Nechirvan Barzani: Youth represent hope and pride for everyone

ARK News.. Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani called on graduates of the University of Kurdistan – Erbil to dedicate their efforts to advancing education in their homeland and to actively contribute to the progress of Kurdistan.
Delivering a speech on Thursday, October 30, 2025, during the 15th graduation ceremony of the university in Erbil, President Barzani congratulated the graduates and their families, emphasizing that youth represent hope and pride for everyone. He noted that despite the challenges faced in previous years, Kurdistan has achieved significant progress.
Barzani highlighted that a clear vision for the future and a strong will have helped lay the foundations for education and intellectual development, though he underlined that Kurdistan’s journey toward progress is still ongoing.
He stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive educational system capable of adapting to the needs of the modern era — one that focuses on critical thinking, principles, and intellectual foundations, rather than merely obtaining degrees.
Offering advice to the new generation, the Kurdistan Region President urged students to think critically, ask questions, and conduct research, describing an enlightened mind as the cornerstone of any advanced society. “A progressive society,” he said, “can engage in critique, reform, and reconstruction.”
Regarding universities, Barzani underscored their role as engines of progress and beacons of rational thought and knowledge, emphasizing that education and science form the foundation of Kurdistan’s future.
He further stated that, after enduring significant hardships and crises in recent years, the people of Kurdistan have gained valuable experience and are now better equipped to prioritize and strengthen the education sector.
President Barzani concluded his address with a message to the graduates:
“Start now, with all your capabilities, to advance education in your country and contribute to the path of Kurdistan’s progress.”
The ceremony celebrated the graduation of 526 students, bringing the total number of university graduates to 3,125 since its establishment.

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