by Abdulwahed Jalal Nori
The vision for Iraq’s future presented in this article is the result of a series of workshops conducted between 1-10/8/2023, organized for various institutions and political parties in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. These workshops were sponsored by the Al-Zahawi Centre for Intellectual Studies, which also invited me to serve as the facilitator for all sessions.
The first workshop was held at the University of Sulaimani campus, under the title “Envisioning SU 2050 Scenario Building.” The other three workshops took place at the Titanic Hotel in Sulaimani and were organized respectively for the Islamic Kurdish Union, the Kurdistan Justice Group, and the Al-Zahawi Centre for Intellectual Studies.
Figure 1: A workshop photo enhanced with AI elements using ChatGPT, by Abdulwahed Jalal
While the formal focus of each workshop was on creating preferable futures for the respective institutions and political movements, I found it essential to widen the scope. As someone concerned with Iraq’s broader trajectory, I proposed that each workshop reserve the final half day to reflect on Iraq’s future as a whole. Although Iraq was not the primary focus, it remained the common ground in which all these institutions operate. It was therefore both relevant and necessary to think collectively about a preferable future for the country.
Throughout the workshops, I drew inspiration from Sohail Inayatullah’s Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) approach (Inayatullah, 1998). The sessions began with historical timelines to ground the conversation, followed by the use of the “Futures Triangle” (Inayatullah, 2008) to explore drivers, images, and barriers to change. These tools helped warm up the discussion and introduced the participants to deeper, layered thinking.
As a starting point, I posed the following key question: What is the likely future for Iraq in 2060 if current trends continue and we don’t do something about it? This was followed by three more prompts to help guide participants’ forecasts:
- What are the critical assumptions behind your forecasts?
- What are the drivers of change (economic, technological, political, and demographic)?
- What are the weights or barriers to change and transformation?
These questions encouraged participants to move beyond surface-level thinking and explore the structural and worldview dimensions of Iraq’s current situation.
Toward the end of each workshop, we shifted to a simple but powerful backcasting exercise (Boulding, 1990, 1995). I asked the participants to close their eyes and imagine I was holding their hands, guiding them forward into the year 2060. After about thirty minutes of imagination and quiet reflection, they were invited to open their eyes and articulate their hopes, aspirations, and visions for Iraq.
The vision presented in this article is my synthesis of the ideas, dreams, and concerns that emerged during those reflective moments. While it is not a direct transcript of any individual, but it captures the essence of what was repeatedly expressed by a wide range of participants—including academics, political actors, students, and civil society representatives. Their diversity enriched the process, allowing the vision to take shape as a more holistic, multidimensional roadmap for Iraq’s future.
A vision of Iraq 2060—reborn through resilience, guided by foresight, and shaped by those who refuse decline.
It was the summer of 2023, and I had just finished a long day facilitating futures studies workshops at Titanic Hotels in Sulaimanya, discussing the future of the country and the future of education. Drained from the intense sessions, I returned to my hotel room and fell into a deep, heavy sleep—a Titanic sleep.
And in that sleep, the dream began.
It was a cool autumn evening in Baghdad, 2024. As an academic and political analyst, my days were consumed by discussions on Iraq’s uncertain trajectory. Corruption, economic instability, and deep social fractures weighed heavily on my mind. My friends and colleagues tirelessly debated solutions, yet hope often felt like a flickering candle in a storm. That night, overwhelmed by endless analysis and conversations, I collapsed into sleep—unaware that I was about to awaken in a world beyond my imagination.
Awakening in 2060
When I opened my eyes, I expected the familiar surroundings of my study. Instead, I found myself in a sleek, minimalist room illuminated by soft blue light. A voice greeted me—not a human voice, but an AI assistant named Amal.
“Good morning, Wahed. You have awakened in the year 2060. Iraq has changed. Let me show you.”
I was in a technologically advanced medical facility, one that seemed to blend futuristic design with traditional Islamic aesthetics. A holographic display materialized in front of me, showcasing Baghdad from a bird’s-eye view. But this was not the Baghdad I knew. Towering skyscrapers of sustainable glass and steel gleamed under the sun. The Tigris River, once polluted and neglected, now shimmered with clarity. Automated transport systems moved seamlessly, and lush green spaces punctuated the cityscape.
“How… how did this happen?” I asked, still struggling to grasp the reality of my situation.
Amal began narrating Iraq’s transformation over the past four decades, an odyssey of struggle, vision, and unyielding perseverance.
The Great Awakening: 2025-2035
The turning point had come in towards the end of 2025. Civil unrest had reached its peak, fueled by decades of corruption and inefficiency. But instead of spiraling into chaos, Iraqis channeled their frustrations into organized reform. The movement began with the youth—students, intellectuals, and activists—who pushed for radical transparency and systemic change.
The Iraqi Anti-Corruption Bureau was formed in 2026, an autonomous institution that wielded the power to investigate, prosecute, and dismantle corrupt networks. High-ranking officials, once untouchable, were held accountable. Their wealth was redistributed into public welfare programs, education, and infrastructure.
By 2030, Iraq had diversified its economy beyond oil, embracing a sustainable and innovation-driven future. Investment in renewable energy turned the nation into a global leader in solar and wind power, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and ensuring energy independence. The vast deserts of Anbar and Nineveh were transformed into solar farms, while wind energy projects along the Shatt al-Arab and the western plains contributed to an uninterrupted power supply.
However, one of the most remarkable transformations occurred in Iraq’s agricultural sector. AI-driven agriculture revitalized vast stretches of land, allowing the country to become a key exporter of high-tech, climate-resistant crops. Smart irrigation systems, utilizing nanotechnology and satellite monitoring, optimized water usage, ensuring that every drop counted in an increasingly arid climate.
Farmers adopted precision agriculture, guided by AI algorithms that analyzed soil health, weather patterns, and crop cycles, maximizing yield while minimizing waste. The fertile lands of Mesopotamia, historically known as the “Cradle of Civilization,” once again became the breadbasket of the region.
Iraq emerged as the world’s top producer of premium-quality dates, renowned for their richness and superior taste. The southern provinces, particularly Basra and Karbala, became hubs for organic date farming, with Iraqi Ajwa, Medjool, and Zahidi dates becoming sought after in international markets.
Olive groves flourished in the north, especially in Mosul and the Kurdistan region, where advanced agricultural techniques improved both yield and quality. Iraq’s olive oil, once overshadowed by Mediterranean competitors, now rivaled the finest Greek and Italian varieties, celebrated for its purity and organic certification.
Beekeeping saw a revival, with Iraq producing some of the world’s finest honey. From the wildflower honey of the Zagros Mountains to the acacia and citrus-infused varieties from central and southern orchards, Iraqi honey became a staple of luxury health markets worldwide.
The country also capitalized on its historical reputation for pomegranate cultivation, with organic orchards in Diyala, Wasit, and the Kurdistan region producing ruby-red, nutrient-rich pomegranates. These fruits, known for their superior antioxidants and sweetness, became an essential export, especially to European and Asian markets.
Dairy farming underwent a revolution, with AI-driven automation and genetic enhancements leading to the production of high-quality milk, yogurt, and artisanal cheeses. Iraqi dairy products, sourced from free-range cattle and sheep grazing on pesticide-free pastures, gained a global reputation for their richness and purity.
Blockchain ended corruption in Iraq’s agricultural exports, directing profits to farmers through transparent smart contracts. Fair trade and sustainability made Iraq an ethical food leader. Once oil-dependent, it thrived as an agricultural and technological powerhouse, feeding nations and modeling resilience.
By 2028, education became the foundation of Iraq’s transformation, ushering in a new golden age of knowledge, innovation, and human development. A comprehensive reform of the curriculum revolutionized learning, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and technological literacy. No longer constrained by outdated rote memorization, Iraqi students engaged in dynamic problem-solving, interdisciplinary research, and real-world applications. The education system was reimagined to align with the demands of a rapidly evolving world, blending classical Islamic scholarship with cutting-edge sciences and ensuring that knowledge was deeply rooted in ethics, social responsibility, and forward-thinking solutions. The reform placed a strong emphasis on teaching the new generation about peace, compassion, and coexistence. Students learned the value of mercy, respect for human dignity, and the importance of embracing diversity. Educational programs instilled an appreciation for Iraq’s rich multicultural heritage, fostering unity among different ethnic and religious communities.
Education in Iraq expanded beyond traditional academics, integrating health and longevity studies to cultivate a resilient and well-rounded society. Schools introduced mandatory courses on nutrition, preventive healthcare, and mental well-being, ensuring that students developed healthy lifestyles from an early age. Universities established specialized research centers focused on longevity science, regenerative medicine, and holistic wellness, positioning Iraq at the forefront of medical advancements. Preventive medicine and AI-driven diagnostics became standard components of educational institutions, fostering a generation that prioritized both intellectual and physical well-being. The education system shifted from a rigid, examination-based structure to an inquiry-driven, experiential model. Personalized AI-driven learning platforms adapted to students’ strengths, allowing them to progress at their own pace. Vocational training and entrepreneurship were integrated into the curriculum, equipping young Iraqis with the skills needed to become pioneers in business, technology, and social innovation. Islamic ethics and moral philosophy remained central, guiding students toward ethical leadership and responsible decision-making in their respective fields.
Once plagued by brain drain, Iraq transformed into a global hub for scholars, scientists, and innovators. The brightest minds who had once sought opportunities abroad returned home to find Iraq brimming with possibilities. Professors and researchers who had left to outside for better opportunities came back, drawn by world-class research facilities, AI-powered laboratories, and unprecedented funding for groundbreaking discoveries. The government introduced prestigious scholarships and research grants, elevating Iraq’s academic institutions to global prominence. Cities such as Baghdad, Mosul, Erbil, Sulaimanya, and Basra became leading centers for research in nanotechnology, quantum computing, space exploration, and biotechnology. Iraq’s universities formed partnerships with top institutions worldwide, fostering academic exchanges and joint research projects that placed Iraq at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements.
By 2030, artificial intelligence transformed Iraq’s education system, ensuring no student was left behind. AI platforms delivered personalized, adaptive curricula tailored to individual learning styles and aspirations. Remote students accessed virtual reality classrooms, holographic teachers, and real-time AI tutoring, bridging nationwide gaps. Blockchain secured academic records, guaranteeing transparency and trust in certifications. Iraq’s universities rose as world-class institutions, competing globally and attracting recognition. Iraqi scholars joined international think tanks, policy boards, and academic networks, shaping debates on science, ethics, and governance. Education became a dynamic ecosystem of lifelong learning, innovation, and ethical leadership—redefining Iraq’s future through knowledge.
With a highly skilled and educated workforce, Iraq attracted top global companies seeking expertise in AI, blockchain, aerospace, and renewable energy. Young Iraqis became entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders, spearheading new industries and technological breakthroughs. Education was no longer just a pathway to employment—it became the driving force behind Iraq’s economic and social transformation. By 2034, Iraq had reclaimed its historical role as the cradle of civilization—a beacon of knowledge, ethical leadership, and innovation. The nation stood at the forefront of global progress, demonstrating that education was not merely a means to an end, but the very foundation of a thriving, prosperous, and enlightened society.
The Era of Harmony: 2035-2045
By 2035, Iraq’s governance model had become a global example of efficiency. AI-driven policymaking ensured laws were responsive to real-time data. Bureaucracy, once the bane of progress, had been streamlined into an intelligent, decentralized system.
The most radical change came in 2035 with the ratification of the “Non-Killing Iraq” doctrine. The nation committed to resolving conflicts through advanced mediation programs, AI-driven conflict resolution, and reconciliation councils that brought together tribal leaders, religious scholars, and civil society. The Ministry of Peace and Conflict Resolution replaced traditional militaristic structures, ensuring that the past cycles of violence would never return.
Security forces shifted from oppressive mechanisms to community-based, AI-assisted policing that fostered trust and cooperation. Cybersecurity became a national priority, protecting Iraq’s digital infrastructure from external threats while maintaining individual freedoms.
The Rise of the Mesopotamian Renaissance: 2045-2060
Figure 4 DeepAI (2025) – Prompt by Abdulwahed Jalal: envisioning the Tigris remaining blue in 2060, surrounded by greenery and beautifully designed buildings.
By the mid-2040s, Iraq was no longer just a stable nation—it had become a regional powerhouse. Its cities thrived as hubs of innovation, blending Islamic values with cutting-edge technology. Quantum computing research flourished in Basra, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah, AI-driven medical advancements made Iraq a leader in healthcare, and Baghdad became the Silicon Valley of the Middle East.
Decentralization ensured prosperity reached every province. Rural areas, once neglected, were now self-sustaining communities powered by renewable energy and AI-driven governance. Hyperloop transportation connected major cities, reducing travel time to mere minutes.
Iraq’s influence extended beyond its borders. As a pioneer in sustainable urban planning, AI governance, and renewable energy, it played a crucial role in shaping global policies. The world no longer viewed Iraq through the lens of its past turmoil but as a beacon of progress.
The Present and the Future
In Baghdad’s reborn streets, tradition danced with technology—AI-lit mosques, healing parks, markets alive with local bounty. Yet the people shone brightest: despair dissolved into unity, confidence, and purpose. A scar-free generation rose, carrying only determination to craft Iraq’s future.
I stood at the banks of the Tigris, watching the water flow freely, a metaphor for Iraq’s own journey. I had fallen asleep in an era of uncertainty and awakened in an age of renaissance. The Phoenix of Mesopotamia had truly risen.
As the sun set over this breathtakingly new Baghdad, I realized that history had granted me a second chance—not just to witness the future, but to understand that change is not a miracle; it is a choice. And Iraq had chosen wisely.
In that moment, I knew that I was not merely an observer of this new world. I was a part of it, a relic of the past bearing witness to the triumph of a nation that had refused to be defined by its wounds. I was home.
As the sun set over this breathtakingly new Baghdad, I felt a deep sense of awe. The transformation I had witnessed was not merely about infrastructure or technology; it was about the rebirth of a nation, the realization of a dream that once seemed unattainable.
Iraq had chosen wisdom over division, innovation over stagnation, and justice over corruption. It had embraced both its ancient heritage and its limitless future, proving to the world that a nation’s past does not define its destiny—its choices do.
I turned to Amal. “What happens now?” I asked.
“You decide,” the AI replied, its voice warm, almost human. “This is your home. The future is yours to embrace.”
And at that moment, I understood—I was not just a spectator in this new era. I was a bridge between the past and the future, a testament to the resilience of a nation that refused to be buried by history. I had been granted a second chance, not just to witness change, but to be part of it.
Across the workshops, recurring themes cut across political, academic, and institutional lines. Participants voiced a shared yearning for justice, unity, and dignity—born from years of fragmentation and distrust. They called for a state accountable to its citizens, not sectarian interests; an education system that empowers youth; and an economy less dependent on oil, driven by innovation and sustainability. These visions were not utopian but grounded in reality, reflecting a collective demand for structural transformation. They emerged not from me, but from the lived experiences of Iraqis themselves—voices that became the compass for this future vision.
As I stepped forward into the illuminated streets of 2060, I knew with certainty: Iraq had risen like the phoenix, and its journey had only just begun.
Figure 6 DeepAI (2025) – Backcasting exercise image envisioning 2060, with Iraq’s rivers still blue. Prompt by Abdulwahed Jalal.
Dreaming as Method, Visioning as Action
Figure 7Workshop photo, Backcasting exercise, by Abdulwahed Jalal
This vision was no abstract exercise. Shared after each workshop, it sparked deeper dialogue and revealed a surprising unity of hopes across diverse backgrounds—a shared yearning for a better Iraq. As facilitator, I brought my own aspirations for ethical leadership, knowledge-driven change, and a civic space of dignity and justice. A dream at the Titanic Hotel—of a futures workshop in Baghdad glimpsing Iraq 2060—reminded me that futures thinking is less about prediction than unleashing collective imagination.
This engagement was a form of creative research. The use of Causal Layered Analysis, backcasting, and vision co-creation were not just tools—they enabled deep reflection and a shift from fatalism to agency. A shared vision emerged, along with a willingness to act differently.
After the workshops, several institutions invited me to replicate the sessions, but my duties at IIUM and family responsibilities limited my ability to accept. I plan to return and continue this mission. Futures studies builds futures consciousness—expanding awareness, unlocking imagination, and cultivating long-term thinking. Collective dreaming becomes the seedbed of new policies, civic renewal, and institutional reform. These futures are not far away; they already live in the minds of those prepared to act. The roadmap is incomplete, but its imagined foundations mark the first steps toward Iraq’s transformation by 2060.
Author
Dr. AbdulWahed Jalal Nori is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). His work bridges Islamic thought, political science, and futures studies, focusing on ethics, civilisation, and reform. He previously served in various academic and policy roles in Malaysia and Iraq.
References
Boulding, E. (1990). Building a global civic culture: Education for an interdependent world. Syracuse University Press.
Boulding, E. (1995). Imagining a peaceful society. In Peace, culture, and society: Transnational research and dialogue(pp. 35–40). Westview Press.
Inayatullah, S. (1998). Causal layered analysis: Poststructuralism as method. Futures, 30(8), 815–829. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-3287(98)00086-X
Inayatullah, S. (2008). Six pillars: Futures thinking for transforming. Foresight, 10(1), 4–21.
https://doi.org/10.1108/14636680810855991
