From August 19 to 24, 2024, four law students from the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS)—Amro Salam, Mandana Saman, Sahand Sarkawt, and Zainab Hussain—made history as the first-ever team from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to participate in the prestigious International Investor-State Mediation Competition (IIMC) in Sri Lanka. Their journey to the competition began with a victory at the National Competition held in the Kurdistan Region in February 2024, which qualified them for this global stage.

The AUIS team’s performance was remarkable, earning them the Special Award for “Distinction in Mediation Advocacy” for their exceptional skills in mediation throughout the competition. Despite being the first time AUIS students had participated, assessors praised their negotiation abilities and professionalism across all stages of the competition.

The IIMC, known for its rigorous rounds, tasked teams with navigating complex legal and business negotiations over three preliminary rounds. The AUIS team, trained extensively for months, excelled in tackling these issues, showcasing their preparation and determination.

This achievement was made possible through the support of the UNDP Iraq and funding from the European Union, which organized the opportunity. Special thanks were extended to Dr. Greg Bond for his dedicated training since February, as well as to Dr. Ali Ahmed, Director of the AUIS Law Program, for his guidance.

The AUIS team’s participation and success in the IIMC marks a proud moment for the university and highlights the growing influence of legal education in the Kurdistan Region on the international stage.