Youth, Peace and Security in Iraq and Italy: five young Iraqi activists complete their scholarship period at the University of Padova
On May 2026, within the framework of the project “Youth, Peace and Security in Iraq and Italy” promoted by the Human Rights Centre “Antonio Papisca” of the University of Padova in partnership with Un Ponte Per and with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), five young Iraqi activists, engaged in the promotion of human rights, youth participation, women’s empowerment and peacebuilding, have completed their scholarship period at the University of Padova.
During their stay in Padova, the participants followed some of the courses of the Master’s Degree Programme in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance. The academic programme enabled them to strengthen their knowledge of international human rights standards, refugee protection and contemporary approaches to global inequalities and decolonial thought, while fostering exchange and dialogue within an international academic environment.
Alongside the academic training, the Human Rights Centre organised a series of meetings and exchanges with local institutions and civil society organisations. The participants met with Francesca Benciolini, Councillor of the Municipality of Padova, with the mandate on peace and human rights, engaging in a discussion on the role of local institutions in promoting youth participation and social inclusion. They also visited the Centro Veneto Progetti Donna, where they gained deeper insight into the organisation's work in advancing women's rights, preventing and combating gender-based violence, and providing support services for women across the local community. A further opportunity for exchange was provided by the visit to MAC Studi d’Artista, which encouraged reflection on the role of art and culture in fostering inclusive communities, promoting intercultural dialogue, and strengthening social participation.
Throughout the programme, the participants actively shared their experiences and perspectives as professionals working in Iraq, contributing insights on the challenges and opportunities related to their local contexts.
Through the combination of academic study and engagement with civil society, the scholarship programme represented a valuable opportunity for mutual learning and international cooperation, advancing the objectives of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda and promoting long-term partnerships between the two countries.
The Human Rights Centre expresses its gratitude to all scholarship holders for their commitment, participation and valuable contributions throughout the programme, and looks forward to continuing this kind of collaboration in the future.
