CHMK, London: The 3rd CHMK National Forum for Media Reform has officially wrapped up its scientific sessions and panels at the prestigious SOAS University of London. Convened under the vital theme “Media Reform in Post-Conflict Regions: Kurdistan’s Strategic Policy Roadmap (2026–2036),” the international summit successfully achieved its high-level strategic and academic objectives.
This year’s forum marked a significant institutional turning point, having been officially endorsed by the KRG Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research as the “First CHMK International Scientific Conference.” Driven by the inspiring, human-centric motto, “Everyone has the right to know; far from home, but entirely for the homeland,” the summit fostered rich intellectual exchanges. The crown jewel of this year’s conference was the formulation of the “10-Year Strategic Policy Roadmap for Kurdish Media Reform.” This foundational scientific and policy document is designed to restructure the future pillars of the media and journalism sectors, professional ethics, media economics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, and media literacy education within Kurdish society.
The Kurdish Media Watchdog Organization (CHMK), serving as the primary organizer, has announced that the advisory committee is currently consolidating the final round of recommendations and feedback. The fully amended and finalized text of the Strategic Roadmap will be officially published in the coming days. Subsequently, it will be formally presented to all key decision-making bodies, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as well as civil society organizations, professional syndicates, and academic institutions to serve as a practical framework for implementation.
Alongside its local impacts, the forum secured a major international academic triumph. The Scopus-indexed Journal of Digital Media & Policy (JDMP), published by the industry-leading Intellect Books, has officially committed to dedicating a Special Issue to the core themes of this forum, scheduled for release in 2028. The official Call for Papers is now open. Participating researchers are invited to submit their fully developed manuscripts in accordance with global peer-review standards. Assoc. Prof. Dr. SHWAN ADAM AIVAS will oversee the editorial process for this volume as the designated Guest Editor. The seamless execution of this high-level international platform is the direct result of the visionary leadership and direct supervision of the General Coordinator of the Forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shwan Adam Aivas (Chair of CHMK and Associate Professor at Sulaimani Polytechnic University). Grounded in collaborative teamwork, Dr. Shwan and a dedicated human network of selfless volunteers across the homeland and the diaspora spent the last eight months working tirelessly behind the scenes to transform this academic dream into a brilliant reality in London. CHMK extends its profound institutional appreciation to all co-organizers, strategic partners, and esteemed sponsors whose invaluable support ensured the global visibility and historic success of this national project:
Co-Organizers:
Kanga Educational Foundation (KEF) and
Vision Degdga for International Development (VisionAID).
International Strategic Partners:
The UK Media Reform Coalition (MRC),
The Leverhulme Media Research Centre at Goldsmiths University, and
The Journal of Digital Media & Policy (JDMP).
Sponsors & Endorsers:
SOAS University of London,
Nawroz University,
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) High Representation to the United Kingdom,
The Governorate of Sulaimani,
The Azadbun Organization,
ShaPost, AlenPost, Atlas Food Wholesale, Master Cash & Carry, and the Sulaimani Restaurant in London.
Honoring Scholars, Guests, and Media Allies
In closing, the Kurdish Media Watchdog (CHMK) expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all the scientists, professors, local and international researchers, and distinguished guests. We are particularly proud of the profound human and academic bridges built by this event, providing home-based Kurdish researchers with a rare opportunity to travel to London, engage face-to-face with global counterparts, and amplify the academic voice of Kurdistan on the world stage.
Furthermore, we extend our sincere thanks to our strategic media partners and networks whose exceptional, professional, and comprehensive broadcasting coverage turned the push for structural media reform into a shared public mission. For official photo galleries, full session reports, and institutional outcomes, please visit our official summit portal: 
forum.chmk.org
forum.chmk.org
