The Kurdistan Region of Iraq, represented by the Office of Initiatives and Communications (OIC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar Foundation on Saturday, aimed at developing youth skills in the region and implementing mutually beneficial joint projects.

During an event held in Erbil, the Office of Initiatives and Communications celebrated the graduation of 4,200 young men and women from various parts of the Kurdistan Region, following their completion of an intensive six-month training program named "Step Up."

The conference was highlighted by the signing of an MoU with Qatar Foundation, which was the crowning achievement of the event.

The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in developing the skills of Kurdish youth, supporting university students, and implementing joint projects that benefit both the Kurdistan Region and Qatar. 

The MoU was signed by the Director of the Office of Initiatives and Communications in the Kurdistan Region, Hemin Lihony, and the representative of Qatar Foundation, Fatima El Mahdi, under the auspices of the Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan Region, Rebar Ahmed, and the Qatari Consul General in Erbil, Hussein Bin Ali al-Fadala.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed Saturday between #Qatar Foundation and the Office of Initiatives and Communications in #Erbil.#TheNewRegion pic.twitter.com/4jOXfh5pGh

— The New Region (@thenewregion) July 13, 2024

"Our office has been dedicated to empowering Kurdish youth, following Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's vision for active youth participation," said Hemin Lihony. "We recently celebrated the graduation of a group of young people who completed a six-month course designed to enhance their skills and build self-confidence." 

"We are excited to sign an MoU with the Qatar Foundation, marking the start of joint training programs for our youth," Lihony continued. "This partnership will also introduce the United Nations model for university students in the Kurdistan Region, something we’ve seen successfully implemented in countries like Singapore and the United States." 

Lihony also highlighted the broader benefits of the collaboration. "Our relationship with Qatar is getting stronger through joint economic initiatives, such as the export of local goods to Qatar and the upcoming economic forum. The recent opening of the Qatari Consulate General in Erbil is a testament to our commitment to intellectual investment and human resource development."

The conference saw a distinguished presence of 15 guests from Qatar, along with representatives from the Initiatives and Communications Office and Qatar Foundation, as well as diplomats and government officials. 

The event is part of the Kurdistan Regional Government's efforts to develop the capabilities of the youth, invest in their potential, and enhance cooperation with leading international institutions in the field of human development.

Kurdistan Region Minister of Interior Rebar Ahmed emphasized the ninth cabinet's unwavering support for youth and their projects since the commencement of the cabinet's term.  

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the Region's first youth training course, Ahmed stated, "Supporting youth and developing their capabilities has been a priority for the government, proven practically on the ground." 

He reassured that despite numerous crises, the government has consistently backed financial projects benefiting Kurdish youth.

Addressing the graduates, Ahmed asserted, "The future of this country is in your hands. You must have genuine participation in building a stronger economic and political infrastructure for the Kurdistan Region." 

He encouraged the youth to face challenges with "greater intelligence and awareness" and to remain part of the Region's successes without getting discouraged. 

Highlighting the Region's stability and job opportunities, Ahmed noted, "There is no justification for claiming a lack of job opportunities," urging the youth to find and seize these opportunities for a brighter future.

Qatar's Consul General in Erbil, Hussein Bin Ali al-Fadala, highlighted that success requires significant effort and overcoming challenges demands increased coordination, noting that the KRG has been working on this.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, al-Fadala mentioned that "the KRG has formed a strategic partnership in this context." 

He encouraged the youth to take advantage of these opportunities and developments to achieve their dreams, expressing his hope that this project will become "a major step and achieve bigger goals."

In an exclusive interview with The New Region, Fatima El Mahdi, representative of the Qatar Foundation, explained the significance of the MoU and shed light on what could be expected in the near furture. 

#Exclusive interview with #Qatar Foundation representative Fatima El Mahdi, explaining the significance of the program and the relationship with the #Kurdistan Region.#TheNewRegion pic.twitter.com/lZdNcHiYIc

— The New Region (@thenewregion) July 13, 2024

"Our ambition is to create self-contained, self-replicating, customized opportunities for Kurdistani youth," El Mahdi said. "We can definitely expect a model United Nations in Kurdish language to be created for the first time ever"

The New Region also spoke with Peshawa Ahmed, director of the "Step Up" program, who shared his experience in managing the initiative. 

#Exclusive interview with STEP UP program director Peshawa Ahmed discussing his experience and managing the program.#TheNewRegion pic.twitter.com/BRfLKLnOr3

— The New Region (@thenewregion) July 13, 2024

"More than 4000 people participated in the six-month program, as we taught them problem solving, critical thinking, most importantly we taught them how they should have a sense of belonging," Ahmed said. "These youth can do a lot for their communities, their country, themsleves and their families."