Leaders Gather at the Ninth Sulaymaniyah Forum to Address Iraq's Challenges and Future Reforms

Kurdistan 11:42 AM - 2025-04-16

The ninth Sulaymaniyah Forum.

The ninth Sulaymaniyah Forum commenced today, Wednesday, at the American University of Sulaymaniyah, gathering over 700 leaders from political parties, government officials, and influential figures from both local and international spheres. The forum focuses on addressing the urgent challenges facing Iraq, the area, and the world.

Among the attendees of the two-day event were Mr. Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan; Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Iraq; Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region; Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region; Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region; and several political party leaders, along with representatives from foreign and European countries.

Dr. Barham Salih: We Confront Significant Challenges

Opening the forum, Dr. Barham Ahmed Salih delivered a welcoming speech to the attendees, including senior officials, political party leaders, and international guests, highlighting the significant and daunting challenges currently facing the country and the region. He pointed out the opportunity for dialogue and mutual understanding to tackle these issues, stating: "There are significant opportunities to transcend the era of violence and move towards a new reality, harnessing our country's resources for economic development. The region has endured major tragedies and periods of violence, and today we gather to discuss these challenges and seek appropriate solutions."

Al-Sudani: Sulaymaniyah, a City of Beauty and Culture

Following Dr. Barham Salih's opening speech, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani spoke, expressing his pleasure at being in Sulaymaniyah to address the current challenges. He praised the city as one of beauty, culture, and art, with a proud history of resistance against dictatorship. He noted that Sulaymaniyah, along with other cities in Kurdistan and Iraq, is experiencing a period of growing development and reaping the rewards of stability and prosperity, a journey to which all Iraqis have contributed and which the country takes pride in today.

He continued: "My efforts are focused on one central goal: Iraq first, with the primary concern being the Iraqi citizens, and their ambitions for life and progress. This belief guided the methodology of our government's work, emphasising the importance of fulfilling the government programme." He further added: "Our people have endured long years of injustice, oppression, and hardship, falling victim to dictatorship and terrorism, and suffering the consequences of a flawed economy and financial policies. Today, Iraq enjoys security and safety, with large construction projects underway in every city, and we continue moving forward to achieve our goals. The Iraqi people are at the heart of this journey."

The Iraqi Prime Minister explained the government's focus on youth empowerment, offering job opportunities, and fostering entrepreneurship, as youth are seen as key to facing future challenges. He also highlighted the significant services provided to previously underserved areas, including health, infrastructure, electricity, and the expansion of the petroleum and gas sectors. He added: "We have adopted the slogan of a government of services because the social contract between the government and its citizens is based on service delivery. It is unacceptable for political competition to hinder or obscure the government's performance, and security and civil peace must never be threatened. We will not accept any political interference in governmental affairs. Iraq needs real reform to build a stable future."

The Prime Minister concluded: "We have made significant progress in delivering services and improving the economic situation in Iraq. We will not engage in political conflicts, as Iraq requires bold and comprehensive reforms. The current government has sent a positive message to the Iraqi people regarding the reform project. We are continuing to build the foundations of a strong state, and the upcoming elections represent an opportunity to support this project. I will stand in the upcoming elections, and we are determined to lay the groundwork for a robust and stable future."

Nechirvan Barzani: Kurdistan a Pillar of Peace and Stability in the Region

Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, delivered a speech in which he expressed his appreciation for taking part in the Sulaymaniyah Forum, highlighting the importance of exchanging views on both domestic and regional matters.

He stated: “The world is currently facing shared challenges and major transformations that are reshaping international relations and political dynamics. The escalation of economic tensions will have serious repercussions for our region, including increased migration, terrorism, and the worsening effects of climate change—issues that are already significantly affecting many parts of Iraq.”

Barzani continued: “Here in the Kurdistan Region, we strongly believe in the need for cooperation and mutual support. We also believe that the international community must shoulder its responsibilities when it comes to humanitarian issues. It is encouraging to see signs of peace in parts of our region, especially the peace process in Türkiye. We fully support this initiative, as we believe that lasting solutions can only be achieved through dialogue, understanding, and peaceful means. Wherever a peace initiative emerges, the Kurdish people are quick to embrace it. We also hope that the Syrian government will uphold the rights of all communities, particularly the Kurds, without any form of discrimination.”

He added: “The Kurdistan Region has consistently shown itself to be a force for peace and can play a significant role in enhancing regional stability. We reaffirm our commitment to this role by deepening our ties with neighbouring countries and the wider international community, based on mutual interests.”

Barzani emphasised that cooperation between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government of Iraq, as well as with neighbouring states, is essential in promoting peace and stability. “The prosperity of the Kurdistan Region, as an integral part of Iraq, contributes to the strength of Iraq as a whole. History has shown us that the marginalisation of Kurdish rights leads only to devastation and loss. Attempts to suppress a nation that has lived on their land for thousands of years will not bring peace but rather plunge the region into uncertainty and fear. After everything we have endured, it is time for us all to live together in brotherhood, peace, and lasting stability.”

He concluded: “We remain fully committed to implementing Iraq’s permanent Constitution, which we believe protects the rights of all Iraqi communities without discrimination. We appreciate the efforts of the Prime Minister, which have helped improve relations between Erbil and Baghdad. His approach has removed many of the obstacles in our path, and we believe it is the right direction to take. We also underline the importance of implementing Article 140 of the Constitution and will continue our dialogue with the federal government to reach lasting solutions that uphold the rights of all communities.”

Mohammed al-Hassan: Iraq Has Outgrown the Need for a UN Mission

Mohammed al-Hassan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Iraq, stated on the forum that the country is now in a vastly different position compared to the past and that the progress made over recent years must be safeguarded.

He remarked: “Iraq has reached a stage where it no longer requires the presence of a United Nations mission, which is a clear indication of how far the country’s political and security landscape has evolved.”

He stressed that Iraq now faces a key constitutional responsibility—namely, holding elections—and that the UN is committed to supporting this process to ensure its success and to encourage continued development and reform.

Al-Hassan emphasised that “Iraq’s stability is central to the stability of the entire region.” He added: “It is time for the people of the Middle East to finally live in security and peace. For over four centuries, this region has endured occupation and foreign interference.”

Reflecting on recent history, he noted: “Only a few years ago, children in Iraq and Gaza were being killed in full view of the world. Women from various minority groups, including the Yazidis, were sold by extremist groups as if they were mere commodities. This is utterly unacceptable.”

He concluded by calling for collective action: “Now is the moment for all of us to join forces and forge a new reality.”



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