2025-12-09

Second Diana Forum for Coexistence Convenes in Soran

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Second Diana Forum for Coexistence under the slogan "Human Values Above All Differences" was held. The event was attended by Asst. Prof. Dr. Sherwan Sharif Qurtas, President of Soran University, Halgurd Sheikh Najib, Supervisor of Soran Independent Administration, His Holiness Mar Awa III, Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East in Iraq and the World, as well as party and government officials. The forum was organized by the Diana Assyrian Cultural Center in coordination with Soran University at the hall of the Soran Independent Administration.
In his opening remarks, Asst. Prof. Dr. Shirwan Sharif, President of Soran University, delivered a speech highlighting the role of science and social coordination among different components, describing Soran University as a platform for reconciliation and cultural diversity.
Later, His Holiness Mar Awa III, Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East in Iraq and the World, gave a speech emphasizing the eternal coexistence among all religions and diverse communities of the region, to elevate the level of national diversity among faiths and regions.
Subsequently, Halgurd Sheikh Najib, Supervisor of Soran Independent Administration, spoke and highly praised the level of national efforts and the enhancement of reconciliation rates among the components within the boundaries of the Independent Administration of Soran.
Afterward, a special address on behalf of the Diana Assyrian Cultural Center was presented by Evan Jani, accompanied by the screening of a documentary video featuring the level of social life among the components in the region.
During the forum, a rich panel discussion focused on coexistence and further peace was held from academic and intellectual perspectives by scholars from Soran University, titled "The Role of the Kurdistan Government and Parliament in Shaping the Plan for Peaceful Coexistence Now and in the Future".  The panel aimed to convey the message of harmony among communities globally, the Kurdistan Region in general, and Soran in particular. Meanwhile, thanks and appreciation were awarded to all participants.
Soran University, as part of its scientific mission and with a newer vision and perspective, is taking serious intellectual and social steps through research, raising the scientific level to a higher standard, and utilizing academic capabilities. It is entering a new phase in maintaining coexistence among components and greater peace, to provide a calmer environment in the Kurdistan Region.

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