Baghdad, Iraq – 28 April 2025
The Humanitarian Leadership Academy and Save the Children International, with the generous support of the Office of the Prime Minister of Iraq, are proud to open the Humanitarian Xchange (HX) Baghdad: From Crisis to Opportunity: Youth and Local Leaders Shaping the Future, a two-day conference taking place in Baghdad from 28–29 April 2025.
This event will convene local leaders, youth, humanitarian actors, government representatives, to support stronger, community-driven responses to humanitarian challenges and development opportunities across Iraq.
As Iraq continues to build resilience and chart a path toward sustainable development, HX Baghdad offers a unique space to strengthen local peacebuilding, empower youth leadership, and promote collaboration across different sectors.
Sarra Ghazi Nasser, Country Director of Save the Children Iraq said: “We are here because we believe that local leadership is not optional, it is essential. True and lasting change come when local voices lead, and when youth are empowered as decision makers and agents of peace, resilience and innovation.”
The two-day event is intentionally designed to ensure that local voices are at the centre. Through panels, small group discussions, and open networking opportunities, participants will exchange experiences, learn from each other’s successes and challenges, and build new partnerships rooted in shared commitment to community-led solutions.
Samantha Davis, Deputy Director of the Humanitarian Leadership Academy said: “This event is not about us as organisers. It is about local leaders, community members, and organisations shaping the future of Iraq. Our role is to support and facilitate these conversations, to ensure they have the space to lead and innovate.”
Samantha added: “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Office of the Prime Minister and Save the Children for hosting this event. The commitment to supporting local leadership and collaboration in co-designing this event have made HX Baghdad possible, and we are deeply grateful for this support”.
Event highlights:
- Local peacebuilding: Strengthening community-driven approaches to peace and resilience.
- Youth empowerment: Equipping young leaders to drive positive change in their communities.
- Cross-sector collaboration: Building bridges between civil society, government, donors, and private sector actors.
Event details:
- Dates: 28–29 April 2025
- Location: Baghdad, Iraq
Media Contacts:
- Anne Garcon – a.garcon@humanitarian.academy
- Rafka Daoud – rafka.daoud@savethechildren.org
