Iraq to hold national competition for entrepreneurs

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, approved on Monday several initiatives during the fifth meeting of the Supreme Council for Youth.

In order to provide 100 youth-led business ventures with financing up to 100 million dinars ($76,303) each, the Supreme Council for Youth established the National Entrepreneurship Competition in partnership with the Riyada initiative, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The Supreme Council for Youth also approved the establishment of the scientific ‘Eyes of Knowledge’ platform, which consists of ten divisions with a total of 1,200 questions. University students will participate in a monthly knowledge competition where 50 winners will get 150,000 dinars (about $115).

The ‘Youth Abroad’ initiative launched by the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports was also approved during the meeting in an effort to empower Iraqi youth residing overseas and ease their integration into Iraqi culture.

Additionally, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities would waive accommodation and transportation costs for young Iraqis taking part in cultural and artistic events.

Young people under the age of 35 will be given the opportunity to compete in creative initiatives across several disciplines, with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities designating 25 percent of the Iraqi Creativity Award for their benefit.