Kurda Economics Award Launched

July 17, 2025

The Kurda Award for Economics was officially launched on Tuesday with the goal to promote academic engagement and innovative thinking among university students.

The launch event was organized by the Kurdistan Organization for Development (KOD), in collaboration with the South Korean Consulate, Kurdistan Chronicle, and Shinglbana Resort.

The initiative includes the first essay competition for university students on the economic development of the Kurdistan Region, encouraging youth to propose forward-thinking solutions for unlocking the region’s economic potential.

The organization of the Kurda Award has announced that the deadline for essay submissions is set for August 7. The first round of evaluations will be conducted on August 21, during which 12 articles will be shortlisted. The selected participants are scheduled to present their essays on August 25. The final winners will be officially revealed on September 1.

“I have the great honor of welcoming you all to this space where ideas need action and where the voices of our youth are giving the platform that you reserve,” Nabaz T. Khayyat, from the KOD, said at the event. “Not only to recognize essays, it is designed to spark a dialogue about where our economy stands to be, and more importantly, it’s a platform for your minds to reflect questions and propose with data, with creativity, and also with vision.

“We are proud that this initiative has already captured the interest of students across the Kurdistan Region. The strong engagement we are seeing, even at this early stage, reflects a hunger to participate, to learn and to contribute to the economic future of our homeland, not only as observers, but also as active thinkers and future leaders.”

At the event, South Korea’s Consul General Seungcheol Lim, who presented a speech on South Korea’s economic development, said that the launching day is the start of a movement that will “affect all of society.”

“Economic development means efficiency. You have good resources. You have good human capital, but if there is no economic mind or economic plan, then you cannot utilize these good resources. You can scatter all the resources without orientation,” he said.

Hazem Kurda, the owner of the Shinglbana Resort in Rwanduz at the event, encouraged students to apply and take part in the future of this initiative.

“I wish you success not only for yourself, but for your community, your country, and for the people you will help along the way.

“It truly means a lot to see this room filled with people who genuinely care about the future of business, education, and progress in Kurdistan,” he said, thanking Kurdistan Chronicle for their coverage of the event.

Botan Tahseen, the Publisher of Kurdistan Chronicle, added that “we strongly believe that one day, this award will become a symbol of recognition for visionary individuals across the region.”

“I would also like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our strong belief in the potential of our young students. The balance lies in building a future where they lead with purpose. Stay positive, and never give up. Your hard work will pay off one day – and we at Kurdistan Chronicle will be proud to tell your success story.”

In 2025, Kurdistan Chronicle won the U.S. Award of Excellence, making history by becoming the first print magazine from the Middle East to receive the prestigious “70 Years of Storytelling” recognition.

“Our magazine also highlights inspiring stories of successful Kurdish individuals from around the world – those who have contributed to their societies and helped make the world a better place,” Tahseen said. “We firmly believe that, when given the right opportunities, our people have the potential to become active and impactful members of the global community.”