UAE and Kurdistan Collaborate on Government Modernization at New Forum
Published on
October 26, 2025

UAE and Iraq Kurdistan recently had a forum, “Government Experience Exchange Forum” to strengthen both cooperation and development on the modernization of government and its functions. The forum was a step forward in discussing new advances along with the techniques to improve governance in the region.
Key Initiatives Launched
At the forum, several significant initiatives were introduced, inspired by the UAE’s successful government experiences. These initiatives include the launch of the Government Performance Management System for the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Kurdistan Coders Initiative, and the Areen Masrour Barzani Leadership Program. These projects aim to improve governmental performance, foster technological skills, and nurture leadership potential within the Kurdistan Region.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
The forum marked a vital step in the continued cooperation between the two governments. Discussions centered around various sectors, including climate change, healthcare, government services, and digital transformation. Through these discussions, both regions shared their visions and approaches to government modernization, with a focus on building resilient, future-ready governments.
Government Performance Management System
One of the forum’s highlights was the unveiling of the Government Performance Management System. This system, modeled after the UAE’s performance management framework, uses a centralized digital dashboard to track and measure key performance indicators across the Kurdistan Regional Government. The system aims to enhance decision-making, improve resource allocation, and increase transparency within government operations.
Empowering Youth through Digital Skills
The Kurdistan Coders Initiative was launched as a national program aimed at equipping the region’s youth with essential digital skills. This initiative provides training in areas such as coding, artificial intelligence, and data analysis, preparing young people for future careers in the digital economy. The program aims to bridge the digital skills gap and contribute to the growth of a knowledge-based society in the Kurdistan Region.
Leadership Development for a Sustainable Future
Another major initiative introduced was the Areen Masrour Barzani Leadership Program, which seeks to cultivate the next generation of visionary leaders. The program aims to empower individuals who can drive governmental transformation and contribute to positive societal change. This initiative draws on the UAE’s successful leadership development models and is designed to create a pool of leaders capable of navigating the challenges of the future.
Collaborative Government Modernization
Throughout the forum, several key discussions focused on ways to modernize government operations. The Government Service Design session explored the role of digitalization and innovation in enhancing public services. The UAE’s experience in transforming government services through technology and artificial intelligence was highlighted as a model for other nations to emulate.
Another session, titled Building an Agile and Sustainable Future, delved into climate change policies. Experts from both regions discussed how to incorporate climate resilience into government strategies, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and public-private partnerships in addressing global environmental challenges.
Future Prospects for UAE-Kurdistan Collaboration
The forum also served as an opportunity to review the progress made since the UAE and Kurdistan Region signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2022. The partnership, focused on government modernization, aims to foster cooperation in areas such as digital transformation, economic sustainability, and government performance. The forum reinforced the shared vision of both governments to create efficient, transparent, and agile government structures.
A Bright Future for Both Regions
The organized nature of the forum demonstrates the UAE’s dedication to sharing its mastery with foreign stakeholders to spur new ideas and enforce proper governance. Both governments reasserted their resolve to work together and improve their people’s lives by working hand in hand, sharing ideas, and implementing targeted strategies.
