More than a career fair, the Kurdistan Inclusive Employment & Business Forum (KIEBF) demonstrated what can be achieved when government institutions, international development partners, businesses, and civil society work together toward a common goal: creating inclusive economic opportunities for everyone.
Co-organized by the Kurdistan Foundation and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kurdistan Foundation, the two-day forum, held on 22–23 July 2026, brought together policymakers, investors, private sector leaders, entrepreneurs, development partners, and job seekers to strengthen employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth across the Kurdistan Region.
The forum reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that economic development benefits all members of society. By focusing on women, youth, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and refugees, the initiative reinforced the importance of equal access to employment and business opportunities.
Opening the forum, representatives from the Kurdistan Foundation and GIZ emphasized the importance of collaboration in building a stronger and more inclusive labor market. Throughout the first day, discussions explored the role of public-private partnerships in supporting private sector development, encouraging investment, and preparing the workforce for emerging opportunities.
"Under the leadership and vision of H.E. Areen Barzani, the Founder of the Kurdistan Foundation, we reiterate our commitment to providing equal opportunities to everyone in Kurdistan" said Dr. Yara Barzanji, Director of the Kurdistan Foundation.
Deputy Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Matthias Wehler also delivered keynote remarks at the opening of the forum, indicating on the importance of working together for further development of the Kurdistan Region, especially as the region has recently gone through difficult times due to regional instability. Wehler also thanked GIZ and the Kurdistan Foundation for their outstanding cooperation on this important forum.
The scale of the forum reflected this shared ambition. Fifty leading companies participated in the event, presenting more than 230 job vacancies across multiple sectors. Hundreds of job seekers attended the career fair, meeting directly with employers, submitting applications, and exploring career opportunities that matched their skills and aspirations.
Ahead of the forum, the Kurdistan Foundation prepared 80 selected job seekers through employability and career-readiness training. The participants included fresh graduates, women, persons with disabilities, IDPs, and refugees, equipping them with practical skills and greater confidence before engaging with employers during the event
Alongside the career fair, entrepreneurship took center stage through a dedicated program supporting 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Participants received training in business development and presentation skills before pitching their ideas to a panel of judges during the SME Pitching Competition.
The competition concluded with three outstanding entrepreneurs receiving financial awards to help transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.
- First Prize: IQD 10,000,000
- Second Prize: IQD 7,000,000
- Third Prize: IQD 5,000,000
Throughout both days, workshops, networking sessions, and panel discussions enabled participants to exchange ideas, build professional connections, and explore future partnerships. Employers connected with skilled candidates, entrepreneurs engaged with investors and business leaders, and development partners shared expertise on creating a more inclusive and resilient labor market.
For many participants, the forum represented more than a networking opportunity it was a gateway to new careers, new partnerships, and new possibilities.
