Baghdad – Ali Al-Talaqani, Head of Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue, conducted a series of high-level consultations in Baghdad with senior government officials, diplomats, and academic leaders. The discussions addressed foreign policy priorities, Iraq’s relations with international organizations, transitional justice frameworks, and the integration of research institutions into public policy decision-making.
The engagements reflect an ongoing Forum initiative to connect academic research with executive decision-making across several key institutional sectors.
Strengthening Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Partnerships
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al-Talaqani held talks with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ambassador Dr. Hisham Al-Alawi, Director General of the International Organizations Department Ambassador Dr. Fadhil Al-Rahim, and Ambassador Dr. Karrar Al-Maliki.
Discussions centered on Iraq’s position within shifting regional and global dynamics, pointing out the need for diplomatic communication tools that reflect internal policy priorities while responding to complex international environments.
Participants highlighted the importance of shifting Iraq’s engagement with international bodies from routine procedural interactions toward strategic partnerships that support institutional capacity-building and economic development. The meeting stressed the role of the Foreign Ministry’s International Organizations Department as the primary liaison between the Iraqi government and international bodies.
Al-Talaqani reviewed Al-Nabaa’s ongoing collaboration with foreign diplomatic missions in Iraq, including dialogue sessions and intellectual meetings designed to build common ground between local and international stakeholders. He also outlined joint programs with international organizations operating in Iraq focused on governance and administrative development.
Additionally, both sides discussed expanding institutional links between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and policy research centers, pointing out the need to utilize research output to support diplomatic decision-making.
Transitional Justice and Institutional Stability
In a separate meeting, Al-Talaqani conferred with Dr. Arkan Al-Badri, Director General of the Follow-up and Execution Department at the Supreme National Commission for Accountability and Justice.
The meeting focused on the implementation of transitional justice as a factor in long-term political and social stability. Discussions addressed the balance between enforcing current legal provisions and maintaining societal stability to strengthen trust between public institutions and society.
Participants also examined the long-term impact of past political eras on state institutions, advocating for a gradual approach that takes into account the specific circumstances of the transitional phase to resolve outstanding files while supporting national reconciliation efforts.
Higher Education and Evidence-Based Policy
On the academic front, Al-Talaqani met with Dr. Adel Al-Badiwi, Dean of the College of Political Science at the University of Baghdad, alongside political science professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Mayyali.
The meeting focused on establishing joint research initiatives, applied studies, and academic exchanges between the university and research centers. Discussions emphasized creating practical mechanisms to transfer university-based research directly to public decision-makers, closing the gap between higher education outputs and practical needs.
Regulatory Frameworks for Civil Society
Al-Talaqani concluded his round of meetings with Ashraf Al-Dahhan, Director General of the NGO Directorate at the General Secretariat for the Council of Ministers (GSCOM).
The consultation focused on mechanisms for facilitating the work of NGOs in Iraq. Discussions centered on simplifying administrative procedures, reducing administrative complexities, and improving inter-agency coordination to clarify institutional roles.
The meeting also highlighted the contribution of think tanks and civil society groups in offering research-backed solutions for public service and development challenges.
Taken together, these meetings reflect an effort to open channels of communication between state institutions and actors in the academic and intellectual spheres, within a process that remains at the discussion stage and is shaped to a large extent by the institutional challenges facing Iraq.
