Areen Masrour Barzani wins 2026 Global Recognition Award

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Areen Masrour Barzani, founder of the Kurdistan Foundation, has received the 2026 Global Recognition Award (GRA) for leading work in youth participation, education, and community service, a statement from the award committee said. 

Areen Barzani was awarded for “leading work in youth participation, education, environmental responsibility, cultural access, and community service, demonstrating exceptional achievement in Leadership,” the statement said. 

The award was specifically issued for his work with Kurdistan Foundation, in his capacity as its founder. The Kurdistan Foundation is a nonprofit non-governmental organization seeking to provide greater services and opportunities for the Kurdistan Region’s youth, as well as preserving and promoting Kurdish culture. 

“His work through the Kurdistan Foundation links regional priorities to programs that help people build skills, seek employment, volunteer, and participate in civic life. Barzani received this recognition because the foundation’s reported outcomes show leadership focused on community needs and sustained public service,” the statement added. 

It further lauded his leadership as having “connected stated aims with programs that have clear purposes.” 

“Barzani has linked plans for Kurdistan’s future to projects that address practical concerns for young people, job seekers, educators, and underserved groups,” the statement read. 

Kurdistan Foundation brings several entities under one umbrella and aims to contribute to the empowerment and advancement of the Kurdistan Region through equipping the youth with essential skills and capacities and facilitating job opportunities.

It has trained over 29,000 people, supported more than 35,000 job applicants, reported 25,000 volunteers, and completed over 41,000 service hours, according to the GRA statement. 

“Areen Masrour Barzani has earned this recognition because he combines clear direction with practical service, creating systems that help young people, communities, and vulnerable groups take part in Kurdistan’s future,” said Alex Sterling, a spokesperson for Global Recognition Awards.

Areen Barzani also serves as the head of the Kurdistan Region’s Gulf Cooperation Council unit and has worked to strengthen key relations with the Gulf countries.