Each year, top international decision-makers from governments, businesses, and civil society organizations gather in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum (WEF). This global event provides leaders with a platform to address pressing global issues and set priorities for the year ahead.
This year, participants convened under the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” focusing on key topics such as rebuilding trust, reimagining growth, safeguarding the planet, industries in the intelligent age, and investing in people.
Among the leaders participating in the forum was Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, accompanied by a delegation including government officials and leading Kurdish investors. While in Davos, Prime Minister Barzani engaged in high-level discussions aimed at enhancing trade and investment in the Kurdistan Region.
Opening of Kurdistan House
Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Barzani marked a significant event: the opening of Kurdistan House in Davos, a space dedicated to showcasing the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, highlighting investment opportunities, and promoting discussions on economic growth.
“I am pleased this is the second year that Kurdistan House is participating in the World Economic Forum in Davos. I hope Kurdistan becomes a gateway for Iraq and the region for economic development,” Prime Minister Barzani stated at the opening ceremony, which was also attended by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid.
“If we can play a positive role in enhancing the stability and security of the region, we will certainly not hesitate,” the Kurdish leader added.
As the Kurdistan House works to consolidate its place as a hub for investment dialogue and economic diplomacy, the venue hosted several roundtable discussions, interviews, and meetings that allowed local and international investors to explore future partnerships.
Regional politics, economy top the agenda
During separate meetings with heads of states and senior government officials from around the world, Prime Minister Barzani discussed regional developments after the fall of the Assad regime in Syria and the evolving situation there. He also reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s readiness to play an active role in ensuring stability and peace throughout the entire region. Additionally, he highlighted Kurdistan’s investment potential, offering an overview of the economic landscape in Kurdistan and how foreign direct investment could mutually benefit both investors and Kurdistan.
Below is a list of the world leaders and government officials with whom Prime Minister Barzani met on the sidelines of the 55th World Economic Forum in Davos:
Abdul Latif Rashid, President of Iraq
Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium
Andrej Plenkoviċ, Prime Minister of Croatia
Antoónio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United NationsUN
Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands
Hussein Bin Abdullah, Crown Prince of Jordan
IIham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar
Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria
Eduard Heger, Former Prime Minister of Slovakia
Jan Lipavsky, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France
Khalid al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia
Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce of Saudi Arabia
Mohammad Javad Zarif, Vice President for Strategic Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Mohammad al-Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs of the UAE
Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, Vice President of the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen
Bahrain’s delegation, led by Sheikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa
John Kerry, Former Secretary of State of the United States
Marc Jost, Member of the National Council of Switzerland
Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of the GCC Region, DP World
Anant Maheshwari, President and CEO of Global Regions, Honeywell
Badr Jafar, CEO, Crescent Enterprises
Jared Cohen, President of Global Affairs, Goldman Sachs
Jurgen Rigterink, First Vice President, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Khalid Muhammad al-Zubair, Chairman, Ominvest
Ling Hai, President of Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Mastercard
Nick Studer, CEO, Oliver Wyman
Peter Orszag, CEO and Chairman, Lazard Group
Richard Hall, CEO, Dana Gas
Shamsheer Vayali, Founder and Chairman, Burjeel Holdings
Kurdistan’s active participation in the WEF highlights its growing role in international economic and political discussions. Through engagements with world leaders, government officials, and global investors, Prime Minister Barzani has positioned Kurdistan as a key player in regional stability and economic development with an eye towards an even stronger role in the future.
Sardar Sattar is a translator and journalist based in the Kurdistan Region. He has translated several books and political literature into Kurdish and English. He writes regularly for local and international newspapers and journals.
