Ther Development Center participants at a transparency programme in Iraq

Locally rooted in Iraq · Active since 2009

Communities shape better decisions.

Ther Development Center advances civic participation, accountable governance and locally led development across Iraq.

Al-Muthanna, IraqWorking with communities, institutions and civil society

About TDC

An Iraqi civil society organization built around participation and accountability.

Ther Development Center (TDC) is a non-governmental and non-profit organization based in Al-Muthanna Governorate. Founded in 2009, TDC is officially registered with Iraq’s NGO Directorate.

We work to strengthen citizen participation, improve local governance and support evidence-based development, with particular experience in transparency, natural resource governance and community-led planning.

Our vision

A democratic, inclusive and sustainable Iraq where local communities shape development priorities and public policy.

Our mission

To strengthen civic participation, local governance and transparency through community capacity, partnerships and evidence.

How we work

We connect local knowledge with practical dialogue, research, training and institutional collaboration.

Areas of work

Experience that connects policy with people.

TDC’s work has evolved with Iraq’s changing development needs while maintaining a consistent focus on public participation and accountable institutions.

Governance & accountability

Supporting transparency, public accountability and constructive engagement between citizens and institutions.

Local economic development

Strengthening locally grounded approaches to economic opportunity and private-sector participation.

Natural resource governance

Promoting informed public participation in extractive industries, public revenue and development priorities.

Civic participation

Creating spaces for dialogue, community voice, inclusive planning and citizen-led action.

Knowledge & capacity

Producing practical resources and strengthening the skills of civil society actors and local stakeholders.

Responsible technology

Exploring how practical and responsible AI adoption can strengthen nonprofit and small-business capacity.

A public dialogue on Iraq's economy and extractive industries

Programmes & impact

We focus on useful change, not activity counts.

TDC combines dialogue, training, research and partnerships to improve how communities participate in decisions that affect them.

Community and stakeholder dialogue
Capacity development and practical guidance
Research, publications and public information
Collaboration across civil society and institutions

Verified programme results and impact figures will be published only when supported by organizational records.

Strategic initiatives

Three initiatives being developed for the next stage.

These are emerging areas of work. They are presented as initiatives in development, not as funded or completed programmes.

In development

Private Sector Participation in Policymaking

Building practical channels for small businesses and private-sector actors to contribute evidence and experience to public policy.

In development

AI for NGOs

Helping nonprofits adopt artificial intelligence in practical, measurable and responsible ways while protecting people and data.

In development

AI for Small Business

Exploring accessible AI use cases that can improve productivity and decision-making for small enterprises.

Partners, donors & networks

Relationships built through accountable work.

Our relationships are shown by their actual role: funding, membership or network affiliation.

National Endowment for Democracy (NED)Funding partner · 2013–Present

International Republican Institute (IRI)Funding partner · 2021–2023

Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED)Funding partner · 2021–2023

Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)Funding partner · 2023–2025

Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI)Funding partner · 2025–2026

Resource Justice Network (RJN)Member through Iraqi coalition · Funding partner 2020–2025

NEARMember

Ain Election Monitoring NetworkMember

Leadership

A message from our founder.

At Ther Development Center, we believe sustainable development begins when communities have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape their lives. Our work connects local knowledge, civic participation and accountable institutions to support practical change in Iraq.

Majid Abukalal
Founder & President, Ther Development Center

View Majid on LinkedIn ↗

Resources & publications