Strengthening social cohesion is considered a necessity and an urgent societal need after the exacerbation of the conflict that stands in the way of the discourse of peacebuilding and development. In order to enable and involve local authorities and community leaders in promoting community cohesion in twelve districts and cities in Nineveh and Kirkuk with the support of the Dutch government, PAO is working in partnership with UNDP Iraq to implement a project (Empowerment and Engagement of Community Mechanisms with Local Authorities to Promote Social Cohesion) which will provide training 300 officials, community leaders and civic activists on analysis and mechanisms of conflict management, dialogue, and mediation skills.
