By Tahseen Wsu Abdullah
International congresses, conferences and forums are not a new phenomenon in the field of international relations, but this phenomenon dates back to the formation of nation-states in Europe, especially after the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648.
This phenomenon expresses the combination of efforts from a single state to a group of states, in order to face various and multidimensional crises and problems, because international crises have such a nature that states alone can’t face and overcome the challenges.
The phenomenon of international congresses and conferences has developed widely, which is a sign to show the world that the world needs multilateral coordination and cooperation, not the efforts of states alone.
In recent years, the Kurdistan Region has participated actively in international conferences and conferences on political, economic, security and environmental issues, including the Munich Security Conference, which is an annual high-level conference; the state, international actors, international influential figures participate.
Although the conference was not initially as participatory as it is today, it expanded after the Cold War. However, the Kurdish appearance in this conference is very new and dates back to the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government, especially after the emergence of ISIS as a serious threat to world security.
The 62nd Annual Munich Security Conference began on February 14 and 15, 2026 with the participation of more than 60 presidents and 100 foreign ministers representing 120 countries were the conference. The conference comes at a time when the world is going through its most turbulent period and recent attacks on Kurds in Syria have raised questions about the commitment of the country’s new authorities.
Kurds in general, both at the level of the Kurdistan Region, a delegation led by Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region and a high-level delegation from West Kurdistan participated. This Kurdish participation carries an important message, including; The Kurds, both as the Kurdistan Region and as Kurds in Syria, will play an important role in shaping the region, especially in terms of geopolitical security. At the diplomatic level, Kurds are a strong character.
Therefore, Diplomacy is a game of messages and symbols. In the sense that it is not only words that matter, but also meetings, people, places and moments. Therefore, when the photos were released, the views and addresses of the media in the region changed quickly. Some say the Kurds should not deal with the West because their friendship is temporary. Nevertheless, they do not think that if the West is a friend, the others are always and forever enemies, so it is important for the Kurds to constantly prove their existence through participation in international conferences, congresses, meetings and summits.
Another important aspect of the Munich meeting is; it brings Western Kurds into the global system. This brings West and South Kurdistan closer together. It can be seen as an important factor for Kurdish unity and the issue of Kurdish unity is not only related to one part but can be seen as a political framework.