CZO · Eye’s University Organization

Our Journey with NED: Promoting Democratic Values In Kurdistan’s Universities (2016–2025)

From early civic activism to reform roadmaps, A streamlined view of the programs that advanced student representation, rule of law, and accountable governance across higher education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

2016
Foundation

Erbil Youth Civic Participation Program (NED-funded) trained 25 youth, improving skills for civic engagement and opening career opportunities.

  • Capacity building for 25 students
  • 15 graduates later employed in NGOs & civil society
  • Raised awareness on leadership & voluntary work

2017
Civic Engagement

Launched Youth Civic Participation (KR-I 1) program for 240 students; drafted the first Student Council Elections Law.

  • Trainings in Erbil, Choman, Koye, Xabat
  • Draft law for student council elections
  • Radio & media awareness campaigns

2018
Capacity

Introduced Democracy Ambassadors model; 28 students trained in leadership, advocacy, and NGO management.

  • 850+ surveys on student governance
  • Broadened advocacy with MPs & universities
  • Fostering dialogues via IOM-supported theatre projects

2019
Advocacy

Fostering Political Participation at Universities: Taskforces, reports, and stakeholder meetings expanded legitimacy for draft law.

  • Taskforce of staff, lecturers & experts
  • Reports on universities’ democratic role
  • Engagement with MPs & media outlets

2020–22
Monitoring

Promoting Adherence to the Rule of Law monitored 19 universities; reports influenced reforms in higher-education leadership.

  • Data from 600+ university officials
  • 2 annual monitoring reports
  • University law implementation improved (62% → 88%)

2022–23
Policy

Higher Education Reform Roadmap with focus groups in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok; published policy guide and held University Forum.

  • 3 focus groups, 55 participants
  • Roadmap launched with explainer video
  • University Forum 2023 baseline published

2023–25
Scale

Scaling Democratic Values: Expanded monitoring to 32 universities; piloted student elections modules; convened large University Forums.

  • 8 panels across Kurdistan
  • Election pilots at selected institutes
  • University Forums with 150+ stakeholders

Partner with us to strengthen student democracy & higher-education reforms

CZO collaborates with universities, ministries, and civil society to draft laws, monitor governance, and publish open data for accountability.

Get in Touch