November 27, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) | On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies at the University of Duhok, in collaboration with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), organized an important workshop titled “Safeguarding Local Cultural Diversity.”
The event that took place at the University Convention Center (UNCC), featured discussions led by specialists focusing on methods for documenting and protecting the region’s diverse cultural heritage.

Opening Session

The event began with remarks by Mr. Khidher Kalo Ali, Officer of the Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies, who highlighted the goals and importance of organizing this panel.
This was followed by a speech on behalf of the UOD Presidency delivered by Dr. Nazar Ameen Mohammed, Director of International Relations. He thanked the organizers and emphasized the significance of preserving shared cultural heritage. He affirmed that the University of Duhok remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen cultural identity and documentation.

Panel Sessions

Panel One

The first session consisted of three presentations:

• Mr. Kovan Resan Hassan, UOD faculty member, on documenting and preserving Yezidi cultural heritage.
  
  
• Mr. Mikhail Benjamin Dawood, Assyrian activist, on documenting and safeguarding Assyrian heritage in the region.
  
  
• Ms. Bahar Ali Haider, Director of the Kurdish Folklore Institute in Duhok, on the importance of documenting Kurdish folklore.
  
  

Panel Two

The second session was an open discussion in which participants addressed mechanisms for documenting, preserving, and promoting the cultural heritage of local communities. Several questions were raised and collectively examined.

Closing

At the end of the workshop, certificates of appreciation were presented to the panelists in recognition of their contributions. The program concluded successfully.

Alignment with UOD Strategic Plan

This workshop directly supports UOD’s Strategic Plan, particularly its goals related to community engagement, cultural heritage preservation, and strengthening academic–societal partnerships. By fostering dialogue among experts and local cultural actors, the University reinforces its role as a leading institution in protecting the cultural identity of the region and promoting inclusive development.

University Press Office – November 27, 2025
Reported by: Nibar Haji Hussein
Photography by: Ali Habib Habib