Dutch Ambassador to Iraq Visits AUK – The American University of Kurdistan

On November 12, 2024, the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) hosted Ms. Janet Alberda, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Iraq. Ambassador Alberda was welcomed by Dr. Randall Rhodes, President of AUK, accompanied by officials from the Dutch embassy, including Mr. Zarghoen Rawan, Political Policy Officer, Netherlands Embassy in Baghdad; Ms. Ciska De Veld, Political Policy Officer, Netherlands Consulate General in Erbil; Mr. Diyar Faraj, Political Officer, Netherlands Embassy in Baghdad; Ms. Myra de Vries, Policy Officer for Stabilization Projects, Netherlands; and Ms. Nali Bahaulddin, Economic and Political Officer.

AUK’s leadership team lead the discussion; the team included Dr. Triona Croke, Provost; Mr. Omed Zawity, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Jiyar Aghapouri, Director at the Center for Peace and Human Security (CPHS); and Ms. Loucine Hayes, Director of CAPA. Topics included the priorities of the Dutch mission in Iraq, support for minorities and IDPs, scholarship opportunities for women and underrepresented students, Dutch experts in Kurdish Studies contributing to campus discussions on peace and human security, and CAPA programs to train Kurdish migrants returning to Kurdistan. The establishment of Impact Hub in Duhok on the campus of AUK was also highlighted as part of AUK’s commitment to building an ecosystem in Duhok dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship.

The visit featured a tour of AUK’s state-of-the-art labs and library, where the Dutch delegation met Dutch citizens working at AUK.

U.S. Consul General Steven Bitner Visits the American University of Kurdistan