Baghdad – Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue and the International Labour Organization (ILO) hosted a virtual panel discussion, sponsored by the European Union, engaging Iraqi government institutions alongside more than 35 community and organizational leaders from various countries. The session, opened by Dr. Alaa Al-Silawi, Executive Director of the Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue, aimed to explore mechanisms to leverage and facilitate the return of Iraqi expertise from abroad.
The Role of the ILO:
Addressing the ILO's involvement, Dr. Amjad Rabi, Chief Advisor at the ILO, stated: "The significance of this issue stems from the urgent need for the scientific expertise and skills of Iraqis living abroad. Through our international operations, we have consistently found Iraqi talent present across various professional fields, and it is time to capitalize on that expertise."
For his part, ILO Advisor Dr. Adnan Yaseen remarked, "Dialogue itself leads us to knowledge at a time when Iraq has suffered a massive brain drain spanning decades". He added that Iraqi creativity and competence have deep historical roots. He pointed to periods in Iraq’s history that witnessed significant intellectual development driven by local talent and foreign scholarship programs. He explained, "The 1960s and 1970s were crucial milestones that supported cognitive and academic advancement in Iraq across various disciplines, backed by prestigious global universities".
Yaseen noted, "From my long experience living in the UK, I have seen outstanding Iraqi professionals across scientific fields whose expertise is needed for national development". He highlighted ongoing, serious discussions within Iraqi ministries and government institutions aimed at building human capital and improving social systems.
Yaseen emphasized that past crises caused developmental deficits and systemic failures, draining much of the country's intellect and shaking its institutional foundations. However, he argued that amid the current relative stability, Iraq can now benefit from its diaspora, particularly those holding prominent global positions.
The Role of Iraqi Expertise:
Alongside numerous interventions from participants, Dr. Abbas Kadhim, a Senior Fellow and Director of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C., speaking on behalf of Al-Nabaa Forum, stated: "Historically, Iraq produced a generation of pioneers through scholarships in various scientific, non-scientific, and even artistic fields. Iraq became a leader among Arab nations, a fact acknowledged by major countries like France, Italy, and the US."
Kadhim asserted that Iraqis established scientific movements and educational foundations in neighboring countries. While their human potential flourished abroad, those who remained inside Iraq were heavily restricted, forcing many to emigrate.
He categorized the Iraqi diaspora into several demographic groups. The first consists of older emigrants who never returned and have since retired; while Iraq missed out on their active years, it can still seek their consultative expertise. The second group comprises middle-aged professionals who opposed the former regime and settled in developed nations, where many reached prominent positions, a demographic Iraq can utilize immediately.
A third, more recent group includes opponents of the current system scattered globally. Kadhim noted that while some maintain strong ties and a sense of belonging to Iraq, others have no desire to return. He also pointed to another segment: ordinary citizens who emigrated but whose children have now graduated from foreign universities with valuable skills. Kadhim explained, "This younger generation's expertise is often overlooked, and there must be a clear vision, plan, and strategy to harness their capabilities".
The 90-minute discussion concluded with participants from inside and outside Iraq unanimously agreeing on the critical need to continue dialogues regarding Iraqi talent and its role in driving national development. They stressed the importance of leveraging this expertise, especially given Iraq's significant political, economic, and developmental shifts, while recognizing the vital role international organizations play in supporting these goals.