Breaking Boundaries | Building Bridges | Sharing Knowledge | Empowering Minds Worldwide 🌍💡🚀
Welcome to a World of Exploration and Empowerment
Breaking Boundaries is a platform committed to advancing sustainable development in Iraq by sharing knowledge, promoting collaboration, and driving transformative change. By bringing international speakers from diverse fields around the world, we break through barriers, unite global perspectives, and create lasting impact in health, education, and women’s empowerment.
our partners
Over 60 Speakers Worldwide, Diverse Backgrounds, Our Aim: Positive Impact.
Our team
The Breaking Boundaries Platform team is a group of dedicated individuals passionate about knowledge sharing and global collaboration. We strive to transcend borders, foster unity, and facilitate dialogue on a wide range of topics. Our mission is to connect professionals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, promoting inclusivity and understanding. With a commitment to empowering individuals and communities, we work tirelessly to bridge gaps and break barriers, making a positive impact on society. Our team is driven by a common goal: to create a world where knowledge knows no boundaries.
Our team embodies diversity, collaboration, and a shared passion for making a difference. Each member brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and expertise to the table. We work seamlessly together, leveraging our collective strengths to curate engaging events, foster engaging discussions, and create a platform that transcends borders. At Breaking Boundaries, we believe in the power of collaboration and unity to inspire change and drive sustainable development in an ever-evolving world.
years of dedication since 2020
speakers
Our Impact
Our primary objective is to expedite and streamline the path to achieving sustainable development, leaving a positive impact on Iraq. This is achieved through the power of knowledge sharing, utilizing the latest insights from international speakers as well as gifted and qualified speakers within Iraq.
The Breaking Boundaries Platform (BBP) has significantly contributed to sustainable development in various key areas, including quality education, healthcare, gender equality, industry innovation and infrastructure, and peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Health
BBP invited professionals from the UK to present on the pandemic, including strategies to combat COVID-19 based on the UK’s experiences. Many Iraqis participated in this online event, including healthcare professionals who provide in-home treatment and psychological support.
BBP encouraged individuals, including healthcare professionals, to receive vaccinations based on research and studies from the UK. They discussed the significance of vaccinations and how the UK successfully managed COVID-19 through vaccination. Post-session, a majority of attendees, including healthcare professionals, doctors, and nurses, disseminated the information, emphasizing the efficiency and types of vaccination. Strong encouragement was given for people to get vaccinated.
BBP also brought professionals from the UK, France, and the US to discuss mental health in Iraq, a new and crucial topic for the country. A doctor from Iraq working in the Ministry of Health was also invited. This session effectively initiated discussions on mental health within the Ministry of Health.
BBP has been instrumental in the healthcare sector of Iraq by addressing various health topics that were previously neglected.
Education
Researchers benefited significantly from international speakers who shared the latest studies and research.
Speakers provided insights into new methodologies for teaching during and after the pandemic, which proved beneficial for lecturers, teachers, and administrators.
Through BBP, universities collaborated with international speakers to enhance their curriculum. For instance, Baghdad University collaborated with a BBP speaker regarding mental health.
BBP introduced attendees to various scholarships such as Chevening Scholarships and the Fulbright Program.
All sessions were conducted in English, allowing attendees to participate in English with native speakers and enhancing their understanding of the topic. BBP also motivated non-native speakers to present in English.
Participants gained valuable knowledge about funding opportunities for researchers through one of BBP’s speakers.
BBP invited TEDx speakers from Australia, the UK, and India to share insights on a wide range of educational topics, providing attendees with new perspectives.
Socially
- BBP motivated youth to engage in social development activities. They also addressed women’s empowerment by inviting young female leaders from different cities in Iraq. In a live conference in 2022 held in Erbil city, they invited female martial artists and organized activities and talks to encourage girls to engage in martial arts. Following the conference, many girls enrolled in martial arts centers for ladies.
Industry Innovation and Infrastructure
- BBP featured a speaker who discussed the importance of smart houses, particularly in safeguarding humans from earthquakes and climate changes. BBP shared the speaker’s innovative ideas with the audience.
These examples showcase the manifold ways in which BBP has positively impacted the Iraqi community. All events are recorded and accessible in the Facebook private group (Breaking Boundaries) and on YouTube (Breaking Boundaries Platform).
Overall
BBP stands as a valuable resource for Iraqis seeking the latest developments in various fields. The platform has also played a pivotal role in promoting social development and encouraging youth engagement.
2020
The pandemic
BBP was launched in 2020 by Wirya Mukryani. He started inviting professionals from the UK to share awareness about COVID-19, and the event has continued on a weekly basis.
2021
Progressing
As BBP processed many report channels, the platform expanded to cover a wide variety of topics, and more international professionals joined and continued to report on it.
2022
First live international conference in Erbil
In 2022, the Breaking Boundaries platform expanded further, and many volunteers joined the BBP team to collaborate and help make a positive impact. The BBP team then decided to organize the first live conference in Erbil city on October 16, 2022, because the weekly events were held virtually. They invited six speakers, two of whom were international from the USA and the Netherlands. Two of the speakers were male, and the rest were female, reflecting one of BBP’s goals of empowering women. The theme of the conference was the same as the platform’s slogan: “Break boundaries, build bridges, and share knowledge.” Many organizations and companies sponsored the conference.
2023
second live international conference
After the resounding success of the first Breaking Boundaries conference, we are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a second live conference in Sulaimania, Iraq, on December 9, 2023. The inaugural conference had a significant impact on the academic community, and many Universities and academic centers are eager to collaborate with BBP to organize the second conference, which will be themed “Breaking Boundaries to Achieve Sustainable Development.” We have invited a distinguished lineup of speakers, including two lecturers from AUIS and other renowned academics and influencers from across Iraq, representing a diverse range of genders and backgrounds.
2024
Preparation for the third international live conference in Kirkuk
After the resounding success of the first Breaking Boundaries conference, we are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a second live conference in Sulaimania, Iraq, on December 9, 2023. The inaugural conference had a significant impact on the academic community, and many Universities and academic centers are eager to collaborate with BBP to organize the second conference, which will be themed “Breaking Boundaries to Achieve Sustainable Development.” We have invited a distinguished lineup of speakers, including two lecturers from AUIS and other renowned academics and influencers from across Iraq, representing a diverse range of genders and backgrounds.
Nations Engaged with BBP
The UK 🇬🇧, the USA 🇺🇸, Turkey 🇹🇷, Georgia 🇬🇪, Syria 🇸🇾, the Netherlands 🇳🇱, Nigeria 🇳🇬, Zambia 🇿🇲, Russia 🇷🇺, Lebanon 🇱🇧, Brazil 🇧🇷, Azerbaijan 🇦🇿, Germany 🇩🇪, France 🇫🇷, Romania 🇷🇴, Jordan 🇯🇴, Pakistan 🇵🇰, India 🇮🇳, Taiwan 🇹🇼, Australia 🇦🇺, Morocco 🇲🇦, Algeria 🇩🇿
Stay tuned for the speakers conference in December
We will be announcing the details of our second live international conference soon. Stay tuned for more information.
Speaker 1
Michael Jones 🇬🇧
Michael Jones is a university instructor and researcher specializing in education for sustainable development and peacebuilding in Iraq. With over 5 years of teaching experience across Iraq, including Sulaymaniyah, Baghdad, and Erbil, he focuses on implementing best teaching practices to promote global citizenship and empower students for positive change. Michael's current work centers on education to prevent violent extremism and supporting sustainable development and peacebuilding in Iraq. He holds an MA in Development Education and Global Learning from University College London, an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies, and is completing a PGCert in Applied Linguistics from the University of Birmingham. He is eager to connect with fellow professionals at the sustainable development conference.
Speaker 2
Brenda Hershey 🇺🇸
Brenda Hershey: An Accomplished Author, Dedicated Researcher, and Visionary Humanitarian, Serving as TRY Global's President & Founder. TRY Global, an American-registered non-profit organization, operates in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq with a mission to harness the power of neuroscience and yoga for healing worldwide. Brenda holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations, a Master's in Community Development, and is actively pursuing a Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies from the Trauma Research Foundation. With over two years of hands-on humanitarian fieldwork experience in the Middle East, Brenda is driven by her profound commitment to integrating the transformative TRY method into conventional humanitarian endeavors. She knows firsthand that these tools have the potential to be truly life-changing.
Speaker 3
kani Nawroz
Kani Nawroz, a Microbiologist with a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, currently works at Dr. Bryar's clinical laboratory. She previously served as the CEO of the Free Doctors Organization in Kurdistan. Kani's accomplishments include participation in the My Decision Leadership program and supervisory roles in the same program. She's earned numerous certificates for leading and organizing over 45 medical events. With over five years of event and conference management experience in non-profit organizations, she notably organized Iraq and Kurdistan's largest medical conference, the LEXUS MEDICAL CONFERENCE in Kirkuk. Kani will be a featured speaker at this year's Breaking Boundaries conference, sharing valuable insights on "Microbiology and more: Behind the Lab Coat in Microbiology," offering a unique microbiologist's perspective.
Speaker 4
Aro Dana
Aro Dana, the founder of AK Group and a Full-stack developer, is making a significant impact in the tech industry at just 16 years old. Known as AroKurd in tech circles, he boasts an impressive six-year career. In 2022, he achieved a remarkable feat by securing Iraq's top spot in the Google HashCode competition, ranking 389th globally among over 120,000 experts. Beyond coding, Aro's TEDx talk in 2022, "Age Doesn't Matter," highlighted his insights on youth potential, proving that talent transcends age. Aro is a tech prodigy to watch. Aro Dana challenges stereotypes and celebrates the limitless potential of youth while juggling multiple ventures, freelancing worldwide, and inspiring many. He is undoubtedly a beacon for the future of technology.
Speaker 5
Tara Aziz
Tara Aziz: A Resolute Freelance Journalist and Human Rights Activist, Rooted in Kirkuk. Dedicated to Spearheading Peace, Empowering Youth, and Eradicating Violent Extremism in War-Torn Regions of Iraq.
Speaker 6
Professor Korten
Professor Christopher, an esteemed educator hailing from the United States, pursued his advanced degrees at prestigious institutions such as Cambridge and Oxford. Currently, he holds the distinguished position of a full professor at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland. His expertise has been recognized on a global scale through active participation in numerous international conferences. Furthermore, Professor Christopher is a renowned guest lecturer at esteemed higher educational institutions in Hong Kong, Trinity College in Dublin, and the Morocco State University of Lomonosov. His commitment to academic excellence and international engagement has solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the field of education.
Speaker 7
Brwa Abdullah
Brwa Abdullah is a certified international coach, speaker, and trainer at the prestigious John Maxwell Team, specializing in leadership . With over a decade at Bahar Holding, a leading organization in Iraq, he's gained extensive business knowledge. As an entrepreneur, he founded successful ventures FITNEESS and FITEEY in Sulaimanyah, leading a dedicated team of 25+ employees. Currently, he's the Chief People & Culture Officer (CPCO) at Bahar Holding, overseeing 1,700+ employees across six companies in Iraq. Brwa's mission is to inspire individuals to lead significant lives and make a positive impact. He's a prominent social media influencer in Kurdistan and Iraq, using his platforms to empower and inspire his community to find purpose and fulfillment.
Speaker 8
Diyar Talal
Diyar Talal, a dynamic individual hailing from Iraq, is a co-founder of the Iraq Travelers Cafe Project. With a fervent commitment to global citizenship issues, Diyar actively participates in a myriad of local and international peace and development initiatives. Holding a Master's degree in Education and Computer Science, his passion and expertise converge to elevate the Iraqi Travelers Cafe. This project was conceived to champion the concept of global citizenship and showcase Iraq's captivating tourist destinations, with the overarching goal of revitalizing the country's tourism industry.