Iraq Leadership Fellows

The Iraq Leadership Fellows Program is hosted by the Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. IRIS is an independent center for policy-relevant research. The Institute is part of the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani, Iraq’s only independent, not-for-profit, American-style institution of higher learning. The American University of Iraq is fully accredited, and it is a registered charitable foundation with 501(c) 3 status in the United States.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung provides generous financial and administrative support to the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation that promotes freedom and liberty, peace, and justice. KAS works towards enabling people to live self-determined lives in freedom and dignity, and to help Germany meet its growing responsibilities throughout the world.

We are both a funder and an implementer focused on co-creation, co-investment, measurable impact, and sustainability. It is in the Institute’s DNA to be bold, enter early, and stay true to the communities and organizations we invest in. We are long-term collaborators who work with our partners and beneficiaries to skillfully adapt to the constantly shifting kaleidoscope of on-the-ground realities. In short, we are passionate professionals committed to peace and prosperity for all people.