Stephen Charles Hitchen was appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq in July 2023. Before taking up this role, he served in a series of senior directorial positions in London, focusing primarily on the Middle East, North Africa, and counterterrorism policy. As UK Ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Hitchen continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations, overseeing political and security cooperation, and representing British interests in a region central to UK foreign policy.
The BKI’s mission is to increase public awareness of Kurdish issues, protect human, cultural, and political rights throughout Kurdistan, support and develop Kurdistan’s civil society, improve and increase access to Kurdish cultural and educational resources, and advocate for effective solutions to Kurd-related issues. The Saladin Institute works in a variety of ways to achieve its mission. It conducts research on Kurdish issues, publishes reports and articles, organizes conferences and events, and provides educational resources on Kurdish culture and history. The BKI also advocates for Kurdish rights at the UK. government and international levels.