Former Iraqi President Barham Salih highlights dialogue, coexistence, says current period a ‘critical juncture’

SULAYMANIYAH — Barham Salih, founder of the American University of Iraq–Sulaimani, opened the Ninth Sulaimani Forum on Wednesday, praising the city’s historical role as a hub of culture, coexistence, and innovation.

The former president of Iraq welcomed guests in attendance, including Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, and Ammar al-Hakim, leader of Iraq’s Hikma Movement who all spoke in the morning session.

“It is a great honor for the university to host you,” Salih said. “This forum has become an annual event, bringing together researchers, decision-makers and officials from across Iraq and the region to discuss national affairs and prospects for development.”

He described the forum’s location, Sulaymaniyah, as “a city of culture, coexistence, invention and patriotism.”

Salih characterized the current period as a critical juncture in regional history, marked by significant challenges but also promising opportunities.

“With the major changes in Syria and the region, and the beginning of dialogue between the United States and Iran, as well as important developments in Turkey related to the Kurdish issue, there is a great opportunity to move from a phase of danger, wars and violence to a new reality,” Salih said.

“A reality where we can invest our countries’ and peoples’ resources to develop, create jobs for our unemployed youth, and achieve a dignified life for our communities,” he added.

Salih emphasized that the forum itself symbolizes the potential for productive dialogue despite political divisions.

“This meeting confirms that despite our differences and divergent perspectives, we are capable of engaging in dialogue,” Salih said. “In this hall, many opinion leaders and officials from various affiliations are gathered, but we share a fundamental interest: dialogue for a better future.”

Reflecting on the university’s growth, Salih concluded, “What began as a distant dream has become a reality and an important hub empowering our young people.”