CHMK | Sulaimani (03 February 2026): In a strategic move to advance the landscape of Kurdish journalism, the Sulaimani Governorate has officially announced its administrative partnership and full support for the 3rd CHMK National Forum for Media Reform that organized by the Kurdish Media Watchdog Organization (CHMK), the forum is scheduled to take place in London, United Kingdom, coinciding with the 128th anniversary of Kurdish Journalism Day.
High-Level Meeting at the Governorate Office
On Tuesday (03 February 2026), Asst. Prof. Dr. Haval Abubakr, the Governor of Sulaimani, received Asst. Prof. Dr. Shwan Adam Aivas, Chairperson of the Kurdish Media Watchdog Organization and General Coordinator of the CHMK National Forum. The meeting focused on the final preparations for this international event and the vital role of institutional cooperation in media development.
A Legacy of Journalism: From Sheikh Mahmoud to the AI Era
The discussions highlighted Sulaimani’s historical status as the “Cultural Capital.” Participants reflected on the province’s pioneering role in the press, dating back to the administration of Sheikh Mahmoud Hafid and the establishment of early printing houses. The dialogue bridged this rich history with modern challenges, specifically addressing the “Artificial Intelligence Revolution” and the urgent need to restructure the Kurdish media landscape to meet contemporary professional standards.
Strengthening International Ties in London
Both parties emphasized the necessity of integrating international expertise, particularly from the United Kingdom’s academic and professional media sectors. The choice of London as the host city carries significant symbolic weight; it is the city where the second phase of the historic Kurdistan newspaper was published by the Bedirxan family. Dr. Haval Abubakr, speaking both as Governor and as an academic expert in media language, lauded CHMK’s initiatives. He reaffirmed the Governorate’s commitment to being a primary supporter and administrative partner for the forum, ensuring a robust roadmap for media reform in the Kurdistan Region.
About CHMK.ORG
The Kurdish Media Watchdog Organization (CHMK) is an independent, non-profit NGO founded in 2017 by a group of academics and researchers. Registered with the KRG Department of NGOs, CHMK successfully launched the inaugural National Forum for Media Reform in Sulaimani in 2021. The organization remains dedicated to aligning Kurdish media practices with international benchmarks.
