President Nechirvan Barzani attended the 10th Anniversary of the foundation of the American University of Kurdistan yesterday evening in Erbil.

During the ceremony attended by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, numerous Party and political figures, ambassadors, consuls, foreign representatives in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as academics, President Nechirvan Barzani addressed the audience. Below is the transcript of his speech:

Ladies and Gentleman,
Good evening.

I extend a heartfelt welcome to every guest, including those ambassadors and consuls representing the various nations in Erbil, as well as everyone else joining us this evening. It is my pleasure to warmly greet each and every one of you. I would also like to offer a special welcome to His Holiness Mar Awa, who is graciously attending the ceremony with us tonight.

I am honored to participate in the 10th Anniversary celebration of the American University of Kurdistan this evening. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to this remarkable academic institution for its pioneering initiatives aimed at transforming the educational system in the Kurdistan Region and indeed for its initiatives in attempting to improve the provision of education within our Region.

Education serves not only as a means for individual growth but also as a powerful catalyst for societal development and ability to create a promising future for nascent nations.

During a conversation with Mr. Masrour Barzani regarding the establishment of a university, I expressed my enthusiastic support for his earlier proposals while I was serving as Prime Minister. This aligned perfectly with my conviction as to the necessity of developing a world-class educational institution within the Kurdistan Region.

I would like to convey my appreciation for the commitment and foresight exhibited by him, the Board of Trustees, the Presidency of the University, and distinguished Faculty members. Their steadfast dedication and vision have always played a crucial role in supporting the University’s mission in attaining its founding goals - so many of which have already been achieved.

The primary objective in founding the American University of Kurdistan was evident from the outset.

It was to establish an institution that would serve as a lighthouse of academic excellence and a guiding light for scientific advancement and innovation. It aimed to inspire future generations and contribute to the development of a cohort capable of confronting contemporary challenges. This generation should have been equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in an ever-evolving world, which demands continuous adaptation to its advancements, ensuring that we remain aligned with the progress of nations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the last ten years, the American University of Kurdistan has demonstrated its remarkable accomplishments, establishing itself as a leading model of quality education in both Kurdistan and Iraq. This includes:

. Being the first higher education establishment in Iraq to have successfully passed several significant milestones in the pursuit of international academic accreditation. This reflects the University’s ongoing dedication to delivering high-quality education. Furthermore, it underscores the critical importance of university autonomy, which is essential for fostering uniqueness and earning the trust of the global academic community.

• Mr. Masrour Barzani stated that 70% of university students have received scholarships in their various forms. We extend our gratitude to all donors and individuals who have contributed to the university's efforts. Naturally, we aspire to achieve even more. Their assistance has created opportunities for students from diverse communities within the Kurdistan Region and Iraq to pursue their education at this wonderful institution. Once again, thank you, and we hope that you and others will continue to support these initiatives as a whole.

The university also saw the formation of the Education Working Team in 2019, which has emerged as a productive platform for presenting proposals aimed at enhancing education and higher education within the Kurdistan Region. I wholeheartedly endorsed - at the time - such an initiative to foster such a team and extend my full support to their efforts.

Dear Attendees,

Through education, we have the potential to create an advanced society, a robust economy, and a promising future that honors the sacrifices made by this resilient people. The success of the American University of Kurdistan represents not merely an academic milestone, but also serves as a beacon of hope for the youth in the Kurdistan Region and throughout Iraq.

Consequently, in spite of these accomplishments, our endeavors in the Kurdistan Region to enhance the education system remain ongoing. There is still significant progress to be made to secure a more promising future for our youth. Among the most critical objectives are:

• To create educational programs that address the requirements of the 21st century and equip students for successful integration into both local and international job markets.

• To enhance the academic infrastructure that is essential to guaranteeing the provision of high-quality education and learning across all educational institutions in the Kurdistan Region.

• To invest in the teaching workforce by offering ongoing training initiatives aimed at enhancing their existing ability but also in reinforcing their skills base.

• To enable our universities to attract students from Kurdistan, Iraq and the wider world.

I extend my gratitude to all individuals who have contributed to the establishment and ongoing support of this wonderful university. I also wish to thank everyone dedicated to enhancing the education system in the Kurdistan Region.

We guarantee our unwavering commitment to persevere and collaborate in our efforts to attain greater success, establishing Kurdistan as a regional hub for academic advancement and innovation within Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. We envision a Kurdistan where the youth are empowered to create a brighter future for generations to come.

The people of Kurdistan, including the parents and grandparents of students currently enrolled in esteemed institutions such as the American University of Kurdistan, have endured significant hardships and made profound sacrifices over the decades to attain this freedom. Unlike the present generation, they lacked the opportunity for higher education; however, they valiantly struggled to ensure that their descendants would have access to educational institutions like the American University of Kurdistan.

This liberty is the result of their hardships and sacrifices. It is our responsibility to create a future that reflects their struggles and aspirations. The current generation must seize this opportunity to pay tribute to their memory and work towards a robust and prosperous Kurdistan. Consequently, we shall forever commemorate them with honor and reverence.

Happy 10th Anniversary to the American University of Kurdistan. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who has contributed to and been involved in this journey. I would also like to offer my special commendations to Rania Khan for her ongoing dedication to supporting the university.

Greetings to all. Wishing you a pleasant evening. Thank you very much.