A conference titled “Rethinking the World: Challenges, Transitions, and Kurdish Perspectives” kicked off in Berlin on Friday, hosted by the Kurdish Academic Network KURD-AKAD and Civaka Azad, the Kurdish Centre for Public Relations. The two-day event, taking place at Hotel Rossi, was inaugurated by Dr. Dersim Dağdeviren, a physician and co-chair of KURD-AKAD, marking a significant gathering of experts from academia, politics, and civil society.
The conference’s core discussion revolves around the conflicts in the Middle East, their global impacts and the varied interests and perspectives of the actors involved, with the Kurdish question playing a pivotal role amid the region’s overlapping crises.
Dr. Dağdeviren highlighted the importance of addressing the Kurdish issue, not only in the context of regional crises but also considering its implications for German-Turkish relations and the lives of Kurds in Germany. “At our conference, we aim to analyse the current political situation in the conflict zones and explore the potentials for transformation and future perspectives from the region itself. The Kurdish perspectives, especially in the context of the slogan ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ (Woman, Life, Freedom), offer pioneering options for a fair global and regional reordering,” the organisers explained.
The conference featured a keynote speech by historian and political scientist Prof. Dr. Hamit Bozarslan on “The World Order: From Status Quo to a New Beginning”. Following this, a session moderated by author and documentary filmmaker Edgar Hagen included discussions on “World War III? – Assessments and Scenarios”. Prof. Dr. Amy Austin Holmes of the Elliot School of International Affairs shared insights on the world order from the US’ perspective. Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder from the University of Bonn discussed the guiding structures of German foreign policy, while journalist Kristin Helberg delved into the conflict lines and connotations in the Middle East, and journalist Anastasia Tikhomirova covered “Russia, Ukraine, and NATO: Old Conflicts – New Strategies”.
The conference also featured discussions on the demographic changes and migration movements due to escalating crises in the Middle East, with contributions from Valeria Hänsel of Medico International and exiled Kurdish journalist Sara Aktaş from France. The event continues with sessions focusing on the Kurdish migration history in Germany, German-Turkish relations, democracy in Turkey, and the Kurdish question’s narratives and realities, aiming to foster dialogue and insights into a just and peaceful re-ordering of global and regional structures.
