UoD, October 22, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) — The Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies at the University of Duhok (UoD), in collaboration with the international organisation Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the Union of Kurdistan Democratic Students and Youth, organised a cultural festival in Semel District on Thursday, October 22, 2026, marking the conclusion of the Youth Empowerment Project. The festival aimed to promote dialogue, peace, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence among the district’s diverse religious and cultural communities.

The event was attended by Dr. Omran Omar Ali, Director of the Center; Mr. Khidr Kalo Ali, Trainer and Centre Coordinator; Mr. Ramadan Majid Mohammed, Social Protection and Peace Manager at LWF; and Mr. Ibrahim Sami Mohammed, University and Institute Affairs Officer at the Union of Kurdistan Democratic Students and Youth. Academics, representatives of public institutions, political figures, media representatives, UoD faculty members, and students also attended.

The Youth Empowerment Project brought together young people from different communities, encouraging them to engage in dialogue, develop mutual understanding, and contribute to peacebuilding on the basis of human rights. The festival provided an opportunity to reflect on the young volunteers’ experiences and recognise their participation in activities promoting cultural awareness and peaceful coexistence in Semel District.

The programme opened with a video introducing the festival and its objectives, followed by welcoming remarks from representatives of the Centre for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. Messages from LWF and the Union of Kurdistan Democratic Students and Youth were also presented, highlighting the importance of youth participation in strengthening community relations.

A documentary featuring the experiences of young volunteers was screened, documenting their visits to religious sites belonging to Muslim, Christian, and Yazidi communities. The activity offered participants an opportunity to learn about the district’s religious diversity and the importance of mutual respect and understanding among its communities.

The programme also featured a musical performance by artist Lalish. Students shared their experiences of participating in field activities designed to introduce and promote the culture and traditions of the Bahdinan region. At the end of the programme, certificates of appreciation were presented to the young volunteers in recognition of their participation and efforts. The festival concluded with traditional music and songs, creating an atmosphere of friendship and cultural exchange.

Through the Center for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, the University of Duhok continues to support initiatives that engage young people in dialogue, conflict resolution, and community-based peacebuilding. The festival reflects the importance of cooperation between academic institutions and civil society organisations in promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE

University Press Office, October 23, 2026
Reported by: Rondik Fadhil Adil
Photography: Mohammed A. Tahar

News Keywords

• University of Duhok
• Youth Empowerment Project
• Peaceful Coexistence in Semel
• Centre for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
• Youth Engagement and Intercultural Dialogue