Inaugural Address by Qubad Talabani

Inaugural Address

Qubad Talabani Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)

After greeting the audience and sharing his appreciation for the dedication of all staff at AUIS and IRIS for hosting the annual Sulaimani Forum, Mr. Qubad Talabani, the Deputy Prime Minister of the KRG, emphasized the significance of the Forum in fostering an atmosphere that allowed international delegations, Iraqi politicians, experts, public officials, civil society organizations, journalists, students, and all those who are concerned about solving regional and global crises to come together. He credited this dynamic and its continuity to the long term vision and brilliance of Dr. Barham Salih, the President of the Republic of Iraq. Noting that last year’s unfortunate political and security situation made it impossible for the Forum to be held, he looked to this year’s Forum and the improved situation in Iraq as a cause for great hope. The issues discussed during this forum, he stated, will be redirected to experts to formulate strategic plans that can accelerate the development of Iraq.

Talabani contended that the major challenges to face the Iraqi state and the KRG are not a result of geopolitical disputes among global superpowers, but rather the gap between citizen expectations of government and the harsh reality of people’s lives. While it is the duty of both governments to strengthen their relations with the outside world, the improvement of domestic governance is the priority. While the ISIS war and the economic crisis have weakened Iraq and exhausted its people, there are opportunities on the horizon. Two newly formed governments in the KRG and Iraq, the restored relations between Erbil and Baghdad, the changes in political structure, the dissolving of old alliances and the formation of new and hybrid alliances, are all

new occasions that have brought back hope to the people – but with greater expectations that both the federal and regional governments must realize. Both governments have two options: Either conform to the old ways of governance, which have only brought destruction and sorrow to the people, or pave the way for a new order of governance – one based on cooperation and solution focused. The latter is mandatory for the recuperation of health, education, and other public sectors – improving both the standard of living across the country and people’s trust in their leadership.

However, all of this is ‘easier said than done.’ Therefore, the Forum must serve as an opportunity to develop solutions to challenges that have a direct impact on the daily lives of Iraqi and KRG citizens. Furthermore, the scope of such discussions must take into account subjects that are not typically made top priorities during political meetings – such as fostering women’s participation in government for the sake of a stronger society and economy. Talabani stated that the ‘male clubs’ of politics have to be opened up to female leadership. The country must seriously engage with conversations about gender inequality, sexual harassment and abuses in the workplace, as well as other violations against women’s rights.