University of Duhok Hosts High-Level Seminar on Foreign Policy and Diaspora Engagement

Duhok, February 24, 2025 – The University of Duhok (UOD) reaffirmed its role as a hub for academic diplomacy by hosting a thought-provoking seminar titled "Foreign Policy and the Role of the Diaspora." The event, featuring Shifa Barzani, Supervisor of the Kurdistan Diaspora Confederation, highlighted the growing importance of the Kurdish diaspora in shaping international relations and advancing Kurdistan’s regional and global influence.

Held at UOD’s College of Political Sciences, the seminar attracted esteemed faculty members, students, and university officials, creating a platform for critical discussions on diplomacy, national identity, and transnational engagement.

The Kurdish Diaspora: A Strategic Asset for Global Influence

The seminar opened with remarks by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of UOD, who welcomed Mr. Barzani and praised his commitment to uniting Kurdish communities abroad. Dr. Hawar Khalil Taher, Dean of the College of Political Sciences, emphasized the importance of international Kurdish networks in advancing political and economic stability.

Moderated by Dr. Renas Janu, the discussion explored Kurdistan’s evolving foreign policy strategy, particularly the need to strengthen diaspora diplomacy to elevate Kurdistan’s standing in international affairs.

In his keynote speech, Shifa Barzani outlined the objectives of the Kurdistan Diaspora Office, underscoring efforts to prevent fragmentation among Kurds from different regions and build a unified national identity. He called for greater political cohesion among Kurdish communities abroad, cautioning that internal divisions weaken Kurdistan’s voice on the international stage.

Education and Language: Pillars of National Identity

A critical topic of discussion was the preservation of the Kurdish language among diaspora communities. Mr. Barzani emphasized that language is central to national identity, reaffirming President Masoud Barzani’s strong advocacy for linguistic preservation.

To reinforce this commitment, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has launched a higher education exchange program in partnership with Salahaddin University and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. This initiative seeks to:

• Encourage Kurdish and international students to study at universities in Kurdistan.
• Foster cross-cultural academic collaboration to strengthen Kurdish studies.
• Expand digital resources for Kurdish language learning worldwide.

Supporting Kurdish Youth, Business Leaders, and Academics

The seminar also shed light on economic opportunities for the Kurdish diaspora, emphasizing the need to encourage skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics to contribute to Kurdistan’s growth.

Mr. Barzani outlined ten key projects initiated under Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s leadership, aimed at deepening diaspora engagement in Kurdistan’s economic, educational, and social sectors. He encouraged Kurdish expatriates to invest in:

• Technology and innovation hubs
• Higher education institutions
• Business ventures that foster economic sustainability

Additionally, he highlighted the KRG’s unwavering commitment to supporting Kurdish youth and professionals abroad, ensuring they remain connected to their homeland through structured programs and policy initiatives.

Overcoming Political Divisions for a Stronger Global Presence

A key challenge facing the Kurdish diaspora is internal political fragmentation, which has hindered its ability to influence international policy effectively. Mr. Barzani called for a unified front, similar to the successful strategies employed by the Indian and Armenian diasporas, which have leveraged their communities' economic and political strength to advocate for their national causes.

Furthermore, he criticized external actors attempting to exploit ethnic and religious minorities—such as Yezidis (Ezidi), Chaldeans, and Assyrians—for short-term political gains. Instead, he urged a more inclusive approach that reinforces national cohesion while respecting diversity.

Strategic Vision for the Future

The seminar concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing students and faculty members to engage directly with Shifa Barzani on the future of Kurdistan’s foreign policy, diaspora affairs, and national identity preservation.

This event underscored UOD’s dedication to:

• Bridging academic discussions with real-world policy challenges.
• Strengthening Kurdistan’s global networks through diplomatic engagement.
• Empowering students to take an active role in shaping their country’s international standing.

By hosting high-impact policy dialogues, the University of Duhok continues to serve as a catalyst for intellectual and strategic advancements, ensuring that Kurdistan remains globally connected and forward-looking.

📸 Check out the event highlights here: [Insert Link]

📍 UOD Media | February 24, 2025
📝 Reported by: Sabah A. M. Salih, Hussein Ismael Mohammed
📸 Photography by: Mohammed Abdulkareem Tahir

Meta Keywords:

• Kurdish Diaspora in International Relations
• Kurdistan Foreign Policy Strategies
• Higher Education and Cultural Identity
• Kurdish Language Preservation Abroad
• Economic Development and Diaspora Engagement