A message from our Country Director – Richard Sunderland, Iraq
I feel privileged and honoured to take up the role of Country Director for the British Council in Iraq and to continue the important work of building connections between the UK and Iraq. Stepping into this role at such a pivotal time, I look forward to working alongside colleagues, partners and young people to create lasting impact.
Since re-establishing our offices in Baghdad and Erbil in 2003, the British Council has been proud to support Iraq’s development journey through partnerships in Education, English and Arts & Culture. Over the years, we have worked alongside ministries, universities, cultural institutions and communities to create opportunities that respond to Iraq’s needs and aspirations.
Our focus is on opening doors for young people, building skills for the future and strengthening connections that contribute to stronger relationships between the Iraq and the UK, Today, we continue to work with partners across government, civil society and the cultural sector to ensure our programmes reflect both Iraq’s rich heritage and its ambitions for the future
In Education, our partnerships with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education are helping to improve teaching quality and open new pathways for international collaboration. Building on the Capacity Building Programme in schools, we are embedding inclusive education models and climate and sustainability learning into Iraq’s human rights curriculum. At the same time, initiatives like Youth Connect bring together young leaders from across 10 governorates, equipping them with the confidence, skills and networks to make a positive difference in their communities.
In English, we are supporting the teaching and learning of English across Iraq, working with ministries to reform the professional development of English teachers, and enhance educational outcomes nationwide. Our ELT Professional Network now connects more than 4,500 Iraqi teachers with regular professional development. We also support international mobility through IELTS and other internationally recognised qualifications, with expanded test centres now reaching Mosul, Anbar, Najaf and beyond, helping over 6,000 Iraqis each year take their next steps in their education and careers.
In Arts and Culture, we are proud to contribute to protecting Iraq’s rich heritage while supporting its emerging creative economy. Through the UK’s Cultural Protection Fund, we have delivered more than a dozen projects, from documenting Yazidi traditions and reviving music in Mosul to establishing new heritage centres in Basra. Our Creative Economy programme, launched with research involving 600 Iraqi stakeholders, is shaping policy dialogues and new opportunities for young creative entrepreneurs, including women in the sector.
As we look to the future, the British Council remains committed to Iraq’s young people and its institutions, helping them learn, share and connect with the world. Together with our partners, we aim to build the skills, trust and opportunities that will allow Iraq’s next generation to thrive. I’m excited to be here and look forward to being part of our efforts to forge closer relationships between people and institutions in Iraq and the UK.
Dr Richard Sunderland FRSA
Country Director, British Council Iraq