The Iraqi Prospect Organisation (IPO), a not-for-profit and non-partisan group, is an Iraq-based network of young men and women which seeks to educate young Iraqis about democratic values and civil society and to increase their participation in the political process. Through activities such as educational workshops, student newsletters and debating societies, IPO has managed to achieve a genuine grassroots presence in the country.
Focusing on promoting tolerance, freedom of speech, and democratic values the IPO established debating societies and newsletters at the University of Baghdad, the University of Mustansiriyah and the University of Babylon. These projects are ongoing and have helped give students a voice, encouraged debate and helped tackle radicalization on university campuses.
In 2005, the IPO ran a nationwide project that gave Iraqi youth and students the opportunity to participate in the constitutional drafting process of Iraq. The success of this project has meant it is ongoing and has been expanded to include legislative, as well as constitutional, issues which concern Iraq''s youth.
The IPO was first established in January 2002 by a group of young Iraqi exiles in London. Following the fall of Saddam Hussein''s regime, the IPO expanded to Iraq, where its headquarters now resides.
The IPO has a nationwide membership, reflective of Iraq''s multiple sects and ethnicities.
The IPO also has offices and extensive networks in the cities of Baghdad, Hillah, Najaf and Nassiriyah. The Baghdad-based Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation and implementation of projects. The work of the Executive Committee and the local networks is watched over by the annually elected Board of Directors.