ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday spoke at the annual TEDxNishtiman event in Erbil, highlighting the successes of the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) landmark electricity initiative, the Runaki Project. 

The project, announced by the Kurdish premier in October 2024, seeks to supply round-the-clock electricity to the entire Kurdistan Region by 2026, with nearly 4 million citizens currently enjoying the benefits of the initiative.

"No one believed that we could, in such a short time, provide 24-hour electricity to the Kurdistan Region," Barzani told the audience, noting that all city centers in the Region are now covered by the Runaki Project.

The premier also contrasted the project's successes in Kurdistan with the sluggishness of similar initiatives in the rest of Iraq, saying that the federal government "has provided over 200 billion dollars for 24-hour electricity, but they are still unable to do that."

Barzani in August asserted the KRG's willingness to assist other Iraqi provinces to reach "the same achievements" as those of the Runaki Project in the Kurdistan Region.

He noted that Halabja has become the first province in the country to offer 24-hour electricity to all its citizens, with a KRG statement in late August noting that over 3,200 private generators have been made redundant as a direct result of the project, offering tangible environmental benefits to the Region. The KRG aims to put more than 7,000 private generators to rest by the end of 2026 as a result of the program.

The prime minister also discussed the ongoing campaigning for Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections during the event, calling for parties and candidates to campaign in a "civilized manner" and urging citizens to vote for "those who care about the people... and who can serve them well."

He further called on Kurdish youth to believe in themselves and love their country, asserting that his government has "paved the way for young people to come and serve and have a hand in rebuilding their country."

Barzani also emphasized that the government has been working to diversify the Region’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil and gas. He said these efforts have led to the export of domestically produced goods, particularly agricultural products, to other countries and will continue in the future.

He further highlighted the government’s efforts to address water shortages in the region, particularly in recent years, by constructing dams and reducing reliance on groundwater.

"With the great work of our engineers, we have been able to launch the largest project in Iraq, and we have recently succeeded in transferring water from the Great Zab to Erbil," the premier said.

He noted that the second phase of the project is underway and will soon bring water to the cities neighboring Erbil.

He emphasized the government’s efforts in road construction and renovation to ease transportation for residents and reduce traffic incidents, noting that the projects are being implemented in line with international standards.

The premier added that improving the banking system, in cooperation with the Iraqi federal bank, has also been on the government’s agenda to better serve the public.

TEDxNishtiman is the largest TEDx event in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, namely, "a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience," according to its website. The 2025 iteration of the event was held under the title 'The Next Wave.'

Updated at 18:01 with additional information from Prime Minister Barzani's speech