About Us

The Zayd bin Ali Foundation for Dialogue was established as a non-governmental organization in September 2024 (corresponding to 5 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1446 AH) in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. It is officially registered with the NGO Directorate of the Republic of Iraq under certificate no. 1BS2409012.

The founders adopted dialogue as a sound humanitarian approach and made it the basis of the Foundation’s activities in culture, development, and general social action, believing that dialogue is an inseparable part of what defines the rational, speaking human being.

Why Zayd bin Ali?

Zayd bin Ali ibn al-Husayn is one of the most respected historical Islamic and humanitarian figures, esteemed and praised across all sects, denominations, and religions. He combined scholarly, social, and cultural strength with broad acceptance and legitimacy among Shia, Sunni, and others. For this reason, the Foundation adopted his name and approach as a symbol of accepted, legitimate, and inclusive human dialogue.

He was a leader in opposing violence, cruelty, and dictatorship, and offered himself as a sacrifice for his community to lift injustice and inequality from it, so his memory endures as a reformist scholar and an outstanding social leader.
His motto:

“With us, all people are safe.”

Meaning of the Logo and Colors

The icon consists of ten geometric shapes representing the ten pillars of dialogue: its parties, causes, plan, subject, goals, etiquette, arts, mechanisms, outputs, and results.

The open arc: Openness toward everyone and rejection of deadlock; every solution begins with serious, fair, rational dialogue.
The central circle: Equality of the parties to dialogue in rights and duties.
The white circle: Good intention, transparency, and clarity.
Green: Moderation, balance, calm, nature, change, optimism, and positivity.
Message of the logo: “Every crisis has a solution, and we are part of it.”

Our Goals

1

Establish the foundations of constructive, serious, and purposeful dialogue among Iraqis, moving toward global human dialogue.

2

Spread culture, knowledge, and skills across all areas of life, relying on subject-matter experts.

3

Improve decision-making and support good governance through studies, research, and Iraqi and international experiences.

4

Support creativity and innovation and develop national talents, especially children, women, and youth.

5

Study and analyze domestic, regional, and international crises and offer scientific, practical recommendations.

6

Support scientific and academic research between official institutions and civil society.

7

Raise public awareness of shared and fateful issues.

8

Promote national spirit and awareness of the rights and duties of citizenship.

9

Create an environment of cooperation and openness among Iraqis and between them and the world.

10

Contribute to establishing the values of humanity, freedom, justice, and peace.

11

Serve as a safe link between society and decision-makers, defending the rights of marginalized groups peacefully.

12

Work toward sustainable and inclusive development across all sectors and groups.

Our Mechanisms

Events and dialogues:

Workshops, seminars, conferences, comprehensive dialogues with official institutions, academics, and elites, and regular discussion circles.

Training and capacity building:

A reputable training center inside and outside Iraq, and celebrating creators and successful experiences.

Publishing and media:

Books, bulletins, periodicals, websites, libraries, platforms, and media outlets.

Community work and partnerships:

Humanitarian and social volunteering, national and international partnerships, and raising awareness of culture, education, and public health.

Membership Requirements

1

Iraqi national or resident in Iraq.

2

At least 18 years old and of full legal capacity.

3

Accepts the organization’s bylaws in writing.

4

Of good character and conduct.

5

Not convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or a non-political felony.

6

Completes the membership application form.

7

Familiar with the Foundation’s work, influential, active, and effective.