Thematic Knowledge

The Thematic Section of Ouraq platform will offer platform user’s a first port of call for exploring a range of themes related to contemporary societal issues in Iraq. We envisage this section of the platform as helping users navigate the platform with links to other sections. 

The Section will distinguish between six different knowledge themes:

• Environmental issues

• Peacebuilding and reconciliation

• Coexistence 

• Women empowerment

• Disinformation

• Social cohesion 

For each theme, the user will be presented with a range of sources of information and modes of engagement designed to encourage users to reflect on, and nuance, their understanding of what it means to be an active citizen in Iraq. In line with Ouraq Platform’s broad aims, information will always circle back to the question of civic education and how – whatever a user’s thematic interests – education is a path towards societal empowerment and understanding. Information will be presented in an engaging format that encourages users to explore a theme via tasks and problem solving. 

For instance, the section on Environmental Issues might ask the user to explore forms of environmental mitigation and resilience in Iraq via a range of scenarios: a fellah experiencing changes to annual rainfall; a taxi driver who now faces urban dust storms; working class women who have to deal with water shortages. For each scenario, the user will be invited to suggest different strategies that might be pursued to counter the effects of climate change, how government policy might help build resilience, and the wider societal ramifications of such policies.

This interactive element will not, however, be at the expense of depth of knowledge. We aim for the quality and relevance of information presented to users to set Ouraq Platform apart from other social platforms, offering an unbiased, up-to-date and informed source of knowledge for Iraqis.