From Sulaimani to London: The 3rd CHMK National Forum for Media Reform to be Held at SOAS University of London
London, United Kingdom: As part of its ongoing strategic efforts to shape an independent media ecosystem, the Kurdish Media Watchdog Organization (CHMK) is organizing its third national forum under the title: “Media Reform in Post-Conflict Regions: An International Scientific Conference on the Roadmap for Kurdistan’s Strategic Policy.” The event will take place at SOAS University of London on July 8–9, 2026.
CHMK Organization: A Pioneer in the Media Reform Process (2021-2026)
This historic forum in London marks the continuation of a vital reformative journey. CHMK laid its cornerstone in 2021 by organizing the 1st CHMK National Forum for Media Reform in the Kurdistan Region. Subsequently, in 2025, in partnership with the University of Sulaimani, the second edition accelerated the steps toward institutionalizing the media ecosystem. Through this series of academic forums, CHMK has consistently served as a dynamic, neutral platform, delivering practical recommendations aimed at steering journalism toward public service.
The First International Scientific Conference Accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education
This edition of the forum represents a rare milestone at both academic and professional levels, as it has been officially certified by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Kurdistan Regional Government as the “1st International Scientific Conference on Media Reform.” This official recognition provides a robust legal and academic standing for all research and recommendations generated during the forum.
A Powerful Alliance: Organizers and International Partners
This year’s forum is organized under the primary leadership of the Kurdish Media Watchdog (CHMK), co-organized by the Kanga Educational Foundation (KEF) and Vision Agency for International Development (VisionAID). It is held in collaboration with three international academic partners: the UK Media Reform Coalition (MRC), the Leverhulme Research Centre at Goldsmiths, University of London, and the Journal of Digital Media & Policy (JDMP), published by Intellect Books. The event will host over 20 international academic centers from 8 different countries, bringing together 50 researchers, speakers, and academic leaders from the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Greece, Spain, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
Global Standing of SOAS University of London
Selecting SOAS University of London as a partner and host for the 3rd CHMK National Forum carries immense global significance. SOAS has been officially ranked this year as the “No. 1 University in the UK for International Faculty,” offering a richly diverse, multicultural environment to address the structural challenges of Kurdish media within a world-class institution of profound influence.
Great News for Researchers: Official Special Issue Invitation by JDMP (Scopus)
The internationally renowned Journal of Digital Media & Policy (JDMP), published by Intellect Books and indexed in Scopus, has extended an official invitation dedicating a Special Issue to the themes of this forum. Abstract submissions will remain open until mid-September 2026, and accepted peer-reviewed papers will be officially published in Volume 19 of the journal in March 2028. To view guidelines and submit papers, researchers can visit the journal’s official link: 🔗 JDMP Official Call for Papers
Statement from the General Coordinator of the Forum
Dr. Shwan Adam Aivas, Chair of the Kurdish Media Watchdog (CHMK) and General Coordinator of the forum, stated regarding the dimensions of this edition:
“The 2026 CHMK Forum in London, alongside our co-organizers and international partners, introduces a new equation. Our media reform initiatives operate on three parallel dimensions: locally, we strive to build an independent legal and professional infrastructure to protect journalists; regionally, we aim to establish Kurdistan as a pioneering structural reform model for post-conflict societies in the Middle East; and globally, through this dedicated Special Issue of JDMP, we share our scientific data within Western academic laboratories to show the world that freedom of expression, journalism rights, and the urgent need for media reform constitute a universal human concern. CHMK is no longer just a watchdog; it is the architect of the Kurdistan Region’s Strategic Policy Roadmap for Media Reform (2026–2036).”
Call for Registration
CHMK invites all policymakers, academics, university professors, researchers, and journalists to register promptly to participate in the scientific debates during this two-day forum. Due to the high significance of the event, seating capacity at SOAS is strictly limited. To register and view the final agenda, please visit the official forum portal
: 🔗 forum.chmk.org
Media and Public Relations Department of the 3rd CHMK National Forum
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