Participation of Ilham Ahmed and Mazloum Abdi in the MEPS 2025 Forum in Duhok

Participants in the Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS 2025), hosted by the American University of Duhok, are preparing to hear a speech by the General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, as well as a panel discussion featuring the Co-Chair of the Department of Foreign Relations in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, Ilham Ahmed.

Abdi and Ilham arrived this morning at the venue of the forum in the city of Duhok in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where they were received by Iraq’s Deputy Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, amid wide official and media presence.

The second day of the forum has begun, held this year under the title “Orchestrated Chaos; A New Middle East,” with the participation of officials from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, along with political figures, academics, and researchers from North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Over two days, the forum addresses issues related to political transformations and security challenges in the region.

MEPS is an annual conference organized by the American University of Duhok since 2019, and this year marks its fifth edition with broad participation from decision-makers and researchers.

Mazloum Abdi is scheduled to deliver an assessment of the regional situation, and Ilham Ahmed will take part in a panel discussion as part of the forum’s program.