Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Kurdistan participated in the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) annual conference, held from April 21-24, 2026, in Brighton, UK. The conference brought together thousands of educators, researchers, teacher trainers, and academic administrators from around the globe.

The TESOL Kurdistan session was attended by senior representatives from the Ministries of Education of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as representatives from the British Council in Iraq and Oxford University Press.

Marwan Abdi, Founder and Executive Director of TESOL Kurdistan, represented the organization at the conference. As he explained to Kurdistan Chronicle, “this conference provided us with a valuable platform to showcase our initiatives and connect with educators worldwide. It’s crucial for us to share our experiences and learn from others.” He emphasized that TESOL Kurdistan utilized this opportunity to engage in professional exchange, network, and share innovative practices in English language teaching, as well as to reconnect with fellow IATEFL associate members from more than 80 countries worldwide.

Abdi highlighted that this year’s participation was particularly significant. “Despite the challenges we face in our region, our presence at IATEFL demonstrates our commitment to advancing English language teaching,” he noted. Despite ongoing regional instability and the challenges associated with a post-conflict context, the delegation successfully attended IATEFL. While the association was unable to participate in the TESOL International Convention in the United States earlier in the year, it nevertheless managed – under challenging circumstances – to represent the Kurdistan Region at this major global gathering in the UK. 

TESOL Kurdistan made a meaningful contribution to the conference through its participation in the IATEFL Leadership and Management Special Interest Group. During this session, Abdi delivered a presentation entitled “Sustaining ELT Leadership in Under-Resourced and Post-Conflict Contexts: Lessons from the Kurdistan Region.” 

The presentation explored the realities faced by English language educators in the Kurdistan Region, including challenges such as limited institutional resources, teacher burnout, and difficulties in staff retention. It also highlighted practical leadership strategies developed within the region, such as mentoring networks, professional development initiatives, international collaborations, and the creation of supportive communities of practice.

 “Our efforts are a testament to the dedication of Kurdish educators who strive to overcome challenges and create impactful learning experiences,” Abdi added. “Participation in this international forum reflects the growing recognition of TESOL Kurdistan within the global ELT community and its commitment to fostering inclusive and collaborative professional networks.”

Established in 1967 and based in the UK, IATEFL is one of the most prestigious international organizations dedicated to advancing English language teaching and supporting professional development worldwide.