Qubad Talabani: Mam Jalal’s Path Is a Programme, Not Just a Slogan

Deputy PM's Media

KRG Deputy PM Qubad Talabani.

At the International Scientific Conference honouring President Jalal Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani emphasised that Mam Jalal’s legacy must be actively implemented rather than merely invoked, stressing that his vision of democracy, unity, and progress remains a living programme for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

In the presence of Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, and numerous Iraqi and international political figures, the President Jalal Talabani Foundation (PJTF), in cooperation with the University of Sulaymaniyah, organised an international scientific conference entitled “President Jalal Talabani.”

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani delivered a keynote speech at the event, stating: “On behalf of the family of President Mam Jalal and my dear brother, Bafel Jalal Talabani, we welcome you to this scientific conference. We extend our special thanks to the PJTF and the University of Sulaymaniyah for hosting this important event.”

He added: “Holding this conference reflects our enduring loyalty to Mam Jalal’s efforts in supporting this university and advancing scientific progress across the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.”

Qubad Talabani further highlighted President Mam Jalal’s inclusive vision: “[Mam is the Kurdish word for Uncle] Mam Jalal was the father of a revolution and an uncle to all Iraqis, representing every component of our nation. He was not only ours or Sulaymaniyah’s, but he belonged to all Iraqis. He always believed in learning, progress, growth, science, and innovation. He believed one must never stop at what has been achieved, but should always strive to be better, to progress further, and never be complacent in reaching success.”

He continued: “Mam Jalal’s path is often mentioned, but as Kak Bafel put it best: it is not enough merely to follow Mam Jalal’s path—we must actively implement his programme. If Mam Jalal were with us today, how would he assess the current situation? How would he address the challenges facing the region, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region? What would he say about the issues between Erbil and Baghdad, the questions of salaries, and the economic situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region? How would he approach the conflicts among Iraq’s political parties and communities? What efforts would he have made to guide Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and the wider region to safe shores and towards a more progressive future?”

He went on to say: “Those of us who believe in Mam Jalal’s programme strive to implement it, not merely to invoke his name. How many times have you seen Kak Bafel in Baghdad? How many times has he visited and met with a wide range of Iraqi political leaders and representatives of the different communities? I have lost count. How many times has he sought to strengthen bridges between the political parties to mitigate conflict? We have all seen his efforts to address the issues between Kurdistan and the federal government. He proves every day that Mam Jalal’s path is not merely a slogan, but a programme that he follows—and that those truly loyal to President Mam Jalal also follow.”

Deputy PM Talabani emphasised Mam Jalal’s dedication to democratic values: “Mam Jalal was not merely an ordinary political figure; he championed freedom of expression, free media, peace, and gender equality. He fought to uphold these principles, to defend the rule of law, and to stand against injustice, oppression, and all those who sought to undermine human dignity.”

He added: “Mam Jalal believed firmly in freedom, freedom of expression, a free media, peace, and equality between women and men. Alongside this genuine belief in freedom, he also believed in the rule of law. He believed that no one, and no party, is above the law. He stood against all forms of oppression, against the most brutal dictator, against killings and tyranny, and against those who sought to strip people of their dignity. This was the path and programme of Mam Jalal.”

“If Mam Jalal were among us today, he would be proud of Sulaymaniyah’s development and of the current status of the PUK. At the same time, however, he would also urge us to do more and to do better,” he continued.

He concluded: “Let us work together to pursue progress, guided by the vision, thought, and wisdom of President Mam Jalal, who was a father and teacher to all.”

At the end of his speech, Deputy PM Talabani also paid tribute to President Mam Jalal’s wife and his mother, Hero Ibrahim Ahmed, stating: “It is true that Mam Jalal was a historic figure, but Mam Jalal would not have been Mam Jalal without Hero Ibrahim Ahmed.”

Today, 3 October 2025, marks eight years since the passing of President Mam Jalal, Iraq’s first Kurdish and democratically elected President, and Secretary-General of the PUK, who passed away on 3 October 2017 following a period of illness.



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