SPARK Supports First National Entrepreneurship Summit in Sulaimanyah
The Sulaimanyah National Entrepreneurship (SNE) Summit brought together hundreds of young innovators, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders on November 22-23, 2025, marking a significant milestone for youth empowerment in Iraq.
Organized by the Supreme Council of Youth of Iraq under the supervision of the Iraqi Prime Minister, the two-day summit created a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of Iraq’s young generation. The event attracted diverse participants including government representatives, private sector companies, NGOs, and startups.
Highlighting Youth Innovation
The summit’s centerpiece was the pitching competition, where the top 10 participants selected from 125 youth in the Youth Entrepreneurship Bootcamp presented their projects to expert panels. An additional 20 participants showcased their innovative prototypes, demonstrating the creativity and potential of young Iraqi entrepreneurs. Among the notable participants was Zhyar Sarko from Halabja, a “Work for Work” campaigner who created a platform providing legal assistance in the Kurdistan Region in Iraq.
SPARK’s Role in Empowering Youth
SPARK’s contributions were central to the success of the summit, demonstrated through several strategic engagements.
A high-profile panel on “Youth, Innovation, and Future Skills” was organised, where discussions focused on how young people in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq can benefit from rapid technological and entrepreneurial developments to build more competitive futures. Support was also provided to the Youth Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Halabja by offering a collaborative space that fostered innovation, reflecting SPARK’s ongoing commitment to expanding accessible opportunities for youth.
A dedicated booth was set up to showcase the Networks of Change programme, highlighting the achievements of former campaigners and informing attendees about current capacity-building and vocational training opportunities available through the youth hubs. The booth attracted considerable interest, with several visitors sharing success stories from their participation in SPARK initiatives.
Building a Foundation for the Future
The SNE Summit showcased the strong potential of Iraq’s youth and the need for platforms that nurture their entrepreneurial ambitions. Through dynamic panels, masterclasses, and networking, young participants gained skills, connections, and motivation to advance their ideas.
SPARK’s contribution increased youth engagement and strengthened visibility for ongoing programs. As Iraq’s entrepreneurial ecosystem grows, initiatives like the SNE Summit and strong local partnerships will be key to turning youth innovation into sustainable economic opportunities for future generations.
