Throughout its short history AUK has been beacon of diversity, says PM Barzani
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Kurdistan Region president and all those who have provided invaluable support to AUK over the past decade,” the Prime Minister said.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday delivered a speech at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) graduation ceremony, in which he stated that throughout its short history, AUK has been a beacon of diversity.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Kurdistan Region president and all those who have provided invaluable support to AUK over the past decade,” the Prime Minister said.
He also pointed out that “throughout the years since the institution has been a building block of our vision of Kurdistan as a knowledge nation, a place that links our people to the world through learning and education while fostering growth and expertise at home.”
“As AUK's founder and chairman, I envisioned this university to be a bedrock of our social and economic development and a heart of the community here in Duhok and in Kurdistan more broadly. I'm happy to report that this goal is taking shape,” the premier stressed.
Regarding artificial intelligence (AI), Barzani underscored that "data-fed applications available online are increasingly doing more of what humans have in the past generated. While AI-powered apps streamline our daily lives by managing tasks schedules and communications, they can also hinder our authentic expression and communication skills.”
"To combat this we must cultivate the power of our own voices, ideas, thoughts, and insights which are irreplaceable in encouraging meaningful discourse and progress,” Barzani noted and added, "This fast-changing world also creates the possibility that those who did not grow up with such technology may be left behind. We cannot let that happen. I would urge graduates to help their family members adapt to this new world and I would urge AUK to consider programs for anyone who wants to know more.”
“Throughout its short history, AUK has been a beacon of diversity and inclusion and I am proud to say that 72% of students here benefit from some form of scholarship. We believe in education's ability to change lives and we are dedicated to providing opportunities for all regardless of background,” Barzani further said.
Meanwhile, he underlined that their ongoing pursuit of US accreditation underscores their commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement.
“I encourage you to live your values and help us lead efforts to affect change on areas of vital importance. The future of our nation and the very existence of our planet will be in the hands of your generation. This may appear on honorius responsibility and perhaps it is but I urge you all to rise to the challenge and make a difference,” Barzani concluded.
My message to @OfficialAuk class of 2024: I urge you all to rise to the challenge and make a difference. Use your education to drive positive change, to innovate, and to lead with integrity and compassion. pic.twitter.com/jf1qTxCeIM
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) June 2, 2024
