A Journey of Activism from University to the Streets: Omar’s journey in activism began during his university years at the College of Administration and Economics in Baghdad. There, he witnessed firsthand the challenges facing Iraqi youth and refused to accept them as an inevitable fate. Instead, he began organizing his fellow students around vital issues such as access to education, economic opportunities, and political representation. This early activism laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to ensuring that the voices of Iraqi youth are heard and respected.

The Principal Engineer of the October 2019 Uprising: The October 2019 uprising marked a crucial turning point in Omar’s career. He emerged as one of the principal engineers of this youth-led movement that radically changed Iraqi political discourse. His role extended beyond media coverage; he actively participated in organizing peaceful demonstrations and coordinating efforts with civil society groups to ensure that the movement’s demands for systemic change remained focused and achievable. His ability to articulate the aspirations of young people while maintaining dialogue with established political institutions made him a crucial bridge between grassroots activism and formal political processes.

Unconventional Leadership and Strategic Impact: Omar’s approach to political leadership is characterized by its indirect yet effective nature. Instead of seeking formal political positions, he chose to influence policy and governance through strategic advocacy, media engagement, and alliance building. This approach allowed him to maintain his credibility with grassroots activists while simultaneously building strong relationships with political leaders who recognize the importance of youth participation in Iraq’s democratic development.

Fighting Corruption and Empowering Youth: Omar’s work in combating corruption is one of the most significant aspects of his social activism. Through carefully coordinated media campaigns and public awareness initiatives, he has consistently exposed corrupt practices, with a particular focus on issues that disproportionately affect Iraqi youth, such as employment discrimination, barriers to education, and economic inequality. By framing corruption as a youth issue, he successfully mobilized younger demographics around governance reform in ways that traditional political movements struggled to achieve.

International Dimension and Comprehensive Vision: Omar’s influence was not limited to Iraq. His time in Dubai, where he founded media companies and built regional networks, provided him with valuable insights into successful democratic movements across the Arab world. These experiences influenced his understanding of how to strengthen local activism through international solidarity and knowledge exchange, leading him to develop programs that connect Iraqi youth activists with their counterparts in the region.

Omar’s commitment to social justice extends beyond political advocacy to include economic empowerment and community development. Through his various business ventures, he has consistently prioritized the employment of Iraqi youth and created opportunities for skill development and professional growth. Furthermore, his environmental activism, embodied in initiatives like the Baghdad Sustainable Forests project, demonstrates his understanding that social justice must encompass environmental sustainability.

Mentor and Developer for the Next Generation: Perhaps Omar’s most significant contribution is his role as a mentor and capacity builder for young activists. Through formal and informal mentorship programs, he has trained hundreds of Iraqi youth in organizing techniques, media strategy, and political advocacy. These trainees are now leading their own organizations and campaigns across Iraq, creating a ripple effect that extends his influence far beyond his direct activities.

Education and Professional Experience: Omar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administration (2004-2008), which provided him with a strong academic foundation in economic management and crucial analytical skills. Professionally, he founded and heads “Artikaz” (2024), a platform for youth empowerment and democratic participation, operating as both a successful business venture and a catalyst for social change. He also founded and managed “3T” in Dubai (2020-2023), which used comedy and social commentary to build solidarity among Iraqi youth and their Arab counterparts.

Before that, he served as the Executive Director and Social Movement Leader for “Albasheer Show” (2014-2019), transforming it from an entertainment program into a powerful platform for youth political engagement. He also held the position of Research Director and Policy Advocate at “IIACSS” (2014-2019), where he conducted studies on youth attitudes and needs. He began his professional career as a Team Leader and Labor Organizer at “Asiacell Telecom” (2007-2014), and worked as a Community Organizer with USAID-supported organizations (2006-2007).

In summary, Omar Habib Abd Al-Razzaq is a pivotal figure in the Iraqi landscape, combining grassroots activism, media acumen, and the ability to build bridges to lead the Iraqi youth movement towards a better, more democratic, and just future.