At a time when tensions in the Middle East are escalating and the threat of extremist groups like ISIS remains high, it has never been more critical for regional leaders to work together to end violence and promote a more stable and peaceful region. In November, the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) in Duhok hosted the fifth annual Middle East Peace & Security (MEPS) Forum, which brought a large and diverse group of academics together with regional leaders to discuss solutions to the security challenges facing the region.

As one of the most stable democracies in the Middle East, the Kurdistan Regional Government is proud to lead the charge for regional collaboration.

Through keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and workshops, the MEPS Forum tackled a wide array of issues facing the Middle East – including terrorism, geopolitical tensions, drug trafficking, and climate change, to name a few. The broad consensus of the conference was that these and other challenges can only be addressed through dialogue among all leaders and stakeholders in the region. No single nation or organization can bring stability to the Middle East alone.

In his keynote address, KDP President Masoud Barzani stressed the importance of regional collaboration, saying “the experience of all nations has shown that conflict yields no results. Peace, mutual understanding, and respect represent the correct path to resolving all challenges.”

While the Kurdistan Region will continue fostering dialogue among its neighbors, the fact remains that regional tensions threaten the safety of the Kurdish people. To continue serving as a peacemaker in the Middle East, the KRG needs continued military support and cooperation from our allies to ensure the progress that has been made so far is never undone.