On September 28th and 29th, 2023, Dr. Choman Hardi, CGDS Director, participated in the "The Kurds and 'The Others' in the Post-Sectarian Middle East" Kurdish Studies conference held in Lecce, Italy. This event aimed to transcend the typical narratives surrounding contemporary Kurdish and Middle Eastern politics, challenging the common tendency to attribute all major issues to sectarianism. Dr. Hardi was among 14 speakers invited to share insights. Her panel, titled "The Kurds in a Crumbling Iraq," offered analysis on the complex challenges facing Kurdish communities within Iraq's evolving landscape. Additionally, Dr. Hardi enriched the conference's cultural ambiance by participating in a captivating evening of Kurdish poetry during the concluding event. The gathering was fostering academic dialogue, also celebrated the rich cultural heritage and literary traditions of the Kurdish people.