Kurdistan National Congress Held Brussels Conference
The group met to discuss efforts toward gaining official Kurdish representation at the United Nations.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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The Kurdistan National Congress convened at Vrije Universiteit Brussel to advance initiatives for Kurdish recognition. The organization aims to secure official observer status for Kurds at the United Nations.
Why it matters
The group seeks to provide an international political platform for the estimated 60 million people residing within Kurdish geography. This diplomatic push follows nearly a year of regional meetings and organizational efforts.
The conference included attendees representing four distinct geographic parts of Kurdistan. Participants elected Fehmi Vergili, Nilüfer Koç, and Wirya Qaradaxi to the conference presidium.
The players
Kurdistan National Congress
This organization represents Kurdish political interests and has conducted meetings across regions including Qandil and Sulaymaniyah.
Fehmi Vergili
He was elected to the conference presidium to help oversee the organization's efforts.
Nilüfer Koç
She serves as a member of the newly elected presidium for the congress.
Wirya Qaradaxi
He was appointed to the presidium during the conference proceedings in Brussels.
The details
The event brought together diverse stakeholders including academic experts, international law professionals, and political party representatives. Delegates formed a specific group to assess conditions across various regions, including Rojava, Bakur, and Hewlêr.
Timeline
Nearly one year ago, diplomatic meetings with political parties began.
October 3, 2026, the conference was held in Brussels.
Political Context
The push for recognition must contend with the complex requirements of the United Nations observer status criteria. Opponents often point to the geopolitical sensitivities of recognizing non-state actors within existing sovereign borders.
This diplomatic movement seeks to formalize political status for a large population currently divided across multiple jurisdictions. The success of these efforts could impact future international legal rights and recognition for Kurdish communities.
The takeaway
The effort highlights the ongoing challenges of securing international representation for groups without a sovereign state. Observers should watch for future developments regarding the status of the delegation's formal requests to the United Nations.
Further reading
Learn more about global Civic Engagement initiatives and international representation.
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