Prime Minister Masrour Barzani opened the Sixth Middle East Peace and Security (MEPS) Forum on Tuesday with a call for the event's conclusions to be transformed into practical roadmaps for leaders grappling with the region's escalating crises.

Addressing a gathering of Iraq’s most senior federal, regional, and international figures, Barzani emphasized that the forum's recommendations “should not remain within the framework of dialogue but must become foundations for real action.”

“We hope that after the conclusion of this forum, the recommendations prepared here will be placed in the hands of decision-makers and authorities, so they may use them to help address the issues facing the Middle East,” Barzani stated, highlighting the urgent need for actionable commitments amid intensifying political, security, and economic challenges.

The high-profile forum, now in its sixth year, serves as a key platform for in-depth dialogue on conflict resolution and regional stability. This year's attendees included President Masoud Barzani, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, and the heads of Iraq’s judiciary. The event also drew former regional leaders, including Turkey's Ahmet Davutoğlu and Jordan's Bisher Khasawneh, alongside diplomats, UN representatives, and academics.

In his opening address, Barzani also extended congratulations for Iraq’s recently held nationwide parliamentary elections, describing the vote as “a significant achievement for the Iraqi people.” He wished success to all winning parties and candidates, praising the widespread public participation.

Striking a chord of cultural pride and unity, Prime Minister Barzani diverted from high politics to call on all participants to support the fanbase of Zakho SC, which has been nominated for the prestigious FIFA Best Fans Award 2025.

The nomination, announced by FIFA on November 6, 2025, honors the fans for a widely celebrated humanitarian act. Ahead of a match against Al-Hudud Club on May 13, Zakho supporters threw nearly 30,000 children’s toys onto the pitch. The toys were later collected and distributed to sick children across the region—a gesture FIFA said reflected “a humanitarian spirit recognized in Kurdistan, Iraq, and Asia.”

Barzani urged the public and officials to stand behind the Zakho supporters, noting that their nomination “represents the compassion, solidarity, and humanity of the people of Kurdistan and Iraq.”