ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Saturday urged newly graduated students to lead economic and institutional development during a graduation ceremony at the American University in Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS).
"Our future is not determined solely by natural resources. True wealth is not oil and underground resources. True wealth today is your minds and initiatives," President Barzani told the 288 graduates during the 15th graduation ceremony.
According to the United Nations’ Iraq Annual Results Report 2025, more than 60 percent of Iraq’s population is under the age of 25, while 40 percent is under 15.
President Barzani highlighted the shifting challenges facing the Kurdish youth, noting that while previous generations fought to protect the Region, the current generation must focus on building a productive economy and making institutions more efficient.
He also urged the graduates to foster social cohesion and view their differences as an asset.
"Differences in opinions and thoughts should not lead to separation. Our strength lies in diversity, not in uniformity. Iraq and Kurdistan need a generation that turns diversity into a source of strength," he added.
For his part, AUIS President Bilal Wahab said Iraq and the Kurdistan Region need more than people with academic degrees, stressing the importance of critical thinking, collaboration and practical skills.
“God knows Iraq and Kurdistan do not simply need more people with degrees. What they need, what we need, are educated people who can think clearly, work across differences, build rather than just criticize, and bring competence, honesty, imagination, and again, service in whatever you do,” Wahab said.
Reflecting on the Region's turbulent history, the president reminded the audience of their capacity to overcome systemic challenges. "The experience of the people of Kurdistan has taught us that no matter how difficult reality is, it is not an unchangeable fate. There was a time in this homeland when even thinking about today's reality seemed like a fantasy," Barzani stated.
The ceremony also featured remarks from International Finance Corporation (IFC) Vice President Elena Bourganskaia, who advised the graduates to remain adaptable and open-minded in their professional lives.
"What's important is that you all stay alert to the opportunities life will provide to you, regardless of your plans. Even if those opportunities may at first sight seem to be challenges," Bourganskaia said.
