CHMK, LONDON: Preparations are officially underway for the 3rd National CHMK Forum on Media Reform, a landmark event scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom to coincide with the 128th anniversary of Kurdish Journalism Day.
High-Level Diplomatic Support
In a key preparatory move, Mr. Karwan Jamal Tahir, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative to the UK, received Associate Professor Dr. Shwan Adam Aivas, Chairperson of the Kurdish Media Watchdog Organization (CHMK.org), at the representation’s headquarters in London on Thursday, November 23, 2025.
During the meeting, Dr. Aivas provided a comprehensive overview of CHMK’s ongoing activities and the strategic vision for the upcoming forum. He emphasized the vital role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in strengthening democratic processes and fostering professional, national media. A central theme of the discussion was the necessity of integrating Western and European experiences, particularly those from the UK, into the media reform roadmap for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Mr. Tahir reaffirmed the KRG Representation’s commitment to providing full coordination and support to ensure the successful organization of this international forum in London.
Forum Overview & Scientific Progress
The conference, titled “Media Reform in Post-Conflict Areas: An International Scientific Conference on Kurdistan’s Strategic Policy Roadmap,” is a collaborative effort between CHMK.ORG and several local and international universities.
Key Details:
Dates: April 21 – 22, 2026.
Occasion: Commemorating 128 years of Kurdish Journalism Day.
Research Participation: As of late 2025, the supervisory committee has already received more than 25 abstracts in both Kurdish and English.
Global Reach: Contributions have been submitted by over 30 researchers representing academic centers across Kurdistan, Iraq, the United Kingdom, and Norway.
Important Deadlines
The call for papers remains active. Researchers are reminded of the following timeline:
Full Paper Submission Deadline: March 25, 2026.
Evaluation Period: Following the deadline, the scientific committee will finalize the selection of papers to be presented during the two-day summit in April.
The event promises to be a pivotal moment for Kurdish media, bridging the gap between local challenges and international professional standards.
