Vision
“The vision of the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast is to create a sacred space for prayer, unity, and mutual respect among people of all faiths—honoring the diverse religious heritage of the region and upholding the universal value of religious freedom. Rooted in a spirit of peace and shared humanity, this gathering seeks to foster reconciliation, deepen interfaith understanding, and celebrate the power of prayer to bring healing and hope to our world.
The inaugural Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast is an invite-only gathering taking place in the historic city of Erbil from April 22 to April 25, 2025. As the first event of its kind in the nation’s history, it will bring together global leaders, spiritual voices of all faiths, and changemakers for collective prayer, meaningful dialogue, and a shared vision of coexistence in a land steeped in Biblical significance and cultural richness.
Participants will engage in fellowship events, inspiring panels, a keynote dinner, and immersive experiences that reflect Kurdistan’s enduring commitment to religious freedom and peaceful pluralism.”
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
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.
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.
Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast
Advisory Board and
Organizing Committee
The Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast Advisory Board is dedicated to fostering unity, faith, and dialogue among leaders, communities, and nations, providing spiritual guidance and support for this gathering that celebrates hope, peace, and shared values.
Eduard Heger
Prime Minister of Slovakia 2021 – 2023
Eduard Heger is a Slovak politician and economist who served as Prime Minister of Slovakia from 2021 to 2023. Before entering politics, he worked on high-level management in the private sector. In 2020, he became the Minister of Finance and later, the Prime Minister. He prepared one of the best Recovery and Resilience Plans within the EU post-pandemic focused on reforms and investments in a range of fields.
Prince Nikolaus von Liechtenstein
Nikolaus Ferdinand Maria Josef Raphael is a diplomat, lawyer, and member of the Liechtenstein princely family. He has served as Liechtenstein’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Belgium, and the European Union and is a dedicated advocate for international relations. He was also the non-resident Ambassador of Liechtenstein to the Holy See from 1986 to 2017.
Safeen Dizayee
Head of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)
Safeen Dizayee is the Minister and Head of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), where he leads the region’s international diplomacy and external affairs. With decades of experience in public service, he is a key figure in shaping Kurdistan’s global engagement and fostering international partnerships.
Bayan Rahman
Former Kurdistan Regional Government High Representative to the UK
Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman is the former Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) High Representative to the United Kingdom, where she advocated for Kurdish interests and strengthened diplomatic ties. A seasoned journalist and diplomat, she has long been a prominent voice for Kurdish rights, democracy, and regional stability.
Dr. Khalaf Sinjari
Yazidi Affairs
Dr. Khalaf Sinjari is the Advisor for Yazidi Affairs to the Iraqi Prime Minister, actively working to support the Yazidi community in post-ISIS Iraq. Dr. Sinjari is committed to securing justice and he has played a key role in reconstruction efforts in Sinjar, advocating for mass grave excavations, infrastructure development, and compensation for displaced Yazidis.
Miriam Lexmann
Member of the European Parliament
Miriam Lexmann is a Slovak Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH). She is a strong advocate for human rights, democracy, and international security, serving on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and co-chairing the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). Before joining the European Parliament, she worked in EU diplomacy and democracy promotion.
Darren Millar
Member of the Welsh Parliament
Darren Millar is a Welsh Conservative politician who has served as the Member of the Senedd (MS) for Clwyd West since 2007 and became the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in December 2024. A committed Christian, Millar is the Chief Executive of the Pocket Testament League, an organization dedicated to sharing the Christian faith.
Peter Östman
Member of the Finnish Parliament
Peter Östman is a Finnish politician and entrepreneur affiliated with the Christian Democrats. A devout Christian, he has been a strong advocate for Christian values in politics, emphasizing religious freedom, family values, and ethical policymaking. Since 2011, he has served as a Member of Parliament, currently chairing the Christian Democratic Parliamentary Group.
Tristan Azbej
State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and the Hungary Helps Program
Tristan Azbej is a Hungarian politician serving as the State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and the Hungary Helps Program. Since 2018, he has coordinated Hungary’s humanitarian efforts, advocating for religious freedom and supporting persecuted communities worldwide. In 2020, he was elected vice president of the Christian Democratic People’s Party (KDNP).
David Müller
Political Advocate for Religious Freedom
David Müller is a German political advocate dedicated to promoting religious freedom in Iraq and beyond. Through his work with the Ojcos Foundation, he collaborates with Iraqi religious leaders, tribal chiefs, and politicians to foster interfaith dialogue and understanding. Müller has also engaged with German policymakers, facilitating exchanges between Iraqi representatives and German parliamentarians to support religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Katalin Novák
Former President of Hungary
Katalin Novák is a Hungarian politician who served as the President of Hungary from 2022 to 2024, becoming the first woman to hold the office in the country’s history. Prior to her presidency, she held the position of Minister for Family Affairs and was a prominent advocate for family-friendly policies, demographic development, and social cohesion. Novák has been recognized for her focus on strengthening Hungarian families and promoting national values.
Treefa Aziz
KRG Representative to the
United States of America
Ms. Treefa Aziz is the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative to the United States of America, serving as a vital link between the two nations. Taking office in July 2023, she holds the distinction of being the first Kurdish American to assume this esteemed role. With a rich background in advocacy and diplomacy, Ms. Aziz recently served as a senior advisor to the KRG Prime Minister, H.E. Masrour Barzani, in Erbil.
Alojz Peterle
Former President of Slovenia
Alojz Peterle served as the first Prime Minister of independent Slovenia from 1990 to 1992. A key figure in Slovenia's peaceful transition to independence from Yugoslavia, Peterle was a founding member of the Slovenian Christian Democrats. He later held various roles in European politics, including as a Member of the European Parliament, where he focused on foreign affairs, health policy, and EU enlargement.
Marc Jost
Member of the National Council of Switzerland
Marc Jost is a member of the National Council (Switzerland) for the Evangelical People's Party (EVP) since 2022. He previously served on the Grand Council of Bern from 2006 to 2020, and was its president in 2015/16. He is a pastor and theologian. Before entering the National Council, he was the General Secretary of the Swiss Evangelical Alliance from 2012 to 2022.
Dr. Ewelina Ochab
Co-founder of the Coalition for
Genocide Response
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab is a lawyer, human rights advocate, and co-founder of the Coalition for Genocide Response. She focuses on addressing genocide, persecution of minorities, and conflict-related sexual violence worldwide. Dr. Ochab has contributed to over 30 UN reports and was instrumental in establishing the UN International Day Commemorating Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. She holds a PhD in international law, medical law, and ethics.
Nadine Maenza
President of the IRF Secretariat
Nadine Maenza is a respected speaker, writer, and policy expert with over two decades of advocacy for working families and international religious freedom. She serves as President of the IRF Secretariat, convening global efforts to advance religious liberty, and is a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center. A former Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Nadine has been recognized with numerous awards for her humanitarian work.
Sam Yono
Chaldean American Businessman and Community Leader
Sam Yono is a Chaldean American businessman and community leader based in Michigan. He has served as the board president of the International Visitors Council of Metropolitan Detroit (IVC Detroit), a nonprofit organization that administers international exchange programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State and USAID. Yono has also held leadership roles in various organizations, including the Chaldean Federation of America, Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers, and New Detroit.
Umid Gaff
Member of the Global Peace Foundation
Umid Gaff is a dedicated peace ambassador and an active member of the Global Peace Foundation. Widely recognized within his community, Umid is known for his unwavering commitment to human rights and political advocacy. With a passion for justice and coexistence, he works to promote peace, dialogue, and social harmony both locally and globally. Through his leadership and activism, Umid continues to be a voice for the voiceless and a tireless advocate for a more just and compassionate world.
Asaad Kalasho
Founder and CEO of Asaad Group Investments (AGI)
Asaad Kalasho is a visionary Iraqi-American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community builder whose legacy spans global enterprise, public education, and culturally responsive mental health care. As the founder and CEO of Asaad Group Investments (AGI), Asaad leads an international private equity and development firm based in Warren, Michigan, with operational branches in Iraqi Kurdistan.
2025 Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast Honorary Co-Chairs
The inaugural Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast program features a series of fellowship gatherings with high-profile speakers, engaging panel discussions with regional and international leaders, an exclusive keynote dinner, and unique biblical and cultural experiences throughout the historic city of Erbil.
Ano Abdoka
Minister of Transportation
Dr. Hemin Hawrami
Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament