In Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals, Particularly Goals 4, 16, and 17<br />The Assistant Dean for Scientific Affairs of the College of Law at Al-Mustaqbal University, Asst. Prof. Dr. Fatima Abdulrahim Ali, and faculty member Lecturer Mona Mohammed Kazem participated in the National Conference on Addressing the Phenomenon of School Dropout, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in collaboration with the Ministry of Education on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.<br /><br />The conference sessions discussed national challenges and future solutions to the issue of school dropouts. Education is the standard by which the progress and development of nations are measured, impacting all economic, social, cultural, and political systems. It equips individuals with values and ideas, enabling them to engage socially and providing society with human capital essential for modernization, development, and technological advancement—especially in recent years, where the world is witnessing political globalization.<br /><br />School dropout is one of the most serious challenges facing the educational system. This phenomenon not only threatens education but also society as a whole, endangering future generations and leading to severe social consequences such as drug abuse, theft, vandalism, and juvenile delinquency, all of which contribute to societal weakness and the spread of corruption. Dropout rates perpetuate ignorance, backwardness, and outdated customs and traditions that hinder social progress.<br /><br />The phenomenon of school dropout is one of the pressing social issues that has drawn the attention of researchers. Its negative effects extend beyond education to economic, social, and political aspects. Moreover, it is a global issue that affects not only individuals but society as a whole. This problem is widespread in many countries, particularly developing nations.<br /><br />School dropout among secondary education students is a critical issue linked to civilizational backwardness and the development gap. Traditional societies are less affected by these gaps, particularly because they emphasize cultural and material progress.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University: The First University in Iraq