The Ninth Annual Sulaimani Forum

he Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) hosted the eighth annual Sulaimani Forum on April 16 and 17, 2025. Officials and thought leaders from around the world convened to discuss the most pressing policy challenges facing Iraq and the wider region. Forum speakers included Iraqi and Kurdish leaders such as the President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Qubad Talabani, Ministers from the Government of Iraq, in addition to foreign representatives and think tank leaders from around the world. Additionally, researchers from across Iraq, the MENA region, and beyond participated in the discussion as speakers and panelists during the two-day event.

Overview of Agenda

Day 1 (April 16, 2025)

Keynote Address + Interview
  • Plenary Speech
  • Remarks
  • One on One
  • Panel: The MENA Region in a Changing Global Order
  • Remarks
  • Panel: Iran, Iraq, and the Middle East
  • Keynote Address and One-on-One
  • Iraq’s Energy Sector (One-on-One)
  • Panel: Revitalizing Iraq’s Economy and Energy Infrastructure
  • Conclusion

Day 2 (April 17, 2025)

  • Panel: Northeast Syria and Implications for the Region
  • Panel: Iraq’s Political Scene
  • Why are Conflicts Surging Globally?
  • Panel: Climate Crisis, Conflict, and Health

2025 Speakers

2025 Schedule