Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday officially opened the 2026–27 academic year by ringing the school bell at Global School in Erbil, in the presence of Education Minister Dr. Alan Hama Saeed.

Addressing students, teachers, and guests at the opening ceremony, Barzani congratulated students and teachers across the Kurdistan Region and wished them a year of achievement, happiness, health, and peace.

“I congratulate the beginning of this new year to you, the dear students and teachers of this school, and to all students and teachers of Kurdistan,” Barzani said, expressing hope that students would succeed during the new academic year and in the years ahead.

Barzani told students that the future of the Kurdistan Region depends on their education and development, encouraging them to remain focused on their studies and prepare themselves to contribute to the future of their country.

“Do not forget that Kurdistan is waiting for you,” he said. “You will later become great and influential people, so that you can manage your country.”

Barzani said the Kurdistan Regional Government would continue supporting students and teachers and highlighted efforts by the Ministry of Education to improve curricula, schools, and educational facilities.

According to figures cited by the Prime Minister, more than 310 new schools had been constructed during the period covered by the available figures, while more than 629 classrooms had been added to existing schools.

He also said that 3,175 classrooms had been renovated during the same period.

Barzani said much of the work had been carried out by the government and donors, while more than 100 schools were being supported for renovation this year by the Kurdistan Foundation.

“All of this is in the service of you, the respected and dear students,” he said, adding that the government would continue providing the materials necessary for students to learn in a “calm and healthy environment.”

Barzani urged students to give priority to their education and to show compassion and respect toward people from different religious and national backgrounds.

“Education can make you more successful people in your lives,” he said.

He encouraged students to love and respect one another, as well as their teachers, parents, and relatives, while emphasizing the importance of religious and national diversity in the Kurdistan Region.

“We are beautiful because we come from different religions and different nationalities,” Barzani said. “Therefore, love your other religions, respect one another, and respect the differences of our country, which have undoubtedly made our country more beautiful.”

The Prime Minister also called on students to become advocates for environmental protection, beginning with their homes and schools and extending to the wider Kurdistan Region.

“I ask you to be friends of the environment. Keep your homes clean and tidy, keep your school clean, and keep your country clean,” he said.

Barzani told students that they represent the future of the country and can influence the direction in which it develops.

“You are the future of this country,” he said. “You can decide in which direction the future of this country goes. Therefore, do whatever you can to protect the environment of your country.”

Barzani further called on students to work hard throughout their education and emphasized the importance of patriotism and respect for the Peshmerga.

“This country is the product of the blood of our martyrs, the product of the hard work and sacrifices of our heroic Peshmerga,” he said.

He urged students to respect the Peshmerga and their homeland and to take pride in their country.

“We are beautiful through our country. With pride in this country, we can become even more proud,” Barzani said.

Barzani also thanked teachers for maintaining education throughout difficult circumstances, praising their perseverance and commitment to students.

“I thank the respected teachers who have not allowed education to be disrupted at any stage,” he said.

He described teachers as an important influence on students' character and development, saying their actions, compassion, forgiveness, and high standards can shape the kind of people students become.

“A teacher, through their actions, can tell a student what kind of person they should become,” Barzani said.

The Prime Minister also thanked the Ministry of Education for its efforts to raise educational standards and improve the education system across the Kurdistan Region.

He concluded by congratulating students throughout the Kurdistan Region and wishing them a successful and healthy academic year filled with achievements.