Bahr Al-Uloom Forum for Dialogue Meeting Room – Baghdad – 14 June 2026

Background: The seminar addressed the current state of the Iraqi economy amidst shifting regional and international dynamics. Discussions focused on the impact of external shocks on the national economy, and the strategic options available to strengthen Iraq’s economic resilience while transforming structural challenges into sustainable growth and development opportunities. 

The dialogue convened an elite group of senior officials and policy experts, notably:

• Dr. Abdallah   Al-Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Arab States;  

• Dr. Yousif Khalaf, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Commission (PMAC); 

• Dr. Maher Johan, representing the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning. 

The session was moderated by Dr. Abdul Karim Kadhim Ageel, Dean of the Leaders Development Institute at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers (GSCOM).