Media and Government Communication Unit
In line with the directives of the Scientific Affairs Department to organize academic activities addressing social problems and emerging phenomena affecting Iraqi society and exploring means of addressing them, the Center for Strategic and International Studies at the University of Baghdad held a workshop entitled The Identity of Contemporary Iraqi Youth between Traditional Heritage and the Adoption of Modernity, presented by Assistant Lecturer Rafal Ayad Saleh from the Department of Crisis Studies.
The workshop highlighted the nature of Iraqi society, which is regarded as one of the most socially diverse societies in the region owing to its geographical location, historically serving as a crossroads for numerous civilizations and cultures. This diversity is reflected in its multiplicity of ethnicities, religions, and sectarian affiliations. The research paper also examined the impact of the wars and conflicts—both internal and external—that Iraqi society has experienced, emphasizing their direct influence on the character and identity of the Iraqi individual and the varied repercussions they have produced within the country’s social structure.
At the conclusion of the workshop, a number of mechanisms and practical recommendations were proposed to address the behavioral challenges facing youth and to mitigate the negative effects of technology. The principal recommendations in
cluded strengthening the role of religious and social institutions in guidance and awareness, activating the role of the state in addressing unemployment and providing job opportunities for young people, reaffirming the responsibility of parents and families in instilling authentic social values, and promoting the positive use of social media in ways that serve society.
The workshop witnessed active participation and extensive discussions among researchers and attendees, whose scholarly contributions further enriched the subject matter.
