The prestigious Delphi International Economic Forum, a strategic platform for dialogue and regional development, is making its Middle Eastern debut in Sulaymaniyah on May 18-19, 2025. Sponsored by Channel 8 Media and organized in coordination with the Kurdistan Regional Government, this landmark event brings together high-ranking officials from Iraq, Kurdistan, and prominent global figures to discuss geopolitical changes affecting the region.
A Global Platform Comes to Kurdistan
For the first time in its history, the Delphi Economic Forum, which has previously been held in cities like Washington, Berlin, and Paris, arrives in the Middle East. The forum will be supervised by Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, and focuses on addressing critical issues including security, sustainable energy, economic diversification, and investment opportunities.
Symeon Tsomokos, founder and president of the Delphi Economic Forum, announced ambitious plans for Sulaymaniyah’s future role in this global initiative. “The Delphi Economic Forum has been held in Greece for the past 10 years, focusing on the global economy. Several other forums are also held under Delphi’s supervision in cities such as Washington, Berlin, and Paris,” Tsomokos explained. “This year, for the first time, the Delphi Economic Forum is being held in Sulaymaniyah under the supervision of Qubad Talabani.”
The forum is being organized through collaboration between the Kurdistan Regional Government, the General Secretariat of International Relations, the Foreign Affairs Desk of the Greek Foreign Ministry, and the Greek Agency (Enterprise Greece).
Distinguished Participants and High-Level Representation
The forum brings together an impressive array of international figures, including Iraqi President Latif Rashid, former Colombian President Andrés Pastrana, former Italian Prime Minister Massimo D’Alema, and Ahmed Davutoglu, leader of Turkey’s Future Party. Other notable attendees include Greek Ambassador to Iraq Georgios Alemanos, former European Parliamentarian Dimitris Avramopoulos, KDP Political Bureau member Hoshyar Zebari, and numerous consuls representing countries in the Kurdistan Region.
Davutoglu arrived at Kirkuk Airport and was welcomed by Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha before proceeding to Sulaymaniyah to participate in the forum. Due to Turkish sanctions, flights between Sulaymaniyah International Airport and Turkey have been suspended, necessitating his arrival through Kirkuk.
Positioning Sulaymaniyah as a Regional Hub
Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani highlighted the significance of the event during his opening address. “It is an honor for Sulaymaniyah to host a global forum on peace and economy,” he stated. “Kurdistan plays a leading role in Iraq’s political and economic landscape and serves as a bridge in the region, with increased participation in domestic and regional issues.”
Talabani emphasized Sulaymaniyah’s resilience and innovative character: “Sulaymaniyah has remained a city of innovation through the toughest times. The city is full of potential, and we are ready to partner with those who want to innovate.”
Strategic Discussions and Investment Opportunities
The forum will examine key areas including security, sustainable energy, economic diversification, and recent developments, with emphasis on investment opportunities. According to Samir Hawrami, spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Talabani, the Delphi Forum is unique among forums for producing recommendations for participating countries.
“We expect numerous recommendations to emerge from this forum, which will become economic policies for the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the participating countries,” Hawrami explained. He added that all current topics will be discussed, with many foreign delegations, ambassadors, and country representatives participating, and numerous bilateral meetings taking place on the sidelines.
Building a Sustainable Future for the Region
The Delphi Economic Forum at Sulaymaniyah represents a strategic initiative for dialogue, coordination, and regional development. The organizers have expressed plans to establish an institution that would make Sulaymaniyah a permanent location for annual Delphi Forums, positioning it to become one of the most important economic forums in the Middle East.
Haval Abubakir, Governor of Sulaymaniyah, highlighted the importance of such meetings for Sulaymaniyah and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing that they demonstrate Sulaymaniyah’s excellent investment opportunities, stability, and security. “Sulaymaniyah can be part of the solution to problems rather than being part of the problems itself,” the governor noted.
