Kurdish leaders gathered in Qamishli to launch a historic unity conference, aiming for a unified Kurdish role in Syria’s future.
On April 26, 2025, the Conference for the Unity and Solidarity of Kurdish political parties in Rojava (West of Kurdistan) was launched in the city of Qamishli, with the participation of more than 400 individuals.
The Kurdish National Council in Syria (ENKS) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD) were the two main parties leading the conference. Each side — ENKS and PYD — was represented by 130 members, while other participants included guests from all four parts of Kurdistan.
The aim of the conference was to prepare a unified document by the Kurdish political parties of Rojava regarding the method of joint participation in the future of Syria — acting as a single delegation with a unified stance and shared vision.
From the Kurdistan Region, Dr. Hamid Darbandi, the official responsible for Syrian and Rojava affairs at the Barzani Headquarters, attended the conference, alongside a joint delegation from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), and several other Kurdish parties from Bakur (North of Kurdistan).
The official representative of President Barzani at the Kurdish Unity and Solidarity Conference in Qamishli, Hamid Darbandi, delivered President Masoud Barzani’s message to the conference, emphasizing that this gathering represents a historic opportunity for Kurdish unity and for finding a solution to the Kurdish issue, ensuring Kurdish participation in Syria’s future.
In his message, President Barzani stated: “The Kurdish people in Syria have for decades endured marginalization, denial, and various forms of oppression. Today, at a time of rapid change in Syria and the broader region — changes that will continue into the future — a great opportunity has emerged for our people. A profound historical responsibility now falls upon you to overcome current challenges and to prepare a broad and realistic project that addresses the demands of our people, within the framework of a united, free, and democratic Syria.”
The message further stressed the importance of democratic and peaceful struggle as a strategic means to achieve the rights and aspirations of the Kurdish people. President Barzani reaffirmed that peaceful and diplomatic solutions are always preferable and yield better results in resolving complex issues.
Mazloum Abdi, General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), speaking at the conference, stated: “The holding of this Unity and Solidarity Conference was not a spontaneous decision. Rather, it is the result of long efforts, meetings, and negotiations among Kurdish political forces in Rojava. Many politicians and political actors from other parts of Kurdistan have worked hard to unify the Kurdish stance in Rojava and have supported us in this effort. Above all, we will never forget the support, efforts, and steadfastness of President Barzani, for which we are deeply grateful. We also thank Kurdistan Region President, Kak Nechirvan Barzani, and PUK President, Kak Bafel Talabani, for their roles and support.”
At the conference, discussions were held on several key points, including:
1. Syria must adopt a decentralized system of governance, with each region preserving its unique characteristics.
2. National resources must be distributed equally among all regions.
3. Kurdish should be recognized as the second official language of Syria.
4. Kurdish representation must be ensured within all government institutions.
5. Syria must be rebuilt based on justice and the rule of law.
6. The economic situation of Kurdish areas must be improved.
7. The Arabization policies implemented in the past must be reversed.
8. All demographic changes imposed by the former regime must be undone.
9. Syria must be a civil state, guaranteeing the rights of all ethnic and religious groups within its constitution.
10. Equality between men and women must be ensured.
The Kurdish Globe