Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region – The ninth edition of the Sulaimani Forum began on Wednesday at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS), gathering top leaders, diplomats, and experts to discuss Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s role in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Organized by the Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS), the two-day forum (April 16-17) features high-profile attendees, including Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Talabani. From federal Iraq, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani Basra, and Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani are among the key participants.

Regional Unrest and Global Dynamics

This year’s forum takes place against a backdrop of escalating conflicts and shifting alliances in the Middle East. The Israel-Hamas war, reignited after a failed ceasefire in March 2025, has seen over 1,000 Palestinians killed in renewed Israeli offensives, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israel maintains its operations aim to free 59 hostages still held by Hamas.

Meanwhile, Syria faces a precarious transition after opposition forces toppled President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The country now grapples with forming an inclusive government, integrating armed factions, and rebuilding after 14 years of war.

Diplomatic efforts are also intensifying. U.S.-Iran nuclear talks resumed in Oman on April 12, while Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) explore potential peace negotiations. Globally, U.S. President Donald Trump is engaging directly with Russia’s Vladimir Putin to broker a Ukraine ceasefire.

Focus on Iraq and the Kurdistan Region

Amid global uncertainty, the forum will examine how Iraq and the Kurdistan Region can navigate political, economic, and security challenges. Key discussions include:

Economic Diversification & Energy Modernization: Iraq’s efforts to upgrade infrastructure and reduce oil dependency.

Development Road Initiative: Potential for Iraq to become a regional trade and energy hub.

Climate & Health Security: Addressing environmental and public health risks in a globalized context.

A Platform for Dialogue

The Sulaimani Forum aims to bridge local, regional, and international perspectives, fostering inclusive dialogue on critical issues. As conflicts rage and diplomacy accelerates, the event underscores Iraq’s potential to stabilize—or be destabilized by—the turbulent Middle East.