Walat Salih, an International Studies Student at the American University of Kurdistan
Duhok, Kurdistan Region – From November 17 to 19, the American University of Kurdistan hosted the sixth annual Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS). The Forum brought together international experts, diplomats, politicians, professors, researchers, and students to discuss major problems and opportunities in the Middle East. Topics included peace, security, economic conflicts, climate issues, and global cooperation.
The first MEPS Forum was organized in 2019 and has quickly developed into one of the most significant academic and political gatherings in the Kurdistan Region. Throughout several days of discussions, the forum offered panel sessions, keynote speeches, workshops, and open conversations with diplomats and policymakers. The international audience brings diverse perspectives, allowing students to hear how different countries and organizations interpret events and form their policies. This environment exposes students to real examples of negotiation, diplomacy, and conflict management, all happening on their own campus.
For International Studies students, the value of the MEPS Forum begins with the connection between theory and practice. In courses on International Relations, we learn about Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Global Governance, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, and Human Rights. At the MEPS Forum, these theories come alive. When diplomats discuss negotiations, it reflects Liberal concepts of cooperation. When leaders focus on national security, they mirror Realist ideas. When specialists examine the work of international institutions, they demonstrate models of Global Governance. Hearing these concepts applied directly by people involved in shaping policy deepens students’ understanding and makes theoretical material more meaningful and accessible.
Another major benefit is that the Forum helps students better understand the region where they live. The Middle East is a dynamic and often unpredictable environment, shaped by conflicts, shifting alliances, humanitarian crises, and economic transitions. Through the Forum, students learn how foreign governments interpret regional developments, how international organizations design their policies, how researchers collect data, and how local and international leaders make decisions.
Participating in the MEPS Forum also strengthens essential academic and professional skills. Students practice focused note taking, learn to evaluate different viewpoints, and improve public speaking when they pose questions or join discussions. Writing reflections or summaries after sessions enhances analytical writing abilities. Those who volunteer during the Forum gain experience in event coordination and professional communication skills that are valuable in fields such as diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, media, and research. Additionally, sitting in the same hall as ambassadors, ministers, and world experts helps students grow more comfortable in international settings and enhances their readiness for future opportunities.
In essence, the MEPS Forum serves as a bridge connecting students at the AUK with a wider world. It allows them to learn about U.S. foreign policy, European strategies, Gulf politics, international law, humanitarian issues, and the work of global institutions directly from practitioners involved in these fields. By participating in the Forum, International Studies students expand their knowledge, develop crucial skills, and prepare themselves to become informed and capable contributors to their region and the international community.
