On December 11, 2024, the International Relations and Diplomacy and Law Departments at Tishk International University, in collaboration with the Stop Organization, organized a “National Workshop on Assessing the KRG Anti-Corruption Strategy Plan for 2021-2025.” The workshop aimed to enlighten participants about the dangers of corruption and the efforts being made by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to combat it through its strategic anti-corruption plan.

A Focus on Strategy and Transparency

The workshop was organized to celebrate this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day and is in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions. Mr. Badr Mohamad Taher served as the moderator and gave the welcome address. The event featured two distinguished speakers:

  • Asst. Prof. Dr. Adnan Abdullah Rashid, Director General of the Office of Prevention and Transparency of the Board of Corruption, Kurdistan Regional Government. He explained the KRG Anti-Corruption Strategy Plan for 2021-2025 and the positive achievements it has had on the socio-economic development of the Kurdistan Region and its international image.
  • Mr. Farman Rashad Aziz, Board Coordinator of Stop Monitoring and Development and Member of the Secretariat of the Iraqi Corruption System – Transparency International. He took the participants through the efforts and contributions of the Stop Organization in the fight against corruption in the Kurdistan Region.

Recommendations and Recognition

The workshop was attended by about 35 participants, including Tishk International University staff, students, and policymakers. It enabled participants to understand the causes and negative effects of corruption on all aspects of societal life, from education and health to the economy and security. The speakers concluded the workshop with the following key recommendations:

  • Strengthening the institutions responsible for the fight against corruption.
  • Strengthening the legal framework for the fight against corruption.
  • Enlightening members of the public about the dangers of corruption.
  • Imposing severe punishment for perpetrators of corrupt acts.
  • Strict observance of the Rule of Law.

The event concluded with a Certificate of Appreciation ceremony. Prof. Dr. Huseyin Mohammed Balisani, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Dr. Mohammad Salih Mustafa, Head of the International Relations and Diplomacy Department, issued certificates to the distinguished speakers and moderator in recognition of their valuable contributions.

Keywords: Anti-Corruption, KRG, Stop Organization, International Relations and Diplomacy, Law, SDG 16, Governance, Transparency, Rule of Law, Workshop