SHEIKH HASAN AL-ZAKRI: I see 2025 as a year of qualitative transformation and consolidation of experience

Sheikh Hassan Al-Zakri, member of the International Public Chamber for the 2025-2030 convocation and head of the Iraqi Foundation for Rapprochement and Dialogue, comments on the results of the past year 2025.

I see 2025 as a year of qualitative transformation and consolidation of experience, as I move from the stage of participation and learning to the stage of influence, leadership and implementation.

Among the most important results of this year:

• Strengthening my role as President of the Iraqi Foundation for Rapprochement and Dialogue in Basra and taking on broader institutional and strategic responsibilities.
• Drawing on my experience at international conferences and seminars, I have transformed international connections and expertise into practical projects and ideas at the local level.
• Expanding efforts to prevent violent extremism, promote social cohesion and advance interreligious dialogue.
• Moving from theoretical initiatives to real projects at the local community level that have a direct impact.

Overall, 2025 was a year of professional and intellectual maturation, laying the foundation for a more sustainable phase of work with local communities.

In 2025, my professional and social life was marked by significant changes, in particular:

• Leading initiatives and projects aimed at promoting civil peace, dialogue and community engagement.
• Work on the development and implementation of training programs in the areas of leadership, negotiation, conflict resolution and team building.
• Preparing and developing project proposals for international donors, with a focus on governance, accountability and community impact.
• Expanding my network of connections with international organizations, dialogue centers and donors.
• Contributing to practical community initiatives such as tree planting, neighborhood cleanups, and support for school libraries as part of a strategy to link dialogue with community action.

These achievements have strengthened my self-confidence and ability to combine intellectual vision with practical implementation.

I anticipate 2026 to be a year of expansion and deeper impact. My key aspirations include:

• Implementation of larger-scale and sustainable projects resulting from the planning undertaken in 2025.
• Expanding the scope of the Iraqi Rapprochement and Dialogue Fund to include wider groups of youth, religious leaders and women.
• Strengthening international partnerships and transforming them into real funding and long-term programs.
• Moving from local initiatives to models that can be replicated in other provinces.
• Focusing on impact measurement, documentation and building a strong institutional reputation.

Overall, I see 2026 as a year of reaping the fruits of previous efforts and confidently moving towards a broader and deeper impact.