The Patron of the Slemani Strategic Forum is H.E. Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, whose public life has been defined by a commitment to dialogue, institutional reform and bridge-building across political, regional and international divides.

Since assuming office in 2014, H.E. Talabani has championed a modernising agenda focused on stronger institutions, greater transparency, improved public services and more accountable government. He has also been a consistent advocate for economic diversification, innovation, digital transformation and evidence-based policymaking.

At the heart of his leadership is the conviction that durable progress depends on sustained engagement: between communities, between governments and between the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the wider world. His patronage reflects the Forum’s founding purpose to create a trusted space in which differences can be addressed, relationships strengthened and cooperation carried forward with seriousness, continuity and mutual respect.