Point Conference is a regional hub where technologists, journalists, activists, and policy thinkers meet to turn ideas into action. Hosted by Tawasoul Organization for Youth Empowerment with international and national partners, Point showcases how technology and modern media can strengthen democratic accountability across the Middle East and North Africa.

How it began

In 2018, Tawasoul convened the first Point MENA edition in Baghdad—built as a sister event to the international Point Conference held annually in Sarajevo by the “Why Not” Foundation and the ACTION SEE network. From day one, our aim was simple: equip people with practical tools to protect civil and political rights, expand access to information, and make public institutions more accountable.

What we do

• Convene & connect: Panels, interactive talks, and workshops that share hard-won lessons on civic tech, open data, media innovation, and advocacy.

• Build capacity: Year-round collaboration with NGOs, newsrooms, and grassroots groups to design projects that track governance and enable citizen oversight.

• Spark projects: We help ideas leave the stage and become real initiatives that communities can use.

Our impact (highlights)

• Public Opinion Platform: Iraq’s first open-data space linking citizens with Members of Parliament and legislative proposals.

• Government Observatory: Tools that monitor government performance and measure delivery on ministerial programs.

• Environmental Observatory: In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, mapping citizen-reported violations on an open-data, interactive platform.

We work alongside organizations committed to democratic values and accountability, including ACTION SEE, the “Why Not” Foundation, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the NIRIJ Investigative Journalism Foundation, and a wide network of regional collaborators.

Our values

• Openness: Open data, open dialogue, and open collaboration.

• Accountability: Evidence-based advocacy and transparent measurement of results.

• Inclusion: Safe, accessible spaces for diverse voices—on stage and online.

• Practicality: Tools and methods that communities can use the next day.

What’s next

We’re expanding our regional sessions, deepening cross-border collaboration, and launching new civic-tech pilots to help watchdogs, journalists, and citizens do their work better—and safer.