U.S. Consul General Highlights Youth Empowerment, U.S.-Kurdistan Ties at AUK Commencement Ceremony
U.S. Consul General praises AUK graduates at Duhok ceremony, urging them to drive Kurdistan's development through business, engineering & healthcare. Highlights AUK's U.S. accreditation as regional milestone.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL(Kurdistan24) – In a spirited address delivered during the sixth commencement ceremony of the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) in Duhok on Sunday, Steve Bitner, the U.S. Consul General in Kurdistan Region, underscored the university’s growing significance and praised the graduating class of 2025 for their accomplishments, urging them to play a transformative role in the Kurdistan Region’s development.
The ceremony, attended by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and numerous dignitaries, also marked a historic moment with the graduation of the 2025 Class.
Graduates as Agents of Change
“It is an honor to address such an impressive assembly of guests, including Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. I'd also like to acknowledge, of course, AUK's faculty and the family and friends of the graduates,” the Consul General began.
He highlighted the significance of graduates American-style education, noting that it had equipped them with the “knowledge and resources you need to affect the world around you, especially here in the Kurdistan Region.”
A Vision for the Region’s Development
The Consul General called upon the business graduates to help diversify the economy and drive sustainable growth, stating, “Graduates from the College of Business, you could help the region diversify its economy, help sustain economic growth, and help create greater prosperity.”
He underlined the potential for partnerships with U.S. companies, saying, “We hope many of you will have opportunities to work in fields where you can partner with U.S. companies. Economic engagement between the Kurdistan Region and The United States is a key way for us to not only deepen the economic ties between our people, but also to bolster the region's economy.”
Addressing engineering graduates, he drew attention to their crucial role in rebuilding the region: “The region needs your expertise to improve infrastructure, build roads, and harness the region's vast energy resources.”
The speech praised the energy sector’s growth with U.S. investments and urged the new engineers to support this momentum: “Economic progress and prosperity are impossible without reliable energy and solid infrastructure, which you can help bring to the people of Kurdistan Region.”
Investing in Health and Human Capital
Recognizing the new nursing graduates, the Consul General celebrated the university’s state-of-the-art nursing lab, supported by the U.S. government. “Thanks to the training you received at the university's state-of-the-art nursing lab, which the U.S. government supported, you'll be able to provide high quality patient care and use advanced medical practices.”
He added, “Most importantly, you will help address the shortage of qualified health care professionals, improving access to medical services for the entire population.”
Arts, Society, and Diplomacy
Addressing graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Consul General emphasized their role in societal reform and diplomacy: “Your schooling has made you well equipped to become political leaders, media professionals, or partners in civil society, helping to solve the region's most pressing issues.”
He noted that these graduates would “be instrumental in fostering the region's relationships with other countries and peoples, increasing the Kurdistan Region's influence.”
Partnership and Continuing Support
The Consul General reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting youth in the region: “I encourage you to stay connected to The United States and to the team at the U.S. Consulate General... We’re committed to continuing to support your personal professional development by providing training programs and exchange opportunities.”
He underscored the strategic importance of investing in the youth: “By investing in you, we recognize we are investing in the future of the Kurdistan Region.”
A Monumental Moment and U.S. Accreditation
Calling this a “monumental moment for the Kurdistan Region,” the Consul General pointed to significant changes in the region and positioned the graduates as its future leaders: “The graduates of the American University of Kurdistan are the leaders who will see this transformation through.”
In a final tribute to AUK’s achievement, he stated: “Before I conclude, I'd be remiss if I did not also congratulate the AUK leadership, faculty, and staff for becoming the first higher education institution in Iraq to receive U.S. accreditation.”
“This accomplishment is a testament to AUK's dedication to providing its students with the best standards of education. AUK is a leader in higher education, and I hope more universities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region follow your shining example. Thank you very much. And, again, congratulations.”
The American University of Kurdistan was founded in 2014 and has since established itself as a leading institution for higher education in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Its sixth graduation ceremony reflects the university’s growth, diversity, and continued commitment to excellence.
