Qasim Ahmed, a young theater artist from the Al-Husayniyah district of the Holy Governorate of Karbala, is representing Iraq at the RCOY MENA 2026 conference in Muscat, Oman. The regional youth conference brings together young people from across the Middle East and North Africa to discuss pressing climate and environmental challenges and explore the role of youth in addressing them.

Ahmed was selected to participate from among more than 18,000 applicants from 22 countries. As a member of the Iraqi youth delegation, he is representing Iraq, as well as his community in Al-Husayniyah and the Holy Governorate of Karbala, at the regional forum.

Speaking about his participation, Ahmed said, “Taking part in RCOY MENA 2026 is a source of great pride and responsibility. It gives me the opportunity to represent Iraq, Al-Husayniyah, and the Holy Governorate of Karbala at a regional youth forum that brings together talented young people from across the region.”

He explained that his interest in climate and environmental issues is closely connected to his work in the arts. “I hope to use theater and art as powerful tools for raising environmental and climate awareness and for communicating educational messages to the community, particularly young people, in creative and engaging ways,” he said.

Ahmed also highlighted the conference as an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with young people from different countries and to learn about initiatives and practices that could be adapted to local communities. “My ambition is to develop a project that brings together art and environmentalism, transforming theater into a platform for raising awareness of climate and environmental issues,” he said.

Ahmed’s participation reflects the growing involvement of Iraqi youth in regional and international forums and highlights the contributions of young people from the Holy City of Karbala. It also underscores the potential of art and culture as effective means of promoting environmental awareness, encouraging community engagement, and communicating climate-related issues to wider audiences.

Yasir Al-Shummari