The Way. Unity in Faith
Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast
2025, Erbil
Plan Ahead:
The Second Annual Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast will be held in April 2026.
Vision
In April 2025, the inaugural Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast took place in the historic city of Erbil.
The vision of the event was to create a sacred space for prayer, unity, and mutual respect among people of all faiths—honoring the region’s diverse religious heritage and upholding the universal value of religious freedom. Rooted in a spirit of peace and shared humanity, the gathering aimed to foster reconciliation, deepen interfaith understanding, and celebrate the power of prayer to bring healing and hope to the world.
Held from April 22 to April 25, 2025, the first-ever Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast was an invite-only event that brought together global leaders, spiritual voices from various faiths, and changemakers for collective prayer, meaningful dialogue, and a shared vision of coexistence in a land rich with Biblical significance and cultural heritage.
Participants engaged in fellowship events, inspiring panel discussions, a keynote dinner, and immersive experiences that reflected Kurdistan’s enduring commitment to religious freedom and peaceful pluralism.
History
Since 1943, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have met each week while Congress is in session for prayer, personal discussions about the issues facing them and about the needs of their nation. They are united in believing that by looking to the life of Jesus, people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs can join together, encourage and promote forgiveness and reconciliation.
In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower attended a meeting by invitation of Congressmen, Vereide, and Billy Graham. This was the start of the National Prayer Breakfast movement, which the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast hopes to build on.
Kurdistan Prime Minister
Masrour Barzani is the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq. In his previous role as Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council, he played a central role in the global fight against ISIS. He was credited with leading efforts to defeat ISIS on the battlefield, ending the immediate threat to regional states, and preventing the attempted genocide of minority groups by ISIS.
Since taking office in 2019, Prime Minister Barzani has focused on enhancing public services, improving government efficiency, and driving digital transformation to modernize governance. His administration has prioritized economic diversification, infrastructure development, and institutional reforms to create a more transparent and effective government. In response to the growing challenges of climate change, he has advocated for sustainable policies and initiated numerous projects to protect the environment and natural resources. Additionally, he has worked to strengthen the peaceful coexistence of Kurdistan’s diverse communities, fostering unity and stability in the region.
Prime Minister Barzani is also the Founding Chairman of the Board of the American University of Kurdistan and the Founder of the Barzani Charity Foundation. He joined the Peshmerga at the age of 16 and served on the front lines in defense of the people of Kurdistan.
Masrour Barzani
Prime Minister
About Kurdistan
Nestled at the crossroads of ancient civilizations, Kurdistan is a land rich with history, faith, and resilience. As an autonomous region in Iraq, it offers a unique blend of religious freedom, deep cultural heritage, and Biblical significance - making it an extraordinary setting for the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast.
This sacred land has witnessed the journeys of prophets, the footsteps of apostles, and the endurance of faith across millennia. It stands as a beacon of peace and hospitality, where diverse communities live side-by-side, upholding a tradition of spiritual devotion and unity. Kurdistan’s warm-hearted people, breathtaking landscapes, and unwavering commitment to faith make it a perfect place for a gathering of prayer, reflection, and global fellowship.
Attending this event in Kurdistan is more than just an experience - it’s an opportunity to stand in a land where faith has shaped history, build bridges across cultures, and be part of a historic moment of unity and prayer.
City of Erbil
As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Erbil is a place where ancient history and modern progress intertwine. With a legacy dating back over 6,000 years, it has been a witness to the rise and fall of empires, the spread of faith, and the resilience of civilizations.
At its heart lies the Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has stood as a symbol of strength for millennia. Walking through the city, you’ll find vibrant markets, historic churches, and mosques, all coexisting in a testament to Kurdistan’s spirit of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
Erbil is not just a city of the past—it is a thriving hub of culture, diplomacy, and hospitality. Whether exploring its bustling bazaars, experiencing its renowned Kurdish hospitality, or standing in places that have been touched by Biblical history, visitors find themselves immersed in a truly transformative and spiritual experience.
For those attending the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast, Erbil offers more than a venue—it offers a journey into the heart of faith, history, and unity.