, specializing in Water, Food, and Energy Governance. This educational pursuit allows me to blend my academic knowledge with my on-the-ground activism to craft solutions that are both locally impactful and globally relevant.

My journey has been shaped by a strong belief in the power of youth to bring about sustainable change, and I am eager to continue contributing to this movement.

1. Collaboration – I have extensive experience working with diverse groups, including youth, government officials, and international organizations, to drive meaningful change. 2. Leadership – I have successfully led various initiatives, such as co-founding the Iraqi Youth Institute and managing workshops that empowered hundreds of young people to take action. 3. Adaptability – My experience working in different regions of Iraq with varying cultural contexts has made me adaptable and capable of creating solutions that work in diverse environments. 4. Communication – My ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to different audiences has allowed me to bridge gaps between youth and policymakers. 5. Problem-Solving – I approach challenges with innovative solutions, ensuring that obstacles don’t hinder the progress of initiatives. 6. Passion for Sustainability – My dedication to environmental advocacy, particularly in addressing water scarcity in Iraq, drives my commitment to making sustainable changes in communities.

I would like to highlight Leadership as a key strength that has allowed me to achieve significant impact in my work. A pivotal example of when I used my leadership skills was during my time as Co-founder and Programs Manager of the Iraqi Youth Institute (SASA Organization). One of our most important initiatives was organizing workshops focused on civic literacy and environmental advocacy for over 800 Iraqi youth. These workshops aimed to raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing Iraq, particularly in the area of water scarcity, and to empower young people to take action in their communities.

As the project leader, I was responsible for overseeing every aspect of the initiative, from planning the curriculum to managing a team of facilitators and ensuring we reached youth from diverse regions of Iraq. Leading this project required not only organizational skills but also the ability to inspire and motivate others. I worked closely with our team to develop content that would resonate with participants and coordinated with local stakeholders to ensure that the project was inclusive and impactful.

My leadership also extended to fostering collaboration between youth participants and policymakers. I organized meetings where young people could present their ideas directly to decision-makers, ensuring that their voices were heard in the development of policies related to environmental sustainability. Through my leadership, the project resulted in increased youth participation in environmental advocacy, as well as the development of two policy proposals that were presented to local governments.

This experience reinforced the importance of strong leadership in driving change, and it demonstrated my ability to lead diverse teams toward achieving sustainable outcomes.

Yes, I have had extensive experience as a volunteer, and one of the most impactful volunteer roles I’ve taken on is as a Member of the Iraqi Youth Parliament. Since 2020, I’ve actively participated in activities both within the Iraqi Parliament and across several governorates. My role involved working alongside other young activists to voice the concerns of youth in relation to political, social, and environmental issues. Through this work, I collaborated with local leaders and organizations to develop initiatives aimed at increasing youth engagement in governance and advocating for policies that reflect the needs of young Iraqis.

One of the key projects I volunteered for was aimed at raising environmental awareness, especially among young people. This initiative( It’s Youth Plant)

Graduate: I have completed a graduate degree (e.g. I have a Masters degree or PhD)

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project in my community, it would focus on water conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Given Iraq’s vulnerability to climate change and the ongoing water crisis, these issues are critical to the survival and well-being of local communities. The project would aim to educate farmers and local communities about efficient water use, while promoting sustainable farming techniques that minimize water wastage and improve crop yields. This would involve creating demonstration plots, conducting workshops, and implementing small-scale pilot projects to showcase the benefits of sustainable practices.

Why this project? Water scarcity is one of the most pressing issues in Iraq, and it is closely linked to agriculture, which is a major sector in the country. With climate change exacerbating these challenges, it is crucial to find solutions that can help communities adapt and ensure food security. By focusing on both water conservation and sustainable agriculture, this project would address the immediate need for water resource management while also promoting long-term resilience in the agricultural sector.

1. Lack of Awareness and Resistance to Change
One of the main challenges would likely be resistance from local farmers who may be skeptical about adopting new techniques or changing long-standing agricultural practices. Many farmers may be unaware of the benefits of sustainable farming and water conservation methods, making it difficult to convince them to participate in the project.
How to Overcome It: To address this, I would focus on education and demonstration. By setting up pilot projects that showcase the benefits of sustainable practices—such as reduced water usage, increased crop yields, and lower costs—I could provide concrete evidence that change is beneficial. Additionally, collaborating with trusted local leaders and agricultural experts could help build trust within the community, making it easier to introduce new practices.
2. Limited Financial Resources
Implementing large-scale sustainability projects can be costly, especially when it involves infrastructure improvements, training programs, and community outreach. Securing funding might be a significant challenge, particularly in regions with limited access to financial resources.
How to Overcome It: To overcome this, I would pursue a multi-faceted approach to funding. This could include applying for grants from international organizations focused on climate resilience and sustainability, as well as seeking partnerships with local businesses or agricultural cooperatives that may benefit from improved water management. Additionally, involving the community in the project design and implementation could create a sense of ownership, encouraging local contributions, both financial and in-kind.
3. Political and Bureaucratic Hurdles
In Iraq, as in many countries, navigating the political and bureaucratic landscape can be a significant challenge, especially when attempting to implement projects that require government cooperation. Environmental initiatives often require approvals or support from various government agencies, which can be time-consuming and difficult to secure.
How to Overcome It: To mitigate this, I would engage early with local and regional government officials. Building relationships with these key stakeholders from the beginning would help streamline the bureaucratic processes and increase the likelihood of obtaining the necessary approvals. Moreover, by demonstrating how the project aligns with the government’s existing goals for water conservation and agricultural developmen

About 30 people

Yes

Sasa Organization

Training hall, and providing me with the opportunity to train their members

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