It all began with a visit by South Korea’s Consul General Seungcheol Lim to the headquarters of Kurdistan Chronicle in Erbil last year.

A visionary diplomat, Lim believes that his work should seek not only to expand his country’s foreign interests but also contribute to the development of the Kurdistan Region. To this end, he spearheaded the establishment of the Kurdistan Organization for Development (KOD), a research body dedicated to fostering future-oriented policy research. 

This vision became the cornerstone for the creation of the Kurda Award for Economics, an initiative that encourages university students to conduct scientific research aimed at enhancing economic development in the Kurdistan Region. 

Through close collaboration between South Korea’s Consulate General, Shingelbana Resort, KOD, and Kurdistan Chronicle, applications for the research contest were opened in May 2025. After evaluation by an academic review committee, six winners were announced in September 2025. 

Hazem Kurda

The award is named after Hazem Kurda, a prominent Kurdish entrepreneur who, after achieving remarkable successes around the world, returned to his hometown to improve the living conditions of his people. He transformed a landfill in Rawanduz into a highly attractive resort – a feat once thought impossible.

Kurda hosted the award ceremony at this very resort as a symbolic gesture, demonstrating that “where there is a will, there is a way,” as he noted in his speech during the ceremony. 

He was joined by the Korean Consul General, Kurdish government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and families of the winning students. Kurda reminded the students that through education and hard work, individuals can contribute to their country’s development. He also pledged to continue supporting top students and young graduates in achieving their goals and helping their communities grow.

Consul General Lim also highlighted the vital role of all parties involved in judging the essay competition and organizing the award ceremony, noting that the collaboration made the inaugural year of the award a remarkable success. He pledged to maintain and strengthen this partnership in the coming year.

This year’s Kurda Award honored six research proposals, each accompanied by a financial reward and honorary plaque. 

The winners of the 2025 Kurda Award for Economics 

First Place

Abdukarim Manhal – Salahaddin University

Rural Development and Economic Resilience in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Second Place

(1) Mahi Abdulrahman – American University of Iraq-Sulaymaniyah

The Nightmare of Navigating the Tangled Mess of Licensing Requirements

(2) Rosa Hiwa – American University of Iraq-Sulaymaniyah 

 Challenges and Opportunities for Economic Growth in the KRI

Third Place

(1) Sobhan Ali – American University of Iraq-Sulaymaniyah 

The Impact of International Aid and NGOs on Kurdistan

(2) Tara Mohammed – American University of Kurdistan

Youth Unemployment in the Kurdistan Region: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

(3) Somaya Khalil – Zakho University

Diversifying the KRI Economy: Which Sectors Hold the Most Potential?