Code of Conduct

01Scope

This Code applies to everyone attending or taking part in the Summit, including participants, speakers, moderators, partners, sponsors, media representatives, volunteers, staff and contractors. It applies at every Summit venue, at all official Summit activities and social events, on transport arranged by the Summit, and in Summit online spaces, including the participant portal, official messaging groups and social media channels. It applies from the moment you create a participant portal account until the end of all Summit activities.

02Our Values

We expect everyone taking part in the Summit to act with:

• Respect: for every person, whatever their nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, background, beliefs or abilities
• Integrity: by being honest, keeping commitments and representing yourself and your organisation accurately
• Courtesy: by listening, being patient and treating others as you wish to be treated
• Responsibility: for your own words and actions, and for the safety and wellbeing of others
• Cultural respect: for the traditions, customs and laws of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq as our host.

03Dress Code

3.1General Standard

Dress smartly, neatly and modestly at all times, out of respect for our host community, our guests and the formal nature of the Summit.

3.2Opening Ceremony and Sessions with Dignitaries

Business formal attire is required: a suit or a jacket with formal trousers or skirt, a shirt or blouse and smart shoes. A tie is recommended but not required.

3.3Workshops and Networking

Smart casual attire is acceptable, for example tailored trousers or a skirt, a collared shirt or smart top, and clean, smart shoes. As the Summit takes place across multiple venues, comfortable smart shoes are recommended.

3.4National and Traditional Dress

You are warmly welcome to wear national or traditional dress, including Kurdish traditional clothing, at any part of the Summit.

3.5Modesty

Clothing should cover the shoulders and reach at least to the knee. Very short, sheer, revealing or tight-fitting clothing is not appropriate.

3.6Not Permitted

The following are not permitted at any Summit activity:

• sportswear, beachwear, flip-flops and ripped or heavily worn clothing
• clothing, badges or accessories carrying offensive, political, religiously provocative or commercial slogans or images
• military-style or camouflage clothing, and anything resembling a uniform of the security services
• face coverings that prevent identification at security and badge checks, other than for religious or medical reasons, in which case identity will be checked discreetly, by a staff member of the same gender where possible.

Any different dress requirement for a specific event will be communicated in advance through the participant portal or by email.

04Personal Conduct

4.1Punctuality

Arrive at least 45 minutes before your first scheduled session, and at least 45 minutes before the opening ceremony and any session with dignitaries, to allow time for accreditation and security screening. Doors may close once official proceedings begin.

4.2Workshops and Venues

The Summit takes place across multiple venues in Erbil. Check your personal agenda in the participant portal for the venue, room and time of each session, and allow enough time to travel between venues. Attend only the workshops for which you are registered, and do not enter a workshop room once it has reached capacity. Any change to your agenda will be shown in the participant portal.

4.3Behaviour in Sessions

During sessions you must:

• take your seat before the session begins, and before the arrival of dignitaries where announced
• switch mobile phones to silent and avoid taking or making calls
• stand when requested by the master of ceremonies, for example for national anthems or the arrival of dignitaries
• remain seated during speeches by dignitaries, leaving only in an emergency
• avoid eating, side conversations or any behaviour that distracts speakers or other attendees.

4.4Professional Behaviour

Behave professionally and responsibly at all times, including at social events and while moving between venues. You represent yourself, your organisation and the World Youth Summit-Kurdistan community.

4.5Alcohol, Tobacco and Substances

Attending any Summit activity under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances is not permitted. Illegal substances are strictly prohibited. Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is allowed only in designated outdoor areas.

4.6Respect for Venues and Local Customs

Treat every venue, its facilities, equipment and staff with care, keep shared spaces tidy and report any damage. Observe the laws of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the Republic of Iraq, and respect local customs and religious practices, including prayer times and places of worship.

05Communication and Language

5.1Tone

Speak and write courteously and respectfully, in person and online. Use language that is professional and appropriate for an international audience.

5.2Addressing Others

Address speakers and dignitaries by their correct titles, for example “Your Excellency”, “Minister”, “Doctor” or “Professor”, unless they invite you to do otherwise. Address fellow participants by name.

5.3Questions and Discussions

In sessions and workshops:

• raise your hand and wait for the moderator to give you the floor
• use the microphone provided and introduce yourself briefly with your name and country
• keep questions short, relevant and respectful, and ask one question at a time
• do not interrupt, shout or speak over others
• accept the moderator’s decisions on time and order of speakers.

5.4Constructive Disagreement

Debate is welcome. Challenge ideas, not people. Disagree politely, give reasons, listen to other views and avoid personal remarks or ridicule.

5.5Sensitive Topics

Discuss political, religious, ethnic and historical topics with care and respect. Do not use language that incites hatred, violence or division, or that insults any nation, people, religion or belief.

5.6Working Language

English is the working language of the Summit. Be patient with those speaking in a second language, speak clearly, and avoid slang and jargon that others may not understand.

5.7Speaking on Behalf of the Summit

Do not speak to the media or post online as if you represent the Summit, Kurdistan Foundation or any speaker, unless you are authorised to do so.

06Respect, Inclusion and Harassment

Everyone has the right to take part in the Summit free from discrimination, harassment and intimidation. The following behaviour is not tolerated, in person or online:

• discrimination or offensive comments relating to nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, appearance or any other personal characteristic
• verbal, written or physical harassment, threats, intimidation or bullying
• sexual harassment, including unwanted comments, advances, gestures, messages or physical contact
• unwanted physical contact of any kind
• following, stalking or repeatedly contacting someone who does not want contact
• photographing or recording someone who has asked you not to, or sharing images of others in a way that may embarrass or harm them
• disrupting sessions, workshops, events or other attendees
• encouraging or supporting any of the above.

If someone asks you to stop a behaviour, stop immediately.

07Protocol and Dignitaries

The Summit welcomes senior dignitaries and guests, and protocol arrangements are in place for their safety and for the smooth running of the programme. You must:

• follow the instructions of protocol staff, ushers and security at all times
• not approach dignitaries in restricted areas, or without the invitation or agreement of the protocol team
• not ask dignitaries for photographs, signatures or meetings in protocol areas or while they are being escorted
• not hand documents, letters, gifts or items directly to dignitaries, but give them to the protocol team instead
• respect reserved seating and stay out of restricted areas.

08Badges, Security and Safety

8.1Badges

Collect your badge in person at the accreditation desk on the day of the Summit. Wear your official Summit badge visibly at all times at every Summit venue and official activity, and show it to staff or security on request. Your badge may be scanned on entry to venues, sessions and workshops. It is personal and must not be lent, copied, altered or shared. Report a lost badge to the accreditation desk immediately.

8.2Security Screening

All attendees and bags may be screened on entry to each venue and during the Summit. Co-operate fully and courteously with security staff.

8.3Prohibited Items

The following must not be brought to any Summit venue or activity:

• weapons of any kind, including replicas, knives and sharp objects
• explosives, fireworks, flammable materials and pressurised containers
• drones and other remote-controlled devices
• banners, placards, flags and printed materials for distribution, unless approved by the organisers
• illegal substances
• large bags or luggage, except where storage has been arranged by the organisers.

Venue security may refuse entry to any other item it considers unsafe.

8.4Emergencies

Familiarise yourself with the emergency exits at each venue. In an emergency, follow the instructions of staff and security, and do not use lifts during an evacuation. Report any unattended items, suspicious behaviour or safety concern to the nearest staff member or security officer immediately.

09Photography, Recording and Social Media

9.1Official Photography

The Summit will be photographed, filmed and recorded at all venues. If you attend, you may be photographed, and your image may be used as described in the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

9.2Personal Photography

You may take photographs in public areas for personal, non-commercial use. Do not take photographs or recordings in closed sessions, protocol areas, security areas or sessions announced as off the record. Ask before photographing individuals up close, and respect anyone who does not wish to be photographed.

9.3Social Media

You are welcome to share your Summit experience online. Keep posts respectful and accurate, do not share other people’s personal information, and do not post content that breaches this Code.

10Commercial and Political Activity

Selling products or services, distributing promotional material, collecting donations or recruiting for other organisations is not permitted without the prior written approval of the organisers. Political campaigning, demonstrations, protests, the display of political banners or symbols, and fundraising for political causes are not permitted at any Summit activity.

11Online Spaces

The standards in this Code apply equally to the participant portal, official messaging groups and Summit social media channels. Do not send spam, unsolicited commercial messages or repeated private messages to other participants, speakers or staff, and do not share links, files or content that are offensive, misleading or harmful.

12Participants Under 18

Participants under eighteen (18) may attend only with the written consent of a parent, legal guardian or first-degree relative, given when registering by email at [email protected]. To keep younger participants safe:

• participants under eighteen (18) must follow this Code and the instructions of Summit staff and volunteers at all times
• the consenting adult remains responsible for the participant, including travel to, from and between venues, and must be reachable by telephone throughout the Summit
• adults must not seek private, one-to-one contact with a participant under eighteen (18), or exchange personal contact details or social media connections with them without the consent of their consenting adult
• no one may photograph, film or post images of a participant under eighteen (18), other than through official Summit photography in line with the consent given
• no one may offer alcohol, tobacco or any other substance to a participant under eighteen (18).

Any concern about the safety or wellbeing of a participant under eighteen (18) must be reported immediately, as set out in Section 14.

13Volunteers

Volunteers are the first point of contact for many guests and represent the Summit at every venue. In addition to the rest of this Code, volunteers must follow the standards below.

13.1Role of Volunteers

Depending on their assignment, volunteers may:

• welcome guests and guide them through each venue
• support the accreditation, registration and information desks
• direct participants to the correct venue, room and workshop according to their agenda
• manage queues, seating and the flow of guests into and out of sessions
• assist speakers, partners, media and the protocol team as instructed
• help guests with accessibility needs
• support the team during an emergency or evacuation.

13.2Responsibilities

Volunteers must:

• attend all briefings and training sessions
• arrive at their assigned venue at the time set by their team leader, which may be earlier than the arrival time for participants
• wear their volunteer badge and any volunteer clothing provided by the Summit at all times while on duty
• remain at their assigned post and not leave it without informing their team leader and arranging cover
• follow the instructions of their team leader, the protocol team and security staff
• know the layout of their venue, the programme for their area and the location of emergency exits
• keep their mobile phone charged and switched on for team communication, and use it only for their duties while on duty.

13.3How Volunteers Act

Volunteers must:

• be welcoming, patient, polite and helpful to every guest, whatever their background or role
• remain neutral and avoid expressing personal political or religious views while on duty
• speak clearly and courteously, and address dignitaries by their correct titles
• refer any question they cannot answer to their team leader or the information desk, rather than guess
• stay calm in difficult situations and report problems to their team leader straight away
• approach dignitaries only as part of their assigned duties.

13.4Confidentiality

Participant details, guest lists, agendas, protocol and security arrangements are confidential. Volunteers must use this information only for their assigned duties, must not copy, photograph or share it, and must return any materials at the end of their shift.

13.5Restrictions While on Duty

While on duty, volunteers must not:

• take personal photographs or post on social media about guests, dignitaries or restricted areas
• accept gifts, tips or payments from guests or partners
• speak to the media on behalf of the Summit
• eat, smoke or rest in guest areas, other than during scheduled breaks and in designated areas.

13.6Breaches by Volunteers

A volunteer who breaches this Code may be removed from their role and from the venue, in addition to any other action under Section 15.

14Reporting a Concern

If you experience or witness behaviour that breaches this Code, or if you feel unsafe, please report it as soon as possible to:

• any Summit staff member or volunteer, identifiable by their staff badge
• the accreditation or information desk at any venue
• the Summit team by email at [email protected].

In an emergency, contact venue security or the nearest staff member immediately. All reports will be handled promptly, fairly and as confidentially as possible, and any concern about a participant under eighteen (18) will be treated as a priority. No one will be treated unfairly for raising a concern in good faith. Making a false report deliberately is itself a breach of this Code.

15Consequences of a Breach

The organisers may take any action they consider appropriate in response to a breach of this Code, including:

• a verbal or written warning
• removal from a session, workshop or activity
• withdrawal of your badge and removal from the venue
• cancellation of your registration and participation in the Summit
• exclusion from future Kurdistan Foundation events and programmes
• referral to the relevant authorities where the law may have been broken.

As participation is free of charge, no compensation is payable for any loss resulting from action taken under this Code. Decisions of the organisers on conduct matters are final.

16Changes to This Code

We may update this Code before or during the Summit. The current version will always be published on this page and in the participant portal.