Sustainable Development Alliance 

Sustainable Development Alliance (ASD) is a partnership led by (BEMA Organization for Economic and Social Rights) and (IRO Organization for Community Development).

Our initiatives in community development, environmental stewardship, climate action, adaptation and mitigation strategies in the Kurdistan Region and across Iraq are deeply aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 


Vision, mission aims & objectives

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Our Vision: A world where empowered youth lead the transition to an environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and resilient green economy that advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for all generations.

Our Mission: To solve the climate crisis by raising ambition for action against climate change and supporting sustainable development. We achieve this by empowering young people, advocating for better climate governance, and contributing to the national shift towards clean technologies, resource-efficient infrastructure, and well-functioning ecosystems through research, policy design, and knowledge sharing.




Aims and objectives

 

 

  • Engage youth on environmental issues and support their climate action and innovation.
  • Empower young people with the knowledge, skills, tools, coaching, and funding to pursue careers in the green sector and solve local energy and environmental problems.
  • Advocate for and hold the government accountable for implementing the Paris Agreement, National Adaptation Plans, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to achieve national goals.
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate change impacts.
  • Promote sustainable practices, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, integrated waste management, and low-carbon solutions.
  • Achieve broader social, economic, and environmental development goals, including poverty reduction and social inclusion, in line with the SDGs.
  • Develop and disseminate knowledge on green jobs and technologies, fostering a collaborative environment for innovators.

 

Methodology and approach 


 The partnership is driven by science and the need to provide balanced, fair, and effective solutions to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C. Its approach is collaborative and multi-faceted:

 

  • Research, Analysis, and Knowledge Sharing: We conduct research and analysis and translate our findings into clear, actionable guidance and recommendations. All outputs are shared as an open resource to enable stakeholders to take bold climate action.
  • Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: We bring together diverse expertise by working closely with the national government, private sector, and civil society to design and implement solutions.
  • Youth Empowerment and Innovation: We focus on fostering youth-led innovation, particularly in renewable energy (solar, wind, green hydrogen), climate adaptation, and mitigation technologies. This is achieved through:

 

    • Training and Mentorship: Providing webinars, workshops, technical assistance, and dedicated mentorship from experts.
    • Practical Learning: Combining technical expertise with hands-on learning opportunities to prepare the future workforce.
    • Entrepreneurial Support: Equipping youth-led startups with the tools, knowledge, and connections to scale up their innovative solutions.

  • Advocacy and Policy Influence: We actively advocate for better climate governance, monitor national progress, and participate in international agreements to push our government toward stronger climate action and a transition to a green growth model.
  • Network Building: We emphasize bringing together various youth groups and individuals working on climate action to enhance peer learning and scale up climate initiatives.
  • Community and Environment: Promoting community-led development and environmental education.
  • Climate Change: Focusing on practical adaptation and mitigation strategies at the local and international level.