The Representation of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Washington hosted a landmark event on Tuesday to celebrate the signing of an agreement with two prominent U.S. accreditation associations. This accord ensures that educational institutions in the Kurdistan Region meet international standards, enhancing their global recognition and facilitating the admission of Kurdish students into foreign universities.

The agreement establishes a long-term partnership between the KRG and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Middle States Association-Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). These organizations are well-regarded global accrediting bodies, recognized for their stringent evaluation standards.

Honar Issa, a member of the Board of Trustees of the American University of Kurdistan, highlighted the significance of the collaboration in a statement on his social media. “This partnership supports the Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education in establishing standards and creating a framework to evaluate schools and universities in the Kurdistan Region,” Issa said. He added that standardization is key to driving meaningful reform in the region’s education sector.

The MSCHE, recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education since 1952, accredits over 500 institutions of higher education globally. It ensures educational quality and credibility, a critical factor for institutions seeking to establish an international reputation. Similarly, the MSA-CESS accredits early-childhood through post-secondary schools and is affiliated with the State Department’s Office of Overseas Schools.

This collaboration reflects the growing recognition of educational institutions in the Kurdistan Region, which have already earned praise for their quality. Years ago, Dr. Allan Goodman, President of the Institute of International Education, commended Kurdish universities for their academic standards.

The accreditation agreement marks a significant step forward for the Kurdistan Region’s educational landscape, aligning it with global benchmarks and creating new opportunities for students to pursue higher education abroad. It also underscores the KRG’s commitment to advancing its education sector and fostering international partnerships.

This initiative is expected to inspire further reforms and elevate the Kurdistan Region’s position on the global educational map.