Tishk International University Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, International Relations and Diplomacy Department organized a workshop on “Peacebuilding approaches in the KRI”, conducted on January 31st, 2021, in the Faculty of Education Hall 302.

The aim of the workshop was to explain how KRI achieved its current level of peace, how we can build on the present base level, and how to maintain peace once it is established.

The workshop started with a presentation by Dr. Idris Hadi Salih Head of Board of Trustees and was attended by Dr. Abdul Samad Salahuddin Ahmad Tishk International University President, Dr. Wasfi Tahir Vice President for Administration & Financial affairs, Dr. Fatih Cura Dean of Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, academicians, lecturers, and students.

A valuable discussion was conducted between the students and presenters on how to build peace with and for children by weaving resilience through their communities. Peacebuilding contributes to good governance, sustainable and equitable economic development, peace and reconciliation, and civic empowerment. Students shared their thoughts about peace and support for a World Vision which promotes and listens to children and young people in conflict areas, enabling them to build a peaceful future.

The following are the workshop presenters with their affiliations:

  1. Ms. Anne Blanchflower, Head of International Relations & Diplomacy Department, TIU
  2. Mr. Romeo Hakari, KRG Parliament Member
    Mr. Romeo Hakari was born in Hawdyian, Rwanduz, and has a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Mr. Romeo is affiliated with the National Union Coalition and is currently serving his second term as a Member of the Kurdistan Parliament, representing the Christian minority. In his capacity as an MP, he is the Head of several key committees including Social Affairs, the Protection of Women’s Rights, and Human Rights. In addition to his participation in these humanitarian committees, Mr. Romeo is also a member of the Interior, Security, and Local Councils’ committee.
  3. Dr. Krmanj Othman, Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Justice
    Dr. Krmanj Othman is a Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Justice in the Kurdish Regional Government. In addition to this, Mr. Krmanj conducts extensive research in the areas of Human Rights and International Law. He attained his master’s degree in Peacekeeping Management from the University of Turin, Italy, and has since worked as a Researcher or Legal Advisor for a number of international non-governmental organizations such as the International Rescue Committee, ACTED, EPOS, Spark, and Emma.

Dr. Idris Hadi awarded the speakers and thanked them all for their effective presentations.

The KRI is recognized as one of the most peaceful areas in the Middle East. Yet, we still see inhuman incidents regularly, from domestic violence such as honor killings to anti-government demonstrations and clashes with external armed forces. The objective of this workshop was to enhance our understanding of how KRI has achieved its current level of peace, and discuss techniques to improve and maintain the situation. The workshop presenters talked us through what has been achieved so far, how peace may be built on a societal level through peace education, and suggestions for what can be done to uphold and preserve peace and harmony in the region.

The Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics was one of the primary faculties established in the foundation of Tishk International University in 2008. It first launched the Business and Management Department, and was developed by the institution of 3 additional departments in 2014-2015: Accounting Department, Banking and Finance Department, and the International Relations and Diplomacy Department.

Currently, our faculty is ranked as the most popular faculty at Tishk International University, containing the highest number of students, which is attributed to the quality of education provided. We strive to equip students with the highest standards of knowledge and build their soft and hard employability skills in order to fill the market gap. TIU aims to prepare a team of strong and intelligent graduates as assets for the region’s development and prosperity, and hope for our nation.