[10] In 1975, Nechirvan Barzani and his family, along with tens of thousands of Kurds living under Iraqi rule, were forced into exile into Iran to seek safety from Iraq's Ba’ath regime which committed mass killings, forced displacement, cultural genocide, and tremendous brutality as part of its policies culminating with the Anfal genocide.

Often accompanying his father on official political visits to Middle Eastern and European countries lobbying for the Kurdish cause, he began developing his platform of political positions based on bringing about peace, stability, and justice to the Kurdish people.

He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, United States in a ceremony held on 17 May 2008.

He actively participated in the 2005 unification process between the main Kurdish Parties on forming a unified KRG.

[11] From September 2009 through January 2012, a Kurdish politician from the ruling KDP–PUK coalition, Barham Salih, assumed office as Prime Minister of the KRG.

Under his tenure, the Kurdistan Region underwent a widespread development program in its electricity, water, housing, and road infrastructure.

[5] Barzani successfully used diplomatic means to rebuild relations with Baghdad and resume budgetary allotments peacefully.

[17] His election as president signaled a mandate by the Kurdistan Region Parliament to continue advancing fair and equal treatment under his leadership.

[17] President Barzani affirmed during his inauguration speech that he will continue plans to build solidarity with neighboring countries, strengthen relations with the international community, and to work closely with the federal government in Baghdad to jointly agree on solutions within the framework of the Constitution of Iraq.

Barzani established a special office in 2014 devoted to rescuing Yezidi survivors in ISIS terrorist captivity.