The Fifth annual Sulaimani Forum

The Middle East has been plagued for decades by repeated cycles of violence. Ethnic, sectarian and tribal enmities have been fueled by disputes over territory, resources and power, undermining regional stability and stymying economic growth and social development. The horrors of Daesh are just the latest manifestation of this malaise, hampering states of the region from meeting their full potential.

With Daesh losing ground across the Middle East, the opportunity exists for a new beginning. However, if regional governments are to chart a different course, they will first need to address the fundamental issues that have encouraged extremism, and driven violent conflict: poor governance, social inequity, widespread youth unemployment, political marginalization, and sub-par economic growth. Without leadership from within to solve these problems, regional states will be unable to complete the move to the virtuous cycle that their populations deserve.

The fifth annual Sulaimani Forum will bring together a prestigious group of government leaders, international experts and respected commentators to discuss these difficult challenges and consider the solutions necessary to transform the region over the medium to long term. Building on its tradition for innovative policy debates, the Forum will host panels on a diverse range of issues, from the current crises in Iraq and Syria and the struggle against Daesh, to the requirements for long-term, durable peace and stability, including: good governance; investment and growth; institutional development; education and innovation; and inter-faith dialogue.

Confirmed speakers and guests include former and current ministers, senior officials, and the leading analysts, scholars, sector leaders and journalists from the Middle East and North Africa region, Europe and the United States.