The Washington Kurdish Institute (WKI), a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Najmaldin Karim headquartered in Washington, D.C., operates with a steadfast mission to raise public awareness about Kurdish issues and safeguard human, cultural, and political rights across Kurdistan. This educational institution actively contributes to the development of Kurdistan’s civil society, enhances access to Kurdish cultural and educational resources, and advocates for effective solutions to Kurdish-related concerns.

Mission and activities

WKI employs diverse strategies to fulfill its mission, ranging from conducting in-depth research on Kurdish issues to organizing conferences and events. The institute is a prolific publisher of reports and articles, providing valuable insights into the complexities of Kurdish culture, history, and contemporary challenges. Additionally, WKI plays a pivotal role in advocating for Kurdish rights on both the domestic and international fronts, engaging with the U.S. government and various international entities.

Key initiatives

WKI has emerged as a leading voice in the global Kurdish community, serving as a valuable resource for information on various Kurdish issues. Some of its key initiatives include:

• Educational outreach: The institute educates the public on Kurdish culture, history, and news through initiatives such as Kurdish language classes, the production of Kurdish-related news, and dissemination of other relevant information.
• Humanitarian activities: WKI actively engages in humanitarian efforts, providing crucial support through medical treatment, research, and training to address the needs of the Kurdish population.
• Campaign against chemical weapons: The institute campaigns against the possession, proliferation, and use of chemical weapons, working towards a safer and more secure environment for the people of Kurdistan.
• Environmental advocacy: WKI is committed to monitoring and improving Kurdistan’s environmental health, recognizing the importance of sustainable practices for the well-being of the region.
• Capacity building: The institute focuses on building and improving the capacity of non-governmental organizations, civic organizations, and community groups in Kurdistan, fostering a stronger and more resilient civil society.

Origins

The idea for establishing WKI sprang from Dr. Karim’s extensive experience leading the Kurdish National Congress of North America. Driven by a passion for the Kurdish cause, he founded the WKI to create a platform that could effectively address the multifaceted challenges faced by the Kurdish community.

The distinctive aspect of WKI lies in its non-partisan approach to the Kurdish issue, encompassing all four regions of Kurdistan. The institute places a central focus on the security and existence of Kurdistan, emphasizing a comprehensive perspective. Notably, WKI has welcomed numerous Kurdish leaders from different parts of Kurdistan.

Dr. Karim, in his role as the head of WKI, played a pivotal role in facilitating the peace accords between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan in 1999. Before this significant achievement, Dr. Karim’s work at WKI served as a foundational element in establishing the Voice of America-Kurdish service.

Furthermore, Dr. Karim orchestrated a series of conferences and meetings at WKI, where distinguished guests, including U.S. diplomats, congress members, Kurdish leaders, and media outlets, convened. These events effectively echoed the enduring struggle of the Kurdish nation, showcasing the institute’s commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding on a global scale.

Until his passing, Dr. Karim dedicated himself tirelessly to overseeing WKI’s operations. His commitment was evident, notably in organizing a substantial conference on Capitol Hill in 2019, where three U.S. senators were hosted.

In March 2021, the board members unanimously elected Sierwan Najmaldin Karim as the new president of WKI, ensuring the continuation of his father’s legacy and work. Since assuming this role, Sierwan has been instrumental in hosting numerous events, welcoming Kurdish representatives, and uniting the Kurdish voice in Washington. Currently, he is at the forefront of leading WKI’s team towards new initiatives, including the production of weekly visual reports on Kurdistan and topics related to the disputed territories.

Speaking with Kurdistan Chronicle, he shared the following: “Since its founding in 1996 by my late father, Dr. Najmaldin Karim, the WKI has been a steadfast advocate for Kurds across Kurdistan, championing their cultural, political, and human rights with a non-partisan approach. We take pride in raising awareness for a stateless nation enduring a century of attacks. Serving as a vital hub, WKI provides updates, news, and reports on Kurdistan, reaching thousands worldwide. Building on Dr. Najmaldin's legacy, we continue to thrive, hosting leaders from all parts of Kurdistan in recent years. I frequently visit Kurdistan to connect with leaders and citizens, gaining insights into their challenges.”

As a beacon of advocacy and education, the Washington Kurdish Institute stands as a dedicated entity working tirelessly to amplify the Kurdish voice. Through its research, publications, events, and advocacy efforts, WKI continues to play a crucial role in shaping global perspectives on Kurdish issues and contributing to the betterment of Kurdistan’s society.