As part of the activities of the psychological counseling week for first-year students, the University Psychological Counseling Unit at the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Baghdad organized a specialized awareness workshop on social risks and ways to address them, presented by Dr. Intisar Muzaffar Oda and attended by a group of new students.
The workshop aimed to highlight the definition of societal risks, which were defined as those risks that may have a negative impact on individuals or groups within society, whether at the health, social, economic, or environmental level, and lead to disruption in people’s lives or threaten their safety and stability.
The workshop addressed types of community risks, including natural, human, health, economic, and technological risks, which can cause significant damage leading to unavoidable crises or disasters. Examples discussed included the risks of floods and earthquakes, the risks of spreading misinformation that causes fear among people, such as rumors of disease or security problems, and failure to follow laws and negative behaviors. It also addressed unemployment, which can lead to migration, family tension, and high crime rates, which are economic and social risks.
The workshop concluded by emphasizing that the impact of these risks can be mitigated through preparedness, awareness, and shared responsibility. She pointed out that building a society capable of facing risks begins with raising awareness, developing response skills, and deepening a culture of prevention among its members, especially young people and university students, who represent the energy and foundation of society in the future. Therefore, she emphasized that our responsibility today is not only to know the risks but also to actively participate in mitigating them.
This workshop is an integral part of the educational institution’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). By addressing social risks such as crime and drugs and raising awareness about negative behaviors, the workshop contributes to building peaceful and inclusive societies and promoting the rule of law, which supports Goal 16. Promoting a culture of prevention and preparedness for disasters and health risks is also a fundamental pillar for achieving good health and well-being for members of society and the university environment.
