THE KURDS

We stand for Clarity, Quality and Transparency

Who are we?

The Kurdistan Reconstruction & Development Society (KURDS) NGO stands as a beacon of humanitarian dedication, transcending political affiliations to emerge as a non-profit, non-governmental organization driven by the collective interest of the public. Established in 1991, KURDS is grounded in scientific and engineering principles, with a primary focus on the systematic development of rural areas in Kurdistan and across Iraq. Our inception was marked by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and cost-effectiveness, guided by a cadre of highly educated professionals in agriculture, engineering, geology, and social & civil society.

The roots of KURDS lie in the imperative to address the administrative vacuum in Duhok, as identified by a group of forward-thinking individuals during its inaugural conference. As the first local NGO in the region, KURDS emerged in response to the compelling needs and requirements of the community. Our mission has always been to collaborate closely and honestly with Local Authority Departments, fellow humanitarian NGOs, and UN Agencies. From the outset, KURDS embraced a professional approach, prioritizing project quality and innovative proposals over sheer quantity.

In 1991, as the repatriation process for returnees from Iran and Turkey commenced, KURDS was established with a pivotal objective: to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees to their places of origin. This core mission continues to guide us, driving our efforts to help IDPs and returnees reintegrate through meticulously organized reconstruction programs, fostering viable and sustainable communities.

KURDS has strategically crafted a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Kurdistan, informed by cutting-edge scientific methodologies and coordinated efforts with relevant stakeholders within and outside Iraqi Kurdistan. Over the years, we have successfully implemented more than 1500 projects across all districts and sub-districts of Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaimaniya Governorates. Our services have reached approximately 3000 villages, spanning the realms of reconstruction, water and sanitation, agriculture, irrigation, productive projects, agriculture extension, rural women development, environmental improvement, and de-mining.

Moreover, KURDS has played a pivotal role in the development of rural communities throughout Iraqi Kurdistan. Notably, our active participation in monitoring all election processes for the establishment of democratic federalism government, Governorates councils, and municipalities councils underscores our commitment to democratic governance and community empowerment.

In recognition of our unwavering dedication, KURDS NGO was honoured with a Civic Award on June 16th, 2008, under the sponsorship of His Excellency Nechirvan Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Government (KRG). This accolade, awarded in an assessment and evaluation campaign for local NGOs organized by the Ministry of Civil Society Affairs - KRG, reaffirms KURDS' exemplary contribution. Out of 46 local NGOs in the Kurdistan region, KURDS secured the third position, a testament to our impactful endeavours in service to the community.

KURDS NGO's Key Strategies:

Partnerships and collaboration: Build strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders to leverage resources, expertise, and networks.
Capacity building: Invest in staff training, knowledge management, and technology adoption to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Evidence-based decision-making: Conduct research, monitor and evaluate programs, and base decisions on data and evidence.
Advocacy and communication: Clearly communicate KURDS' mission, achievements, and impact to key stakeholders and mobilize public support.
Innovation and adaptation: Continuously learn, adapt, and develop innovative solutions to address evolving needs and challenges.

VISION

Empowering Communities, Building Futures

To be a leading and trusted NGO, renowned for its impactful and sustainable contributions to rebuilding and developing Kurdistan Region of Iraq and beyond, while empowering diverse communities and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and independence.

MISSION

At KURDS NGO, our dedication lies in responding to emergencies, particularly disasters, and achieving vital objectives, notably the reconstruction of areas affected by wars and conflicts. We are committed to the overall development of targeted communities, emphasizing awareness programs on health, education, women's rights, violence prevention, and gender equity. Concurrently, we work towards improving socio-economic conditions and the environment through coordinated efforts with national and international agencies, as well as local communities. Our mission is to create viable and resilient communities through transparent, accountable, and scientifically informed reconstruction programs. Guided by collaboration and professionalism, we strive to be a catalyst for positive change, promoting democratic governance, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development.

VALUES

Transparency and Accountability:

We uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in all our activities, ensuring that our stakeholders have clear insights into our operations and impact.

Community-Centric Approach:

Our work is grounded in a deep understanding of community needs and priorities. We actively engage with local communities, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration in every project we undertake.

Professionalism and Excellence:

We adhere to the highest professional standards, valuing excellence in project design, implementation, and evaluation. Our commitment to quality ensures the lasting impact and sustainability of our initiatives.

Innovation and Adaptability:

We embrace innovation and adaptability to respond effectively to evolving challenges. By staying abreast of the latest scientific and engineering advancements, we continuously refine our approaches to meet the dynamic needs of the communities we serve.

Collaboration and Cooperation:

We recognize the strength in collaboration and actively seek partnerships with local authorities, humanitarian NGOs, and UN agencies. Through honest and close cooperation, we aim to amplify our impact and contribute to collective efforts in addressing displacement-related challenges.

Empowerment and Inclusivity:

KURDS is committed to empowering individuals and communities, with a particular focus on marginalized groups. We strive for inclusivity, ensuring that our programs create opportunities for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.

Environmental Sustainability:

We prioritize environmental sustainability in our projects, implementing practices that contribute to the long-term health and resilience of the communities we serve.

Humanitarian Commitment:

Our organization is driven by a humanitarian commitment to alleviate the suffering of IDPs and returnees. We work tirelessly to create a positive impact on the lives of those affected by displacement, promoting dignity, well-being, and hope for a brighter future.

These statements encapsulate the guiding principles and aspirations of KURDS NGO, reflecting our dedication to meaningful and sustainable community development.