Kurdistan Foundation

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Kurdistan Foundation is a community-based development organization established in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq by H.E. Areen Masrour Barzani. The foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through capacity building, talent development, and the creation of opportunities in various social, cultural, and economic fields.

Its initiatives include programs such as Empower.KRD for professional training and skill development, JOBS.KRD for employment opportunities, Climate.KRD for environmental awareness and sustainability, as well as Volunteer.KRD and Youth Hub to promote volunteerism and youth engagement.

The Foundation also works to preserve and promote Kurdish cultural identity, foster global connectivity, and encourage active citizenship. To date, it has trained thousands of individuals, organized hundreds of activities, and provided platforms for youth, culture, and community development across the region.

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Last Updated: November 20, 2025

Kurdistan Foundation Representative

Meet the leaders driving youth empowerment in their countries.

Each country participating in the Global Hope Network is represented by a dedicated leader who is passionate about empowering youth and driving impactful initiatives. These representatives play a key role in showcasing their nation’s Best Practices and fostering global collaboration to create positive change.

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Yara Hassan Barzanji

Director of Programs and Partnerships

Yara Hassan Barzanji is Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Kurdistan Foundation, overseeing Volunteer.KRD, Jobs.KRD, Empower.KRD, Climate.KRD and YouthHub.

With a background in medicine (MBChB), she brings analytical precision to program leadership, driving civic engagement, employment, and youth empowerment. Under her guidance, the Foundation has delivered 30+ projects, impacted over 150,000 people, and mobilized 14,000+ volunteers. Yara is dedicated to building strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable, community-led development in Kurdistan.

Best Practices from Kurdistan Foundation

Innovative Solutions in Action

Explore the impactful youth-led initiatives submitted by Kurdistan Foundation. These Best Practices showcase the country’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and leadership.