The "Tanseeq" project—meaning “coordination” in Arabic—is a bold initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Iraqi civil society organizations (CSOs) and government institutions. In the aftermath of the 2003 regime change, Iraq’s political landscape has been shaped by efforts to pacify deep divisions among political factions, military actors, and communities. This has often taken the form of distributing administrative and elective positions to affiliates of political parties, which has hindered the development of transparent governance and democratic institutions.
Despite these challenges, Iraq has seen the emergence of thousands of trade unions, NGOs, and voluntary groups. Many of these organizations have struggled to maintain independence from political interference, yet a significant number have remained committed to the principles of good governance, democratic participation, and human rights. These CSOs have played a vital role in advocating for institutional reform, engaging in policy dialogue, reviewing draft legislation, and pushing for more inclusive and accountable governance.
The "Tanseeq" project, implemented by Un Ponte Per (UPP) with support from the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), seeks to build on this momentum by creating structured channels of communication and cooperation between CSOs and government authorities. The project’s overarching goal is to enhance democracy and good governance by improving the administrative and legal environment in which NGOs operate.
At its core, "Tanseeq" is designed to address the bureaucratic and legal challenges that NGOs face when registering with government entities, fulfilling tax and social security obligations, and submitting financial and narrative reports. These challenges are often exacerbated by inconsistent interpretations of the law, outdated procedures, and limited understanding among both NGOs and government staff.
To tackle these issues, the project will organize ten monthly roundtable discussions between NGOs and key government bodies, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and the Directorates of NGOs. These roundtables will serve as safe spaces for dialogue, allowing NGOs to voice their concerns and government representatives to explain their constraints, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
In parallel, the project will deliver awareness sessions to 180 government employees across 18 governorates, equipping them with clear guidance on NGO registration procedures and the legal requirements for income tax and social security. A Training of Trainers (ToT) model will be used to build a unified body of knowledge among 20 public administration staff, who will then conduct further training sessions for their peers and for NGOs.
On the civil society side, 360 NGOs will benefit from 18 one-day training courses delivered by trained government staff. These sessions will focus on helping NGOs understand and comply with financial reporting standards, social security contributions, and tax obligations. Additionally, 8 workshops will be held in 8 governorates, targeting 120 NGOs to support them in overcoming the specific challenges they face when submitting annual reports.
To ensure that these efforts are sustainable and accessible, the project will produce two informative video clips and/or manuals in multiple languages. These resources will standardize and simplify the registration process, making it easier for NGOs and government staff to navigate the system.
A major innovation of the "Tanseeq" project is the establishment of a national network of Iraqi CSOs. This network will be formally registered with both the Government of Iraq (GoI) and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and will serve as a platform for coordination, advocacy, and information sharing. A dedicated website will be launched to facilitate communication among member organizations, and a board of directors will be elected during the network’s first general assembly.
"Tanseeq" is more than a technical intervention—it is a strategic effort to rebuild trust, foster collaboration, and lay the groundwork for a more democratic and inclusive Iraq.
