The Rehabilitation, Employment and Follow-up Unit at the College of Mass Communication, University of Baghdad, organized a specialized scientific workshop titled “Enhancing the Culture of Participation in Decision-Making,” presented by Assistant Lecturer Riam Ahmed Jassim, as part of ongoing efforts to improve student awareness and develop leadership skills.
The workshop aimed to raise students’ awareness of the importance of active participation in decision-making within the educational environment and to strengthen their sense of responsibility and belonging to the academic institution. The lecturer emphasized the importance of empowering students to express their opinions freely while respecting the views of others, contributing to the development of a balanced personality capable of constructive dialogue and positive interaction.
The session also addressed the significance of developing critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through a series of interactive activities, including group discussions, brainstorming, role-playing, and the analysis of real-life scenarios requiring collective decision-making.
Students were also encouraged to actively participate in setting classroom rules and proposing solutions to everyday academic challenges.
The workshop concluded with key recommendations, including the need to create a supportive educational environment based on trust and cooperation, and to promote values of democracy and respect for diversity. This contributes to equipping students with life skills that prepare them for active participation in society in the future.
The outcomes of this workshop align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable education and promote lifelong learning opportunities, and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), through fostering participation, accountability, and empowerment within educational institutions to build sustainable societies.
