RCD Security and Economic Forum 2019

Location: Babylon Hotel – Baghdad

Time: September 26-28, 2019

Following the defeating of ISIS, Iraq is now at cross roads on two fronts, security and economy. The Iraqi government is working hard to boost its economy while stabilising its security too, however, to achieve this hard task, Iraq must overcome numerous challenges and hurdles, more so since the geopolitical situation is at flux; the threat of ISIS has not been eradicated fully; and the Iraqi economy remains interdependent with the fluctuation of oil prices.

The political leadership of Iraq is pushing the country to open up more to the outside world, and take the lead in the economic and security revitalisation of the region, the same way that it became the hub in the global fight against terrorism while stepping up to be the second largest producer of oil within OPEC.

To discuss these aspects of Iraq’s and more widely the region’s economy and security, The Rafidain Centre for Dialogue (RCD) is honoured to announce the upcoming RCD Security and Economic Forum to be held in Baghdad on September 26-28, 2019 at the Babylon hotel.

This Forum aims to achieve the following:

¬ To bring together leading regional and international experts in economy and security to Baghdad to debate and exchange views.
¬ To strengthen Iraq’s international relationship with world-class think thanks, research institutions and universities with interest in the fields of economy and security.
¬ To provide a unique platform for debate regarding Iraq and regional economy, Iraq to become a hub for economic growth of the region, trends and challenges in various sectors such as energy, financial, agricultural, industrial, trade and communication.
¬ To provide a platform for debate regarding Iraq and regional security challenges, reform in the security sector, the resurgence of ISIS, post liberation stabilisation, IDPs, the ever growing threat from extremism and none state actors.
¬ To debate the latest in geopolitics of the region among its ever growing polarization
¬ To show the world Baghdad is recovering fast and open for business, it can spearhead the regional recovery in economy and security, so it's better to discuss it in Baghdad not outside.

Agenda and Topics of discussion:


Day 1: 26th Sept. 2019

09:00 – 22:00 Registration and collection of ID Badge
18:00 - 19:00 Opening Ceremony
19:00 – 20:00 Keynote Address
20-00 – 22:00 Dinner for speakers and delegates



Day 2: 27th Sept. 2019

09:00 – 18:00 Plenary Session
20:00 – 22:00 Dinner and Keynote Address

Topics of Discussion on Day 2:

¬ Iraq’s security is the cornerstone of regional security
¬ Building Security Institutions: Keeping arms in the hand of the State
¬ Bringing the war on terrorism to an end and defeating extremism
¬ Avoiding Polarisation of regional politics, the possible or impossible
¬ The opportunities within Iraq to rebuild the security sector
¬ Cyber Security: Challenges and infiltrations

Day 3: 28th Sept. 2019

09:00 – 18:00 Plenary Session
20:00 – 22:00 Dinner and Keynote Address

Topics of Discussion on Day 3:

¬ Iraq’s Economy is the cornerstone of regional economy
¬ Central Banks and the way to economic growth in the Middle East
¬ Energy Projects in Iraq, vision and challenges
¬ The Role of Communication and ICT in Iraq’s economic growth
¬ The challenges of Investment in Iraq: Funding and legislations
¬ Industrial and Agricultural projects as pillars for economic development


Workshops: 27-28th Sept
¬ The obstacles for investors and practically of investment law
¬ Mechanism of funding major projects in Iraq
¬ Mechanism to develop legislator skills in economy
¬ Development of Iraqi police and rule of law (Part II)
¬ Eradication of Drug use, between security staffs training and public education
¬ Ways and means to protect public data while developing a mature data sharing infrastructure



About RCD:
Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD) is an independent Think Tank registered as a NGO incorporated in 2014 in the Holly City of Najaf. RCD has a 1400 registered members, all of them are Iraqis, from many of the political parties leaderships of Iraq, top government officials, academic staffs of major universities, think tank scholars and researchers. RCD members are unique in a sense they come from all the components of Iraqi Society from North to South, East to West.