Duhok, Iraq

On September 10, 2024, the University of Duhok inaugurated the Center for Federalism Studies, marking a significant milestone as the first specialized center of its kind in the Kurdistan region and Iraq. The opening ceremony, held at the University’s Cultural and Social Center, attracted a distinguished audience, including Dr. Jaafar Ibrahim Eminki, member of the leadership of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and representatives from the Kurdistan Regional Presidency, parliamentarians, legal experts, university professors, and notable political figures.

The event featured keynotes from Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, who emphasized the center’s role in advancing research on federal governance. “The Center for Federalism Studies is essential for deepening our understanding of federalism within Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. It aims to bridge significant gaps in academic research and contribute to the effective implementation of the federal system as outlined in the 2005 Iraqi Constitution,” Dr. Atrushi noted.

Dr. Soran Ali Hassan, General Director of the Institute of Constitutional Affairs, and Dr. Najmaddin Mohiaddin Yassin, Director of the Center for Federalism Studies, also addressed the audience. They highlighted the center’s mission to support academic research and policy analysis on federalism, which is crucial for promoting stability and effective governance in Iraq.

The discussions explored the challenges and opportunities of federalism in Iraq, with a focus on the Kurdistan Region’s role. The sessions emphasized the need for a robust academic platform to understand and address the complexities of federal governance.

The day concluded with a press conference featuring Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi and senior staff from the University of Duhok. Dr. Atrushi stated, “The establishment of the Center for Federalism Studies responds to a critical need for detailed research and analysis on federalism, particularly within the context of the Kurdistan Region's role in the Federal Republic of Iraq. This center will provide a vital platform for exploring federalism's complexities and contributing to the region's governance framework.”

The Center for Federalism Studies at the University of Duhok addresses a significant gap in academic research on federalism within Iraq. Its establishment aims to fill this void by providing a platform for comprehensive analysis and research on the federal system, which has become crucial for Iraq's political and constitutional landscape. With a focus on the federal system enshrined in the 2005 Iraqi Constitution, the center will support in-depth exploration of legal, political, and social dimensions of federalism. It is also expected to empower stakeholders, enhance public understanding, and advocate for the rights of the Kurdistan Region within Iraq’s federal framework.

For a detailed overview of the press conference, click here. To view high-quality photos from the event, click here.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mGuMxYouAOBOUdUvzvrM83iNMYjDV3nF?usp=drive_link

UOD Media, September 10, 2024

Ismat Khabour and Mahir Tahir Kestayi

Photos: Mohammed Abdul Karim and Ali Banki