On October 13, 2024, the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) successfully held its first annual "Strategic Innovation and Leadership Forum," bringing together a diverse array of international, regional, and local experts. The forum provided a platform for insightful discussions on transformative leadership and the vital role of innovation in shaping our community. 

Throughout the event, attendees engaged with prominent speakers, including Dr. Vasileios Syros from Clare Hall at Cambridge, Dr. Nawzad Hama Faraj of the Kurdish Institute for Strategic Studies, Dr. Michail Theodosius from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Dr. Hemin Latif, an AI expert at AUIS, and Dr. Randi Rahbar, a Professor of Entrepreneurship at AUIS. Each speaker shared their unique perspectives, offering valuable insights into the intersection of leadership and innovation. 

The forum fostered a collaborative environment where participants could exchange ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and explore new approaches to address the challenges facing their communities. The event highlighted AUIS's commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation and leadership, empowering students and community members to become effective change-makers in their respective fields.