In an interview with Rudaw, professor Alan Dilani, founder of the first World Kurdish Congress, discussed plans to hold the group’s first conference in Rijswijk, the Netherlands on from October 7-9. Kurdish MP Leyla Zana from Turkey and former Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Youth and Sports Taha Barwary are expected to attend.
Rudaw: What is the goal of the first World Kurdish Congress?
Alan Dilani: The overall goal of the first World Kurdish Congress 2011 is to establish a productive network among Kurdish and non-Kurdish scientists, educators and prominent businessmen throughout the cultural community. Our aim is for Kurdistan to be recognized internationally as a nation that wants to progress and become a more active part of modern society. Through this multidisciplinary network among Kurdish and non-Kurdish professionals and scientists, we hope to actively participate in the creation of institutions, and to boost international relations to help advance our nation globally.
Another goal is to increase awareness about Kurdish national and international relations – on issues such as Kurdish human rights and national identity -- among important decision-makers in various countries. Our aim is to achieve this through networking and by organizing a World Congress consisting of symposiums and workshops. These sessions will present popular, scientific seminars for Kurdish and non-Kurdish people worldwide. We also want to build a bridge between the Kurdish people from Kurdistan and abroad through an independent committee, to provide the leadership in Kurdistan with long-term strategies regarding studies for all Kurds and Kurdistan as a whole (a ‘think tank’ type committee).
"Another goal is to increase awareness about Kurdish national and international relations,"
The congress will open with Leyla Zana, a Kurdish member of the Turkish Parliament and the European Parliament’s Sakharov Human Rights Award winner. We will have eight sessions where more than 30 speakers will deliver research papers and then open the floor for discussion. We anticipate that these talks and discussions will be highly productive and help move our nation forward.
Rudaw: Who came up with the idea to launch the World Kurdish Congress?
Alan Dilani: Actually it was my idea, because I have been networking internationally for almost 20 years to share my research on design and health. I travel worldwide and meet with officials, ministers, professors and academics in many countries. I have found this format to be highly effective in disseminating a wide range of information to global participants who are eager to share, listen and strategize new solutions.
I always mention that I am a Kurd and that we need international moral support to achieve our freedom. At the same time, I meet with my Kurdish colleagues and scientists from different parts of the world. With the World Kurdish Congress, I have utilized my networking experience to create a similar organization that could meet each year to discuss science and culture in relation to our people. I do feel that it is of the utmost important to include non-Kurdish participants to help support us and raise international awareness.
Rudaw: Why are most of the speakers from Iraqi Kurdistan?
Alan Dilani: We have certainly tried to include all parts of Kurdistan. In fact, we have 11 scientists, including myself and Professor Almas Heshmati from Iranian Kurdistan. We were both responsible for the scientific program. We also have 13 speakers from Iraqi Kurdistan and two speakers from Kurdistan in Turkey. We have 10 speakers who are non-Kurdish scientists. However, we do not focus on that aspect because we consider all parts of Kurdistan to be the same. They are equally important for us and what is of prime importance for our congress is the information the speakers are presenting. We didn’t invite the majority of the speakers. They replied to our announcement and request for presenters on their own accord. We are delighted to be gathering prominent, interdisciplinary scientists, businessmen and academicians who will discuss their research related to Kurdistan. It is very important to be able to exchange our knowledge and learn from each other, as well as from our non-Kurdish colleagues, to bridge the gaps in knowledge and culture.
Rudaw: What kind of role did Leyla Zana played in setting up the World Kurdish Congress and the Netherlands conference?
"We consider all parts of Kurdistan to be the same,"
Alan Dilani: We are honored to receive the support of the honorable Leyla Zana. Her role is very important for the struggle of our people in Kurdistan. So is the support of the honorable Nechirvan Barzani – who at the very first stages of the development of the World Kurdish Congress sent us an encouraging letter which inspired many people.
Kurdish dignitaries have also played important roles -- looking at our past, the legendary Semko and Shex Mahmood, Peshawa Ghazi the first president of Kurdistan (republic of Mahabad) in 1945 as well as Mustafa Barzani. These leaders have always been a source of inspiration for freedom for our people. The role of Dr. Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou is noteworthy, as well. He was definitely a very important political leader, as well as a scientist. He brought international recognition to our people through his lobbying and networking and as such, is an inspiring example.
All of these figures have given their lives for our people and we must recognize and bring forward their vision. Today we need leaders who inspire us to achieve the rightful demands of our nation, the basic human rights that we Kurds need to be able to develop our culture and heritage, so all may feel proud of being Kurds!
We have received support from many leaders including (Iraqi) President Talabani and (KRG) President Barzani. This has helped us to bring together prominent Kurdish and non Kurdish scientists with the primary goal of creating a bridge between all parts of Kurdistan for the development and progress of our nation, as we step into modern society.
I would also like to mention the moral support by people like Lord Eric Avebury and Lord Nigel Crisp who have offered their expertise and encouragement to this endeavor by becoming founding members.
Rudaw: Why do you charge 200 euros for the conference? Couldn't you find enough sponsors? Some people see this as a hindrance.
Alan Dilani: Well, I believe strongly we should never give anything for free. Those 200 euro covers two dinners, two lunches and four coffee breaks. The fee includes the concert and the publication of the World Kurdish Congress booklet. We have offered students a 50% discount. There are a few cases in which we have waived the fee so people could attend. Attendance at the World Kurdish Congress is free of charge for speakers and poster contributors.
"The UK was not convenient due to the problems of obtaining a visa,"
We have paid the hotel accommodations and flights of the invited non Kurdish speakers. I think people outside of Kurdistan can pay without a problem, and for delegates who are coming from Kurdistan, the congress is providing assistance for some of them.
We have received a notable sponsorship from Iraqi Kurdistan. We are most grateful for this support which will allow us to continue this work unimpeded of developing this important and timely international network for the benefit of our people.
Rudaw: Why did you choose the Netherlands as the location for the conference and not another country?
Alan Dilani: Since this was our first World Kurdish Congress, we decided it was essential that the location be central and easily accessible for everyone around the world. First, we decided the symposium would be in Europe and then later, we realized that it should be in a place where people spoke English, since the congress was to be in English. We considered the Netherlands since it is centrally located. The UK was not convenient due to the problems of obtaining a visa. So this year, we decided it would be in Rotterdam. Next year it will also be in Europe. We will make the announcement for the follow-up symposium during the last session of the upcoming congress. Our main wish is to hold our 3rd World Kurdish Congress in the capital of Kurdistan, in Hawler [Erbil] in 2013.
More information can be found on: http://kurdishcongress.org/.
) such as this important thread which is essential for Kurds to know in what state Kurdistan is at the moment. i personally thank you for this role.
, dear it is my duty i wish i was up in those mountains defending my kurdish homeland , so this is the least i could do for my people and my homeland . 
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