Karbala – Head of Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue, Ali Al-Talaqani, reaffirmed on Saturday, marking the 13th anniversary of the Forum's founding, his ongoing efforts to make dialogue an alternative to conflict and responsible discourse a tool for reform.
This came during his speech at the anniversary celebration events, held under the slogan "Al-Nabaa 2026: A Vision Realised". The event was attended by numerous official and academic figures, specialists, and a group of young talents.
In his speech, the Head said:
"True to our roots and looking ahead, the Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue celebrates in April 2026 the passage of thirteen years since the launch of its intellectual journey. It is a journey founded on the profound belief that dialogue is the most effective path to overcoming crises, building the nation, and consolidating the foundations of a civil state capable of managing challenges and shaping the future.
"The establishment of the Forum in April 2013 came as an objective response to the necessities of that period, which witnessed an escalation in political and security tensions and a decline in the spaces for independent, rational dialogue. Since its inception, the Forum has embraced a core vision that positions dialogue as an alternative to conflict and responsible discourse as a tool for reform within a highly polarized environment. It subsequently evolved from a digital communication space into one of the most prominent independent intellectual institutions.
"Over the span of thirteen years, the Forum has managed to achieve an influential presence in the intellectual and political landscape by expanding its membership to include more than 300 figures today. This encompasses senior officials, ministers, members of the Council of Representatives, academics, researchers, community leaders, media professionals, journalists, and physicians. This diversity has given the Forum considerable standing in formulating national visions and addressing public issues through a scientific and responsible approach.
"This influence has been embodied in the organization of hundreds of specialized workshops and symposia that brought decision-makers together with intellectual elites, as well as strengthening the diplomatic track through hosting international missions and facilitating academic exchanges. On the research front, the Forum has produced a rich repository of strategic studies, including analyses of monetary trends, studies on internal and external balances, and economic reports proposing practical solutions to address challenges. Furthermore, the Forum has contributed to rights awareness and the defense of the values of citizenship and social justice, alongside its continuous support for state institutions via practical studies that contribute to improving administrative and oversight performance."
Intellectual Philosophy
The Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue rests on the belief that the structural issues confronting the state can only be addressed through responsible, non-exclusionary dialogue that elevates the national interest. Through in-depth discussions on the rule of law, integrity, and good governance, the Forum has helped embed the concept of societal dialogue as a fundamental entry point for understanding the complexities of building a nation-state. The ability of the Forum, its work team, and its esteemed members to balance rigorous academic theory with realities on the ground has made the institution a trusted reference for policymakers and a unique platform for producing applied knowledge that serves reform and development efforts.
On this historic anniversary, the Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue announces the launch of its new digital platform (https://nabaaforum.org) and the further continuation of its national strategy for the years 2026–2030, serving as a qualitative leap toward reinforcing civil peace, cementing the principles of transparency, and expanding the impact of intellectual work in the service of society and the state.
This strategy is built around several key pillars, most notably:
Governance and Integrity: Supporting civil oversight and combating corruption through proactive studies.
Sustainable Development: Providing comprehensive visions to address unemployment, support the private sector, and transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities through a circular economy model.
Peace and Society: Focusing on diversity management, empowering youth and women, and protecting the family structure from negative phenomena.
Environment and Climate: Enhancing environmental awareness and supporting green policies in line with Iraq’s national and international commitments.
Political Reform and State-Building: Supporting institutional reform tracks, developing the political system, enhancing constitutional stability, and consolidating the concept of a civil state based on citizenship and the rule of law.
Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Studying the impact of technology on governance and public services, supporting digital transformation in state institutions, and empowering youth in the digital and knowledge economies.
Foreign Policy and International Dialogue: Building intellectual approaches to understand Iraq’s regional and international position, enhancing dialogue-based diplomacy, and opening up to global think tanks.
Education and Knowledge Building: Reforming the educational system, supporting scientific research, linking education outputs to the labor market, and promoting critical thinking as an entry point for development.
This strategic evolution coincided with the enhancement of the Forum's media and institutional presence through the launch of its new official website (https://nabaaforum.org) and its platforms across various communication channels, in a manner that reflects pluralism, openness, and dialogue for humanity.
The Forum has reinforced its legal and practical frameworks through cooperation agreements with several government institutions, as well as a number of universities, research centers, and local and international organizations, thereby contributing to translating ideas into effective policies and impactful initiatives.
A Message of Gratitude and Appreciation:
This achievement would not have been realized without the contribution of partners and the dedication of our supporters.
The Forum's management and staff extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who contributed to this path: to the esteemed members who made the Forum a source of thought; to the governmental and oversight bodies, academic institutions, and diplomatic missions that believed in the Forum’s national message; and to its dedicated staff who have continuously sustained their scientific, research, organizational, and media contributions.
In conclusion, we affirm that the thirteenth anniversary marks a renewed promise to promote our mission as a national dialogue center. The Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue will remain an inclusive platform for bringing people together and exchanging views and a bridge for bringing perspectives closer together, driven by the belief that constructive dialogue is the foundation for consolidating societal peace and supporting state-building.
