In a spectacular celebration blending the charm of the location with the energy of youth, the Public Aid Organization (PAO) hosted the third version of the “Youth Connect” Festival on the banks of the Tigris River on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 — a lifeline that symbolizes the enduring spirit of Nineveh.
The festival offered a vibrant program of artistic and interactive activities, ranging from live music and outdoor painting to dazzling fireworks, culminating with the lighting of the festival torch, a symbolic act representing hope and determination to move toward a brighter future.
The participation of youth from diverse social and cultural backgrounds added a profound human and cultural dimension, turning the event into a living canvas reflecting coexistence, social cohesion, and the rich Iraqi identity for which Nineveh is renowned.
In a touching symbolic gesture, the team from the second version of the project handed over the torch to the new team, highlighting continuity and the intergenerational transmission of the festival’s message of unity and connection.
PAO emphasized that the third version of the “Youth Connect” Festival represents a renewed effort to empower youth and strengthen their role as bridges of communication and peace, showcasing Nineveh’s resilience and creativity despite ongoing challenges.
