Hiwa Life, in collaboration with the University of Groningen (Netherlands), convened a discussion examining the role of Kurds within the evolving dynamics of the Middle East.

During the event, Soran Mansournia, Co-Founder of Hiwa Life, participated in a panel alongside Pieter) Verstraete, Assistant Professor in Arts, Culture and Media. The discussion explored the shifting position of Kurdish communities in the region—from their role in the fight against ISIS to their place within current geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Soran Mansournia underscored the growing agency of Kurdish actors, noting that in recent years their role has expanded beyond that of purely military contributors. Dr Verstraete highlighted the depth and richness of Kurdish culture, emphasizing that it has often been overshadowed by a predominant focus on conflict-related narratives.

The panel discussion followed a screening of Touching Freedom, a documentary directed by Reber Dosky and released in 2017. The film portrays the defence of Kobani by its residents during attacks by ISIS, offering an intimate perspective on resilience, community, and the human cost of conflict.