Under the patronage of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and in partnership with the European-Asian Universities Union (EURAS), Al-Mustaqbal University witnessed the launch of EURAS Academy 2026, an international scientific forum held for the first time in Iraq, with participation from a distinguished group of higher education leaders, decision-makers, and academics from both inside and outside Iraq. The opening ceremony was attended by the Representative of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs, Professor Dr. Adnan Al-Jumaily, President of EURAS and Istanbul Aydın University, Professor Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, as well as a large number of Iraqi university presidents, vice presidents, deans, professors, and researchers. The forum commenced with a speech delivered on behalf of the university president by Professor Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision at the university, in which he emphasized that hosting this international event reflects Al-Mustaqbal University’s advanced academic standing and its pioneering role in promoting scientific dialogue, international openness, and the establishment of strategic partnerships. He further highlighted that the forum comes amid rapid global transformations in higher education, particularly in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, quality assurance, and sustainability, and the responsibilities these changes impose on universities to reform their educational models and build next-generation universities. For his part, Professor Dr. Mustafa Aydın expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Al-Mustaqbal University and its leadership for their excellent organization and hosting of this international forum, stressing that EURAS Academy represents an effective platform to enhance academic cooperation, internationalization, and the building of bridges between universities in Iraq, Turkey, Europe, and Asia. Meanwhile, Undersecretary Professor Dr. Adnan Al-Jumaily emphasized the importance of international partnerships in developing higher education, noting the depth of Iraqi-Turkish cooperation and the need to benefit from global experiences to elevate the quality of university education. The forum is held under the theme: “Quality, Sustainability, and Global Partnerships: Transforming Higher Education in the MENA Region”, and includes four specialized panel sessions addressing key issues such as governance and strategic leadership, quality culture, aligning global standards with local realities, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, internationalization, academic mobility, joint research, sustainability pathways, green campus models, and integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into university institutional strategies. The opening ceremony also featured a special cultural performance highlighting the civilization of Mesopotamia throughout the ages, conveying a cultural message reflecting Iraq’s deep historical heritage and its role in knowledge creation. Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, stated to media outlets covering the event that hosting this important international forum reflects the university’s commitment to enhancing cross-border academic partnerships, consolidating its position as a leading institution supporting excellence and innovation, and contributing to shaping the future of higher education in Iraq and the region. Al-Mustaqbal University – the first university in Iraq.
  SDG17