conference commenced as part of the Third International Sustainability Week Festival organized by Al-Mustaqbal University, marking the 15th anniversary of its establishment and the first anniversary of its transformation into a university.<br />The opening session witnessed high-level academic and official attendance. On behalf of the President of the University of Babylon, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, Prof. Dr. Muzafar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, delivered a speech in which he expressed his appreciation for the efforts exerted in organizing this remarkable event, highlighting the significance of the occasion and its reflection on the university’s continued advancement.<br /><br />Dr. Al-Zuhairi praised the university's vision in aligning its strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing in particular Goal 4: Quality Education, as Al-Mustaqbal University works diligently to integrate sustainability concepts into its curricula and academic programs. He noted that the university encourages innovative learning methods and supports a modern educational environment that fosters critical thinking and global citizenship.<br />He further highlighted the role of scientific research in achieving sustainable development, pointing out that over 65% of the university’s research output is now aligned with the SDGs. This directly supports Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as research increasingly addresses real-world challenges through technological and scientific solutions.<br />A key part of his speech focused on the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving digital transformation—especially in education. Dr. Al-Zuhairi commended the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Center at the university in the past year, a move that significantly enhanced the institution’s reputation and innovation capacity. This achievement reflects Al-Mustaqbal University’s active contribution to the national and global AI landscape.<br />In conclusion, Dr. Al-Zuhairi emphasized the importance of inter-university collaboration and academic partnerships, affirming the University of Babylon’s continued support for joint initiatives and knowledge exchange. These efforts exemplify Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening cooperation among academic institutions to achieve shared development objectives.<br />Al-Mustaqbal University, the First in Iraq.