IBBCs annual member retreat at Cumberland Lodge, saw a full house of members and international commentators on Iraq, discuss Middle East geopolitics, Iraq’s internal dynamics and an illuminating talk from the Governor of Ninevah province under Chatham House rules

Welcome Speeches: Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, IBBC; Mr Christophe Michels, IBBC; Mr Abir Burhan, Al Burhan Group; H.E. Irfan Siddiq, British Ambassador to Iraq

Opening the two-day event, Baroness Nicholson (IBBC president) thanks AL Burhan Group for supporting as sponsors and welcomed the British Ambassador to Iraq, H.E Irfan Siddiq, who gave an insightful analysis of the dynamics within Iraq, his view on the forthcoming elections, Mr Jon Wilks (IBBC) oversaw the next panel on current situation in Iraq, with Dr Yaseen Abbas, director of Iraq Red Crescent, Mr Mohammed Al Assadi (IBBC member representative in Iraq). Professor Gareth Stansfield of Exeter University. Mr Neil Qilliam of Chatham House, then oversaw the discussion on Iraq and its neighbours with Dr Lina Khatib (Harvard University) and Jon Wilks (IBBC).

Overall the topics discussed covered the forthcoming elections and constitutional reforms, the current state of stability and security within Iraq and competence of Sudani’s Government and opportunities for further transformation, the importance of rule of law in eliminating private weapon use, the need for civil service objectivity, the opportunities for business investment, and the growing impact of climate and water scarcity on the population and agriculture, the need for more primary health services and educational curricula reform. Internationally, the discussions covered the dominance of Israel and the fall of Syria, the opportunity for stability now Iran is contained, the role of Turkey and business to operate more widely in the region, and the recalibration of relations in the Gulf and Iraq to accommodate the new reality. Where investment from the Gulf will go as they recalculate investment decisions and how Iraq must make business investment easy, to compete.

The Governor of Ninevah, Mr Abedqader Al Dakheel, presented his case for investment in the region, and added the area is safe, crime free and stable, there is a new airport in Mosul, ready for western management, 8 million acres of land for agricultural development for what used to be Iraq food basket, the centre of the city has been rebuilt and is now a UNESCO world heritage site, ready for tourists. The Governate previously had 259 industrial enterprises, that he wants to see return with new investment, including water treatment, renewable energy (wind and solar).

Dr Fareed Yasseen, former Iraq climate envoy, spoke of the environmental challenges, from water droughts to desertification, but remained optimistic that technologies can help mitigate the worst excesses, such as agritech from UK like Zander and DPD, and UK know how with drip irrigation systems and water purification.

The day concluded with an extensive Education panel, chaired by Professor AL Uzri of IBBC, with The Iraqi Cultural attache Professor dr Kossay Al Ahmady (previously rector of Mosul University) covering the shortfall in relevant University places and appropriateness of the curriculum for the labour market, how to advance and make University learning affordable with hybrid UK- Iraq courses and PHDs online and in person, and the focus of schools and universities towards skills and training and Iraq’s employment needs. Speakers included Prof John Strachan of Bath Spa, Steve North of Newcastle, Tim Fisher of Stirling education, Dr Fareed Yasseen, Iraq climate envoy, spoke of the environmental challenges, from water droughts to desertification, but remained optimistic that technologies can help mitigate the worst excesses, such as agritech from UK like Zander and DPD, and UK know how with drip irrigation systems and water purification. The day concluded with an extensive Education panel, chaired by Professor AL Uzri of IBBC, with The Iraqi Cultural attache Professor Dr Kossay Al Ahmady (previously rector of Mosul University) covering the shortfall in relevant University places and appropriateness of the curriculum for the labour market, how to advance and make University learning affordable with hybrid UK- Iraq courses and PHDs online and in person, and the focus of schools and universities towards skills and training and Iraq’s employment needs. Speakers included Prof John Strachan of Bath Spa, Steve North of Newcastle, Tim Fisher of Stirling education. Cambridge Education, SABIS, and Stirling Education have agreed in principle to create an IBBC school group that will advocate on behalf of private international schools operating in Iraq. The group will be led by Tim Fischer, CEO of Stirling Education, and will report to the IBBC Education, Training, and Heritage Sector Table, chaired by Professor Mohammed Al Uzri. The panel then focused on discussion for the IBBC Basra Education conference on 5th December.

The delegates then enjoyed dinner talks from both Mr Fergus Drake OBE, of Cumberland Lodge, and thanks to Dr Lina Khatib, who spoke extensively on Iran and the new dynamics that Israel presents in the Middle East.

On Thursday, those still at Cumberland Lodge enjoyed a long walk through Great Windsor Park led by Brigadier James Ellery. This gave time for the members and guests to reflect on the events of the previous days and to enjoy the diverse nature that the park boasts.