Barzani opens Kurdistan's largest youth center in Erbil

ERBIL, Iraq — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday inaugurated the Kurdistan Youth Center in Erbil, describing the facility as one of the largest and most modern youth centers in the region and the wider world. Speaking at the opening, Barzani said the Kurdistan Region's achievements had been made possible by the Peshmerga's struggle and the sacrifices of its people, calling the new center a source of pride for Kurdish citizens. The prime minister urged young people to study their history and protect their identity, adding that the center will offer services in sports, cultural heritage, science and technology, and social integration. It will also house a library of more than 12,000 books open to young visitors. Barzani said the facility would be accessible to youth from every city and district of the Kurdistan Region without discrimination, and that the government would support talented young people in the economy, health and education sectors. During a trial period, the center received 129,000 visitors and registered more than 1,400 members, with all services provided free of charge. Barzani said the facility offers a modern platform that would reduce the need for young people to travel abroad.