KRG UK participates in the IBBC’s Annual Retreat
News : 9/10/2025
London,
United Kingdom, www.uk.gov.krd. The Director of Trade and Investment
Relations, Hawre Yousef, attended IBBC’s Annual Retreat on behalf of KRG
Representation to the UK.
The event, organised by the Iraq
Britain Business Council (IBBC), brings together senior policymakers,
diplomats, academics, and business leaders to discuss Iraq’s current challenges
and opportunities across governance, regional relations, economy, environment,
and education.
In the opening, Christophe Michels,
IBBC Managing Director, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to
facilitating dialogue and investment in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
During the conference, speakers,
including Ambassador Irfan Siddiq, the UK Ambassador to the Federal Republic of
Iraq, and Professor Gareth Stansfield (University of Exeter), emphasised the
urgent need for reform to address the challenges, whilst also highlighting
Iraq’s youthful population as a potential source of future opportunities. The
panellists also underlined the importance of implementing agreements between
Baghdad and Erbil within the framework of the constitution. Several key issues were discussed,
including regional cooperation and dynamics, which highlighted both the risks
and opportunities for Iraq’s stability.
In a roundtable session, Governor
Abedqader Al Dakheel of Nineveh described the destruction caused by ISIS but
also highlighted progress in security and reconstruction. He urged
international investors to support Nineveh’s recovery.
The conference also addresses
environmental issues, climate change, and their impacts in Iraq, along with the
need for a solid plan and greater environmental awareness within Iraq’s
education system.
Regarding education, the conference
brought together international school leaders who suggested establishing a
dedicated education board to coordinate efforts and raise standards across Iraq
and the Kurdistan Region.
The conference concluded that Iraq’s
future stability relies on systemic reform, increased regional cooperation,
investment in reconstruction, climate resilience, and improved education.
Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great Park,
9th to 11th September 25