Leaders from government, business, and civil society convene every year at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to discuss current global challenges and develop a unified approach to overcoming them. The 54th annual forum is scheduled to occur January 15-19, 2024, and is centered around the theme of “Rebuilding Trust.”
This event will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, and 1,000 of the forum’s partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets. Among them are Kurdish leaders who represent the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and share a commitment to collective efforts in the face of pressing global challenges.
Climate and biodiversity crises, artificial intelligence, the war in Ukraine, and concerns over cost of living are among the main topics that world leaders will discuss this year.
Like last year, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani is leading the Kurdistan Region delegation to the 2024 WEF, where he will once again engage with world political leaders, business people, and leaders of non-governmental organizations during the five-day event to discuss his government’s commitment to economic diversification through developing sectors including agriculture and industry.
Kurdistan’s engagement in global discussions
Since 1988, the Swiss ski resort of Davos has hosted an annual convergence of global leaders, providing a crucial international space for discussions spanning the realms of the global economy, politics, education, and social and environmental issues.
Over the years, the Kurdistan Region has strategically utilized the Davos platform to articulate its increasing commitment to fostering global security. This commitment is manifested through active participation in humanitarian efforts and the promotion of peacebuilding initiatives, particularly in regions marred by conflict.
The Kurdistan Region’s presence at Davos is particularly noteworthy given its tumultuous recent history. Despite the challenges, the region persists in evolving as a significant player in international politics. This evolution is evident through its diplomatic engagements and the cultivation of robust regional relationships, underscoring its growing influence on the global stage.
Where Kurdistan stands
Over the past decade, the Kurdistan Region has consolidated its position in regional and international diplomacy, especially since its remarkable role in spearheading the war against ISIS. Throughout the war, Kurdish peshmerga forces sacrificed over 1,000 brave warriors but saved millions of lives.
This chapter of Kurdish history renewed discussion among world and regional powers about the necessity of supporting the Kurds to maintain their momentum in anti-terrorism efforts. Meanwhile, the hospitality of the Kurdistan Region toward nearly two million refugees and internally displaced persons underlined the importance of their respected seat at the international table.
The Kurdistan Region has also demonstrated unwavering commitment to democratic principles, even in the face of numerous challenges that emerged since 2003, when it achieved autonomy within Iraq’s federal structure following the downfall of Saddam Hussein’s Ba’ath regime. Since then, the region has not only emerged as a beacon of hope but has also played a crucial role in fostering stability and economic prosperity in Iraq and the broader Middle East.
The establishment of a no-fly zone over the Kurdistan Region, as mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 688 on April 5, 1991, served as a foundational moment for Kurdish autonomy. Since then, the region has consistently held successful democratic elections characterized by the peaceful participation of multiple political parties.
Simultaneously, the KRG has taken proactive measures to accelerate economic development. This includes substantial investment in infrastructure projects such as airports and roads, comprehensive reforms within the peshmerga, the establishment of world-class universities, and the institutionalization of the government. These initiatives collectively aim to enhance living standards within the region while actively attracting foreign investment.
Kurdistan at the 2023 WEF
During the 2023 WEF, Prime Minister Barzani met with scores of leaders from around the world, including the United States, UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Greece, Poland, Austria, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman.
His discussions, including those with business leaders and private sector representatives, revolved around enhancing economic ties between the Kurdistan Region and various nations across the Middle East, Europe, and the globe. The focal point of these talks was not only the development of robust economic relations but also effective collaboration in other areas of potential cooperation. The emphasis was on promoting stability within Iraq while concurrently advancing shared development objectives through strategic investments in infrastructure projects and collaborative ventures that would yield mutual benefits.
Overall, the Kurdistan Region’s participation in the WEF demonstrates Erbil’s commitment to securing a firm foothold in regional and international diplomacy. The Kurdistan Region has repeatedly asserted that it seeks to be part of the solution in the region, not part of the problem.
Upon his departure form Davos last year, Prime Minister Barzani wrote on his official X feed: “Thank you for another productive forum #wef23. We’ll report our progress next year.” He is expected to return to the Swiss resort to bring forth a range of topics for extended discussions with international partners, aiming to elevate cooperation to new heights.
