On December 15, 2025, the College of Law at the University of Duhok (UOD), in collaboration with Step for Democracy and Elections, hosted a highly anticipated academic event titled "The Role of Political Parties in National Dialogue." Held at the Cultural and Social Center of UOD, the event underscored the importance of fostering dialogue and cooperation among political parties to advance democracy and governance.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok; Dr. Aveen Khalid Abdulrahman, Dean of the College of Law and former Iraqi Parliament member; Mr. Farhad Amin Atrushi a former Governor of Duhok and former Member of Iraqi parliament; and Mr. Sarbast Mustafa, former Chairman of the Independent Election Commission of Iraq, and Dr Sherzad Najar a former advisor to the President of Kurdistan Region and a retired professor in Political Science. Academic scholars, political representatives, and university faculty members also participated in the discussions, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives.

Opening Remarks: Commitment to Societal Engagement

In her opening remarks, Dr. Aveen Khalid Abdulrahman extended gratitude to UOD’s leadership for its unwavering support in addressing critical societal challenges. She emphasized that the university’s mission aligns with the UOD Strategic Plan 2023–2038, which focuses on engagement with national issues, promoting good governance, and fostering peaceful coexistence.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Strengthening National Dialogue:
   Dr. Sherzad Najjar, a professor at UOD, emphasized the necessity of empowering political parties to lead constructive national dialogue. He remarked, “Politics is a science that requires expertise, vision, and the commitment to serve society.” He urged political leaders to focus on fostering peaceful competition to strengthen the democratic fabric of the region.
2. Constitutional Frameworks and Democracy:
   Mr. Farhad Amin Atrushi delivered an insightful analysis, stressing that political parties are integral to democracy. He highlighted the critical role of constitutional frameworks in ensuring that democratic systems function effectively. “A democracy without a robust constitution is incomplete,” Atrushi stated, urging the academic and political community to prioritize constitutional development.
3. Promoting Civil States Through Democracy:
   Mr. Sarbast Mustafa discussed the pivotal role of political parties in advancing democracy and building civil states. He underscored the importance of political participation and institutional development in fostering governance that serves the people.

Outcomes and Recommendations

The event concluded with a robust discussion session featuring participants from various sectors. Key recommendations included:

• Enhancing Political Education: Establishing academic programs to educate future leaders on political processes and governance.
• Strengthening Party Accountability: Encouraging transparency and accountability within political organizations.
• Facilitating Inclusive Dialogue: Creating platforms for inclusive discussions among political stakeholders to address regional and national challenges.

UOD’s Broader Impact

This event reflects the University of Duhok’s commitment to societal impact as part of its strategic vision. UOD actively engages with regional and international partners to promote academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. As a member of organizations like the International Association of Universities (IAU) and The Association of Arab Universities (AARU), UOD continues to play a leading role in fostering global connections and addressing critical challenges through education and research.

About the University of Duhok

Established in 1992, the University of Duhok has grown to include 19 colleges, 67 departments, and nearly 24,000 students, making it one of the largest academic institutions in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The university is located in the picturesque city of Duhok, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and a vibrant cultural heritage. UOD is a hub for academic excellence, offering programs in law, political science, medicine, engineering, humanities, and more.

View Photos of the Event:
📸 Event Gallery

Read About UOD’s Strategic Plan:
📖 UOD Strategic Plan 2023–2038

Meta Keywords:

• University of Duhok events
• Role of political parties in democracy
• National dialogue initiatives
• Governance and constitutional frameworks
• UOD College of Law activities