Erbil, Kurdistan – Dr. Honar Issa, Secretary of the Board of Trustees at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) and Chair of the Middle East Peace and Security Forum, has underscored the transformative potential of educational investment in the Kurdistan Region as a model for Iraq’s broader revival. Despite decades of conflict and instability, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is spearheading initiatives aimed at revitalizing its educational system, which could serve as a blueprint for nationwide reform.

In a recent statement, Dr. Issa highlighted Iraq’s historical prominence in education, noting that decades of war, sanctions, and political upheaval have significantly undermined its educational infrastructure. "The Iran-Iraq war, the Gulf War, and subsequent sanctions severely damaged our educational system. The 2003 US-led invasion, while removing Saddam Hussein, led to further instability that hindered sustained progress," Dr. Issa remarked.

The KRG's Vision 2030 plan is at the forefront of these efforts, aiming to bring Kurdistan’s educational standards in line with international benchmarks. A cornerstone of this vision is the establishment of the Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE), which seeks to implement rigorous quality assurance across educational institutions.

"The KAAE is a long-term initiative designed to support the government in creating robust policies for educational quality. By promoting transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, we aim to make our education system more relevant to the needs of our economy and society," Dr. Issa explained.

Dr. Issa emphasized the demographic opportunities and challenges facing Iraq, where 60 percent of the population is under the age of twenty-five. He warned that inadequate educational facilities and high unemployment rates could squander this potential. "According to a 2021 IREX report, only 22 percent of university graduates find jobs in their field within three months of graduating. Additionally, 2 million Iraqi children are deprived of education, and literacy rates, especially among women, remain alarmingly low," he noted.

Dr. Issa called for enhanced international collaboration, particularly with the United States, to support these educational reforms. "The US and Iraq have a framework agreement that identifies education as a cornerstone of our bilateral relations. Strengthening this partnership can foster economic development, political stability, and social cohesion," he asserted. He highlighted that even a small fraction of the nearly $2 trillion the US has spent on military operations in Iraq could have a transformational impact if redirected toward educational initiatives.

He also drew comparisons to countries like Singapore and South Korea, which have successfully transformed their economies through substantial investments in education. "By supporting similar models in Iraq, we can cultivate a workforce that meets local market needs and fosters critical thinking and innovation," Dr. Issa suggested.

In closing, Dr. Issa emphasized that investing in education is not just about economic growth but is crucial for peacebuilding and social cohesion. "A well-educated populace is better equipped to participate in democratic processes and contribute to national development. For Iraq, education is more than a policy priority; it is a pathway to peace and prosperity," he concluded.

Dr. Issa's insights underscore the urgent need for strategic investment in education to build a brighter future for Kurdistan and Iraq. His call to action invites the international community to support these efforts, promoting a region where education empowers young people as agents of positive change.