Events

I warmly welcome you to the first panel of the 3rd Erbil Conference, organized by the Rudaw Research Center in collaboration with other research centers. We extend our thanks to them. Today, we will discuss the future of post-Assad Syria and the reconstruction of security and politics in the region. I will not repeat the names of my distinguished guests, as they have already been introduced by our friend Shahian. I will start with Dr. Jawad Anani, former Deputy Prime Minister and former Foreign Minister of Jordan. You are very welcome

Now that we are sitting here in Erbil, the PUK and KDP delegations are engaged in serious discussions regarding the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government. It may be questioned whether this process has taken a bit longer than expected, but we believe it is important to take the necessary time to ensure the best outcome. The PUK and KDP are currently negotiating to establish the principles of mutual interest in an agreement that will serve as the foundation for the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

We are proud to have with us today a political figure known for his clear, honest, and straightforward vision. A man who boldly expresses his ideas without hesitation. I believe he is one of the bravest Sunni politicians, unafraid to clearly and unwaveringly share his views and positions.

Our cabinet has taken significant steps toward finding lasting solutions, especially concerning the so-called outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil. We have transformed these challenges into opportunities for cooperation and political maturity. We succeeded in moving these matters from a political framework to a legal one. Following the passage of the budget amendment, we are now working to complete the procedures necessary for the export of crude oil through the port of Ceyhan. We are also opening a new chapter with the companies operating in the Kurdistan Region, enabling them to contribute to the development of the Iraqi economy. This includes ensuring that employees receive their salaries and other financial entitlements without disruption.

It is a pleasure to be with you today to exchange views on the recent developments in the Middle East and Iraq’s position regarding these developments, which continue to impact our country. For more than a year, the Middle East has experienced continuous political, security, and military unrest. This ongoing turmoil has reshaped the political landscape of some countries in the region and poses serious security and social risks to others. Iraq will not remain unaffected unless swift internal actions are taken to resolve key issues decisively. These actions must also be accompanied by coordinated measures in consultation with neighboring and regional countries.

Good morning and welcome to the third annual conference of the Rudaw Research Center. It is a great honor and responsibility for myself and my colleagues at the Rudaw Media Network that today, at a sensitive time the Middle East is going through, we are opening the doors for a multilateral dialogue about various issues in Erbil, the ancient city of Kurdistan that has been a meeting point for many cultures and civilizations in this region.

The Rudaw Research Center, in partnership with the Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue, the Naram Sin Foundation for Dialogue, and the Rewaq Baghdad Center, hosted the second Najaf-Erbil Forum in Najaf. The forum was titled “A Series of Dialogues Between the Iraqi and Kurdistan Region Communities.”

On November 9, 2024, the Rudaw Research Center participated in the second meeting of directors of research centers across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The event, organized by the Anki Institute for Research in Baghdad, was attended by prominent figures, including Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the al-Hikmah Movement.

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the Rudaw Research Center hosted a roundtable discussion titled "The 2024 Census in Iraq: A Turning Point for Kurds – Risk or Opportunity?". The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including university professors, statistics and data experts, and representatives from political parties in Erbil.

On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Mr. Radu Butum, Head of the European Union (EU) Liaison Office in the Kurdistan Region, paid a visit to the Rudaw Research Center in Erbil.

On Monday, October 13, 2024, Kim Yoon Jae, the Deputy Ambassador of South Korea to Iraq, along with several colleagues, visited the Rudaw Research Center in Erbil.

During the seminar, Bakhtiar Mam Sheikh delved into the intricacies of the UK’s democratic system and electoral processes, offering a comparative analysis of the election mechanisms in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. He provided a detailed overview of the UK's transition from monarchy and authoritarian rule to a democratic system, emphasizing the significance of long-established democratic institutions and electoral practices. The seminar shed light on the unique challenges faced by the UK throughout its democratic evolution, while also highlighting lessons that could be relevant for the Kurdistan Region's own journey toward strengthening its democratic foundations.

On Sunday, August 25, 2024, the Rudaw Research Center hosted a closed seminar featuring Liu Jun, the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in the Kurdistan Region.

On May 22 and 23, 2024, Mahmoud Baban, a research fellow at Rudaw Research Center, speaker at the Second Kurdish Studies Conference, organized by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the University of Sheffield, Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity (AFSEE), and Bloomsbury Publishing in Sheffield.

On May 13, 2024, Ziryan Rojhelati, Director of Rudaw Research Center, met with Liu Jun, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in the Kurdistan Region.

On Wednesday, May 22, the European Union Representative in the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Torkild BYG, visited Rudaw Research Center. During the meeting, we discussed significant political developments and the European Union's relations with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

On Friday, April 26, 2024, Rudaw Research Center, in collaboration with the Mada Foundation and Soran University, hosted an open discussion titled "Waves of Digital Change in the Kurdistan Region: How is Social Media Changing Society?" The event featured organized discussions on several key topics, including "Social Relationships in the Digital Age," "Online Harassment from Swearing to Sex: Obstacles and Solutions," "Social Media and the Economy in the Kurdistan Region," "The Impact of Social Media on Politics in the Kurdistan Region," "Searching for Truth in the Hustle of Social Media; Combating Misinformation and Disinformation," and "Laws to Combat Digital and Online Violence."

In this research, the author relies on various documents and sources and explains that the use of the term "Ottoman Kurdistan" refers to the historical recognition of Kurdish territory by the Ottomans.

On the sidelines of the Russian Multipolarity and Russophile Forum, Mr. Zryan Rojhelati, Director of Rudaw Research Center, actively engaged in productive dialogues with directors of prominent Russian research centers and influential figures, fostering constructive exchanges and exploring potential collaborations.

The quota seat issue has never been a primary concern in the parties' internal disputes as it is today. The international community and internal negotiations have consistently failed to find a solution

three main topics related to young entrepreneurs and the situation of small businesses were discussed, including the small business environment "Business Initiative" in the Kurdistan Region, how to create opportunities for young people to establish small businesses, and how to create a sustainable environment for entrepreneurs in the Kurdistan Region.