On Sunday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani attended a ceremony marking the start of the 2026–27 academic year and told students to respect diversity and protect the environment, underlining that they are the future of Kurdistan.

“I was very happy when I came inside and saw that all of you were waiting with such great enthusiasm to begin a new school year. Do not forget that Kurdistan is waiting for you. In the future, you will become important and influential people who will run your country,” he said.

Moreover, he underlined that the KRG will not spare any effort within its capabilities to support students and teachers. 

“The Ministry of Education has continuously worked to improve the standard of education — in terms of its content, schools, and the construction of the facilities needed for education — and to further advance the educational process. According to the figures available to me, during this period more than 310 new schools have been built and around 629 new classrooms have been added to some schools.

“In total, 3,175 schools have been renovated during this period, much of this work having been carried out by the government and generous donors. This year, I believe, more than 100 schools have also been targeted for renovation efforts by the Kurdistan Foundation. All of these efforts are for the service of you, our respected and dear students,” he said.

“The government will continue providing the necessary materials so that you can develop your education in a calm and healthy environment.

“Know that what makes us beautiful is that we come from different religions and different ethnic backgrounds. Therefore, respect other religions, respect one another, and respect the diversity of our country. Without a doubt, this diversity has made our country more beautiful,” he told the students.

“I ask you to be environmentally conscious. Keep your homes clean and tidy, keep your schools clean, and keep your country clean. I have often said that if you see that even adults do not respect the environment, do not allow them to do so. You are the future of this country, and you can decide in which direction the future of this country will go.”