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Testimony
Jeffrey D. Feltman
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs
Washington, DC
November 9, 2011
The first World Kurdish Congress (WKC2011) will be held in Amsterdam (7-9, October 2011). It is organized by the WKC Founding Committee members to unify Kurdish and non-Kurdish academic and professionals, well known personalities and businessmen in order to participate actively in the rehabilitation, reconstruction and development process of Kurdish society.
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There is a growing international awareness among the Kurds and non-Kurds for the need to create a global Kurdish scientific network aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the people in Kurdistan. The World Kurdish Congress as a network which is developing to become a worldwide forum for the Kurdish researchers and professionals with the vision of providing better life quality in Kurdistan. Kurdish and non-Kurdish academic and professional eligible are encouraged to join the association.
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There are several millions Kurds living abroad, mainly in Europe and North America, but other parts of the world, as well. Since World War I, the Kurdish people have been forced to migrate due to the lack of freedom and discrimination imposed by the central governments. For decades the Kurdish people have struggled for recognition of their basic human rights, and now for the first time are drawing international attention to their cause due to the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government, the continuous tension in northern Kurdistan and a new approach to raise the issue. These factors and the recent waves of changes in the Middle East and North Africa have created a source of inspiration that strengthens and harmonize Kurdish efforts for the future of Kurdistan.
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In focusing on the international and regional politics, economy and social relations, there are a number of factors vital to the development of our society. These include but are not necessarily limited to: political economy of a Kurdish state; the strategy of the Kurds; the Kurdish development plan and policy, management, skill and technology transfer; human resources and capacity to build and establish and operate institutions like a National Research Institute, political, organizational and technological capability, reconstruction and sustainable development, natural resources and their utilization for industrial development. In addition, development of health, education, legal, equality and democracy issues, establishment of a legal team to deal with issues such as Anfal, Halabja, Landmine, self-determination and defense of political prisoners and activists regardless of their location.
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In many of the abovementioned areas, there is a mismatch between our available resources and those required for a successful transformation, as well as several equally important factors such as good governance, transparency, accountability and security.
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A strong and able Kurdish scientific network supported by the business community will enable the identification of weaknesses and strengths in each area. Based on this, we can propose measures and reforms to strengthen the region’s development and potential growth. Optimal development and evidence of transparency, accountability and the ability to self-
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govern effectively will gradually justify our demands for increased self-governance and the formation of an independent nation.
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In the past years, several scientists have tried to establish networks in order to mobilize research resources to provide scientific research and promote public awareness about the national needs of the Kurdish people. There are several thousand Kurdish scientists who have Ph.D. degrees or are professors and actively engaged in various universities and research centers outside of Kurdistan. It is perceived to be a major concern for the Kurdish scientists to establish a network with an annual meeting as a non-profit, non-partisan and non-political organization established by Kurdish academics and scientists to develop and promote science and development in Kurdistan through the following activities:
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Identifying and establishing a multidisciplinary network among Kurdish and non-Kurdish scientists, prominent businessmen and throughout the cultural community
Promoting public awareness about Kurdish issues by writing articles in nationally and globally distributed mass media
Providing opportunities for interaction and close cooperation among Kurdish researchers and the business community
To actively participate in the formation of institutions and the capacity of individuals with regard to governance and international relations
Advancing awareness about national and international relations among decision makers in different countries for Kurdish human rights and national identity
Organizing a world congress and symposium, workshop and presenting popular scientific seminars for the Kurdish people both in Kurdistan and abroad
To serve as a link between the business community and government and provide professional advice on issues of vital national interest – in particular matters of international law and politics
Through various channels, to promote capacity building in different areas both inside and outside Kurdistan
Form an academic and politically independent committee to provide the leadership in Kurdistan with a long-term strategy of studies for Kurds and Kurdistan (a ‘Think Tank’ type committee)
Form an academic and politically independent committee to provide the leadership in Kurdistan with long-term business and development strategies for Kurdistan
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The current purpose is to transform the ideas and knowledge generated from research and practice of many Kurdish and non-Kurdish scientists in order to bring global recognition to Kurdistan as a nation that want to progress and become an active part of the modern society.
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Although large efforts and investment are made to rebuild Kurdistan, there are much more needed to achieve the targets. Therefore, priority must be given to implement modern education system, research and other necessary reforms in many public service sectors. In this process, the structural problems should be revealed, exposed and the intended ideas or projects should be evaluated or studied carefully to draw a logical conclusion for the best outcomes.
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Independent commissions should be formed continuously as a means of quality control to preserve knowledge, to avoid poor quality performance and to create a better decision-making ground for the regional government. Of particular interest are, inquiries in terms of the interaction of the reconstruction and development programs and scientific community to assess, exchange information and knowledge obtained from earlier experiences of similar projects elsewhere.
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The first World Kurdish Congress (WKC2011) invites researchers and professionals abroad and inside Kurdistan, government representatives, public authorities and private investors to submit abstracts and development projects in various disciplines aimed at the reconstruction and rebuilding of the region. These include evaluation and support of science and education, increasing public awareness of science policy and technology, fostering links and cooperation between science and industry and promoting health, education, human capacity, development infrastructure, economic development, welfare and social policy in general.
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WKC2011 requests to receive abstracts and full papers for the 1st World Congress. Papers that address several interrelated topics of the Kurdish society will be given preferential attention. All proposals shall be reviewed and selected by the association’s scientific committee. We are looking forward to your participation in the WKC2011, in Amsterdam - Netherlands on October 7-9th, 2011.
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For More detail information please see our website or contact the secretariat at: Website: http://www.kurdishcongress.org E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Call for Papers
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You are invited to submit abstracts of 250-300 words in English for presentation at the 1st World Kurdish Congress to be held on October 7-9 at Amsterdam. The abstract should clearly state the objectives, theory, methods and data used, expected results and conclusions. Papers will be presented to a broad audience with diverse background, interests and disciplines. We are seeking presentations that focus on the practical importance of issues and problems discussed in such way that are relevant to the Kurdistan society. It should promote progress and contribute to Kurdistan as a nation for a better life. Submission as attachment may be made to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and before 20th June 2011. Submissions will be acknowledged within 1 week. Each submission should include a separate title page. The title page should include:
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title of the submission
two or three keywords that describe the areas of research submitted
name(s) of the author(s)
department(s) and affiliation(s)
mailing address(es)
e-mail address(es)
phone number(s)
corresponding author, if different than lead author
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Correspondence regarding the receipt of submission will be made by email unless otherwise requested. Submissions will only be published in the conference proceedings after it is accepted by the scientific committee; and if at least one of the authors registered and attended the conference.
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A number of papers will be selected for oral presentation. Each will have 20 minutes to be presented with a 10 minute discussion with the audience. A chairperson will monitor the discussion. The rest of submitted papers, if suitable, will be accepted as poster.
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We are inviting individuals with extensive research and editorial experience to apply to join the scientific committee. In order to make a decision regarding their participation the candidates are urged to send us a list of their most important referred publications.
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The preliminary program will be distributed at the end of June 2011 and will provide complete information concerning the Conference venue, registration, hotel accommodation forms and social program with cultural classic high quality Kurdish music.
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Contact details:
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Fax: + 46 8 745 00 02
Tel. +46 70 453 90 70
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Mailing address:
World Kurdish Congress
Box 7196
SE-103 88 Stockholm - Sweden
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Timetable
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April 2011, First announcement and call for papers
June 21, 2011, Deadline for abstracts of papers
July 30, 2011, Authors notified of decision for paper acceptance
July 30, 2011, Preliminary program and registration
August 2011, Book of abstract and conference program
October 2011, Completed manuscript to the conference secretariat
February 2012, proceeding book will be send to all participants with call for paper for the 2nd WKC in 2012
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Objectives of the Conference
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The aim of 1st WKC congress is to provide a highly visible forum for researchers and decision-makers as well as businessmen playing a key role in different fields to discuss and review different projects for the development and progress of Kurdistan, the conference will provide a forum for establishing new contacts among people working on research and development of industry, healthcare, education, public institutions and other related fields.
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Kurdistan Regional Government along with other Kurdish officials and business personalities are invited to attend the conference. Foreign businessmen and companies attending the conference will be provided a list of projects covering oil and gas, power and electricity, water and waste, banking, communications, construction, education, and health care sectors.
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Language: Language of presentation at the conference is English. If resources are available simultaneous translation to Kurdish will be provided.
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The founding members of World Kurdish Congress (WKC)
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Lord Eric Avebury, House of Lords, UK
Lord Nigel Crisp, House of Lords, UK
Dr. Carol Prunhuber, Ph.D. Journalist and Writer, - USA
Prof. Alan Dilani, Ph.D. Architect/ Public Health, Stockholm-Sweden
Prof. Almas Heshmati, Ph.D. Economics, Seoul-Korea
Mr. Chia Madani, M.Sc. Computer Science, Stockholm- Sweden
Dr. Saman Shali, CEO Telecom, Arbil-Kurdistan
Dr. Kajal Rahmani, Harvard University, Ph.D. Art and Science, Boston-USA
Ms. Chemen Bajalan, LLM in Human Rights, Kiffri-Kurdistan Region of Iraq
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Preliminary list of invited speakers with First World Kurdish Congress WKC 2011, Amsterdam 7-9 October, 2011
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Dr. Dlawer Aladdin Kurdistan Regional Government, Higher Education and Research (not confirmed)
Dr. Ali Sindi Minister of Planning, Kurdistan Regional Government, Progress and Prosperity in Kurdistan (not confirmed)
Professor Peter Herrmann (FINLAND), Kurds and Globalization
Professor Amir Hassanpour (Canada) Political Science, The future of Kurdistan and Meddle East
Professor Almas Heshmati (Korea), The Economic Development of Kurdistan
Professor Alan Dilani (Sweden), The Search for Healthy Society in Kurdistan
Dr. Carol Prunhuber (USA), The Impact of Media on the Recognition of Kurdish Human Rights
Professor Hemin Koyi (Sweden), Oil and Gas in Kurdistan, source of development and prosperity!
Mr. Mazhar Khaleghi (UK), Kurdish Culture as Identity and History of Kurdish People (not confirmed
Dr Soheila Ghaderi-Mameli (France), The Role of the Women in the Kurdish struggle for Freedom
Dr Rang Shawis, Medical Science (UK), The Experiences of Medical Treatment in Kurdistan
Dr. Mohammed Mochtar, Vice President of Salahaddin University (Kurdistan), Higher Education in Kurdistan
Dr. Ali Saeed Mohammad, President of Suleimany University (Kurdistan), Higher Education in Kurdistan (not confirmed)
Dr. Asmat Khalid, President of Duhok University (Kurdistan), Higher Education in Kurdistan (not confirmed)
Dr. Muslih Hamad, President of Soran University (Kurdistan), Higher Education in Kurdistan (not confirmed)
Mr Taha Barwary (Sweden,) The Experience of Nordic Countries as Representative of KRG, Challenges and Possibilities
Mrs Kathryn Cameron Porter (USA), Leadership Council for Human Rights, Kurds and Human Rights
Dr. Prasad Godbole (UK), Medical Director, Pioneer Healthcare, Experience with Kurdistan
Dr Abdullah Saeed Abdullah (Kurdistan), Challenges with Healthcare system in Kurdistan,
Professor Abdulbaghi Ahmad (Sweden), Child and Adolescent Health and wellbeing in Kurdistan (not confirmed)
Dr Saman Shali (Kurdistan), The title will be confirmed later
Professor Arno Tausch (Austria), Globalization, Migration and Social Cohesion of Kurds
Professor Dr. Sirvan Baban, President of University of Kurdistan Hawler, (not confirmed)
Dr Pary Karadaghi, Kurdish Human Rights Watch, (KHRW) - (The title will be confirmed later)
Dr Kamal Artin, Kurdish National Congress, North America, KNC-NA (The title will be confirmed later)
• Writer:World Kurdish Congress