Center for Interfaith Dialogue & Social Peace

A research and intellectual platform to promote coexistence and peace in Iraq and the region

The Center aims to develop rigorous academic perspectives that place research outcomes at the service of society and decision-makers, and to strengthen the university’s engagement with its local, regional, and international environment.

Promoting a culture of peace & dialogue

Building bridges across religions & cultures

Local insight with global reach

Explore Center Goals Main Departments

Vision

The Center’s team works toward strategic academic research that strengthens Iraq’s position and interests locally, regionally, and internationally. Through carefully designed work plans, the Center seeks to elevate its academic performance alongside reputable regional and international institutions, transforming ambitions into actionable outcomes that serve society and decision-makers—contributing to building a better Iraq in line with the Center’s vision and objectives.

Mission

The Center for Interfaith Dialogue and Social Peace is an academic unit at the University of Kirkuk specializing in religious studies and social peace issues related to different faiths, traditions, and systems. It aims to provide, organize, and facilitate access to knowledge to support high-quality research and to serve as a reliable source of accurate information for researchers, academics, and decision-makers in Iraq and beyond—supporting the public interest and scientific advancement.

Center Goals

The Center pursues a set of goals designed to promote dialogue and coexistence and to strengthen social peace—grounded in the Iraqi context and connected to regional and international dimensions.

Strengthen social peace and bring perspectives closer

Provide consultation and organize seminars and conferences that foster mutual understanding, clarify positions, and monitor developments in light of regional and international dynamics.

Serve inclusive religious neighborhood and cooperation

Provide useful knowledge that supports interfaith coexistence by enabling collaboration, exchanging expertise, and holding joint seminars and conferences inside and outside Iraq.

Conduct in-depth studies on religious affairs and social peace

Deliver strategic research that clarifies priorities and proposes options to address challenges at domestic, regional, and international levels.

Use applied research to address real-world challenges

Advance applied academic studies that focus on mechanisms to solve issues related to interfaith dialogue and religious/intellectual conflicts among societies.

Develop research on interfaith dialogue and spreading peace

Update priority topics for analysis and benefit from strategic intellectual output by translating reputable works and presenting insights from leading Western and Muslim thinkers in this field.

Mechanisms to Achieve the Center’s Goals

The Center adopts a set of academic and practical mechanisms to ensure goal achievement and sustainable impact across academia, society, and decision-making.

1. Produce academic research and studies

Conduct research and studies in line with the general policies of the Ministry of Higher Education and the University of Kirkuk, consistent with the Center’s plans and research agenda.

2. In-depth studies on religion and social peace

Carry out in-depth research related to religious affairs and social peace in Iraq and in international contexts, supporting evidence-based decision-making with accurate information and objective academic perspectives.

3. Build local and international research networks

Maintain broad relations with peer research centers (Arab and foreign), university faculty, and specialists to exchange views, information, and expertise, and to strengthen ties with relevant institutions.

4. Host experts and specialists

Invite specialists, experts, and researchers to contribute to the Center’s activities through seminars, discussion panels, and workshops.

5. External training and research development programs

Introduce programs that include sending researchers abroad to develop academic skills and participate in conferences and events organized by similar research centers, universities, and academic institutions.

Main Departments

The Center for Interfaith Dialogue and Social Peace consists of two integrated departments that work together to promote understanding, dialogue, and a more cohesive society.

A specialized department for interfaith understanding

Interfaith Dialogue Department

Focuses on interfaith dialogue as a tool for constructive engagement and mutual understanding among followers of different faiths, aiming to strengthen peaceful coexistence and respect for religious and cultural diversity.

A department focused on building social peace and stability

Social Peace Department

Examines the foundations and mechanisms of social peace and how to build stable environments free from violence and conflict, supporting sustainable development and safeguarding rights and freedoms for all.