Bafel Jalal Talabani Elected President of the SDAAW

P.U.K 02:36 PM - 2025-08-30

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani giving appreciation letter to Farid Zahran.

On Saturday, 30 August 2025, during the final day of the four-day Social Democratic Alliance in the Arab World (SDAAW) Conference in Sulaymaniyah, Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), was elected as President of the SDAAW.

In a speech delivered during the conference, President Talabani stated: "I think we have all reached the stage where action will speak louder than any more words — and I suspect some of you are already thinking more about the journey home than another long address."

He emphasised the historic significance of the gathering: "This gathering is historic: the first of our Alliance in this city, and the first since I was elected Co-President. For me, it carries both pride and responsibility."

Reflecting on the city’s legacy, he said: "Sulaymaniyah has always been a centre of struggle, culture, and determination. It was from here that Mam Jalal and his comrades built the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan as the democratic movement — a movement rooted in sacrifice, discipline, and above all service to the people."

He highlighted Sulaymaniyah's diversity in politics, hinting at the city's acceptance of free speech and opposition groups, stating: "It is not a coincidence that the majority of activists are based out in Sulaymaniyah. It is not a coincidence that the majority of opposition groups are based out in Sulaymaniyah."

"The spirit of Mam Jalal and his comrades is the same spirit that defines us today. It is that we must look to when we need guidance," he added. "But we must also recognise the world we now live in. Our region remains unsettled by conflict and insecurity, while across the globe, competition between powers is reshaping alliances, new wars are testing international order and international law, and economic pressures are deepening inequality. In such an environment, our Alliance cannot be a talking shop — it must be a platform for practical cooperation and joint action."

"It is the time for action, because the PUK is not simply a political party — it is a promise of service, born from sacrifice, rooted in the ideals of freedom and justice, and today renewed with a spirit of reform and unity," he continued.

President Talabani also outlined the practical steps the Alliance to prove its strength through action:

- Coordinating closely between our parties on practical programmes.

- Developing shared strategies for youth empowerment, equality, and economic justice.

- Ensuring that politics is never hijacked by those who trade in weapons and intimidation instead of ideas and service.

- We must expand cooperation internationally, so our voice is stronger together."

Speaking about the challenges of the Middle East, he stated: "The value of this gathering will not be measured by what was said here, but by what we deliver when we return home. Our peoples expect results, not only rhetoric. It is a great honour for me to be part of this presidium. The problems of the Middle East are many. We know all the problems of the Middle East. We have environmental issues of drought. Human rights and dignity, women’s rights, and we are concerned of the future of our youth. This area needs more peace. It needs more democracy.

Speaking about concerns for the movement, he said: "My Dear colleague told us that in many parts of the world, our movement is regressing. It will continue to regress unless we make change. Unless we look forwards. Unless it’s we progress. This needs a plan of action. This needs coordination. And this needs will. I see that will amongst you all. And again I’m on it to be part of this organisation."

Regarding Gaza, the President Talabani said: "I would like to concentrate on two major things. In the time that I am in exalted position. One is the issue of Gaza and the humanitarian crisis that we face there. Fortunately, the world is changing. Hundreds of thousands of people are on the streets of Europe and the United States in support of Gaza."

He added: "We must be honest with ourselves, ladies and gentlemen. We must not forget the atrocities of October 7th, but we must also remember that one atrocity does not justify another atrocity. People are becoming active. European countries are taking steps. They are slow steps but they are good steps. We must acknowledge these steps. And support them regardless of who makes them, regardless of which side of the political spectrum they are on. I comment the ICC and its decisions. I commend Türkiye’s recent steps. Actual physical steps to try to end this atrocity."

Regarding Syrian, he said: "Another thing I would like to focus on and some of my friends were surprised that I didn’t mention it in my opening remarks, is Syria. We must not forget Syria. We all hope this government will be successful. We all hope that it will be inclusive. But I’m concerned. I’m concerned about the minorities. I’m concerned about the living standards. I’m concerned about the legal and judicial system. I am concerned about our Kurdish sisters and brothers. We need to work more on this. Masha Allah there so many of us. Masha Allah we have so many parties in this organisation. Masha Allah we are wise enough, I hope, that we can deal with more than one crisis at the same time. If you look at the arm, the standard of the PUK, it calls for peace, democracy, human rights, and self-determination." 

He reaffirmed that the PUK is the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan not the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan / Iraq, stating: "We are the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. We are not the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan slash Iraq. So here I would like to take the opportunity in this time of chaos. To call for a meeting of the Presidium. As soon as this is possible, so we can make plans and we start taking action. It is though action that we will change the world. It is through action that we will move forward and it is through action that we will not regress as so many of you are concerned about."

He concluded: "Again, I thank you all for coming to Sulaymaniyah. I hope you saw a little bit of our culture. I hope you saw the hope the Kurds have for a future. On behalf of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, I would like to thank you all for your friendship, your solidarity, and your trust; your trust in the Kurdish people, your trust in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and your trust in me. I will not let you down. I will do more than you think. I will do for you and for this movement. Let us take the discipline of these four days and turn it into action, into results, and into progress for our peoples."

Brief biography of Bafel Jalal Talabani

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani was born in 1973 and pursued his studies in the UK. He received military training internationally, completing programmes with the French in 1996, with the French in 1998, and the Americans in 2000. Early in his career, he served as the Supervisor of the Secretariat Bureau of President Mam Jalal.

In 2018, he was elected as a member of the PUK Leadership Council, and in 2022 he spearheaded the establishment of Kurdistan Counter-Terrorism Group under U.S. assistance. That same year, he was elected President of the PUK, and in 2023 he was re-elected at the party’s 5th Congress. In 2025, he was chosen as President of the Social Democratic Alliance in the Arab World, reflecting his growing influence in regional and international politics.

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul Calls for Solidarity & Action at SDAAW Closing Ceremony

On the final day of the Social Democratic Alliance in the Arab World (SDAAW) Conference, Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Political Bureau, delivered a speech emphasising solidarity, action, and the enduring legacy of President Mam Jalal Talabani.

Addressing participants, Rasul expressed his gratitude for their presence and dedication: “Your participation reminds us that solidarity is not just a word, but a real force that connects us across borders, through struggles, and in our shared hopes for the future.”

Reflecting on the conference, he highlighted the exchange of ideas and the building of cooperative bridges between social democratic parties: “We have not only listened to one another’s words, but also to one another’s struggles, hopes, and visions for a better future.”

Rasul paid tribute to the late President Mam Jalal, noting how his vision and values continue to inspire the PUK and its partners: “How I wish he were with us today to witness, within the PUK Politburo Headquarters, the vision and values he dedicated himself to for nearly half a century. It fills us with pride to see sister parties standing together in solidarity, carrying forward the principles he lived by and fought for. Mam Jalal, may you rest in peace.”

He also expressed appreciation to PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani, the Politburo, and the Leadership Council for hosting the conference, as well as to the administrative staff, media teams, and protocol officers who ensured its success. Rasul acknowledged the contributions of young participants, highlighting their energy and commitment as a reminder that the future is already in their hands.

Rasul called for continued cooperation among progressive forces to confront global challenges: “In a world where inequality grows, conflicts persist, and democracy faces challenges, the need for solidarity and unity among progressive forces has never been more important. This conference has reaffirmed our shared conviction that change is not only possible, it is already underway, driven by people like you.”

"Sulaymaniyah, with its proud history of resistance and resilience, has been a fitting host for this moment. May the spirit of courage that defines this city continue to inspire our collective efforts far beyond these walls, as we gather again in many more events and conferences to come," he said.

He concluded with a call to action, urging participants to translate dialogue into tangible results: “Let us leave here not only with declarations and plans, but with renewed determination to act, to organise, and to stand alongside those whose voices are too often silenced.”

The Social Democratic Alliance in the Arab World (SDAAW) Conference entered its fourth and final day in Sulaymaniyah on Saturday, 30 August 2025.

Throughout its sessions, the conference has focused on critical issues including peace, security, and the pressing political challenges facing the Arab world. The gathering has brought together a broad spectrum of political leaders, intellectuals, and public figures from across the Arab world, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region.

The SDAAW Conference commenced on 27 August 2025 in Sulaymaniyah, held in cooperation with the PUK.



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