On April 22-24, the first-ever Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast (KNPB) was held in Erbil, bringing together senior government officials, religious leaders, and civil society voices from within Iraq and abroad. The event—attended by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister, KRG President, and other officials—reflected the Kurdistan Region’s desire to be recognized as a place where peaceful coexistence is possible among diverse religious communities—including Muslim, Yazidi, Kaka’i, Mandaean, and several Christian traditions. The goal is to enable members of these communities to live and contribute without fear.

The extended program provided opportunities for participants to hear from religious leaders and international experts, and to explore historic Christian and Yazidi sites and meet with community members who continue to preserve their faith traditions despite extreme challenges.

The KNPB offered space for cultivating relationships and dialogue. Whether it becomes a catalyst for sustained religious freedom efforts remains to be seen—but it is a step worth noting.

Media coverage of the KNPB included:

• Kurdistan Chronicle video includes an interview with RFI’s Jeremy Barker. 
• “Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast attendees visit Lalish,” Rudaw. 
• “Kurdistan Launches Inaugural National Prayer Breakfast with Global Dignitaries Present,” Kurdistan24.
• “Kurdistan’s First National Prayer Breakfast Held in Erbil,” Kurdistan Chronicle.
• Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast event highlight video (the religious freedom panels are featured around the 2:45 mark).