Al-Mustaqbal University organized the EURAS Academy 2026 Forum in partnership with the Eurasian Universities Union (EURAS), reaffirming its commitment to institutional development and international engagement in higher education. The Forum brought together university leaders, decision-makers, and experts to discuss strategic transformations and future directions of higher education in Iraq and the region. The Forum produced a set of key outcomes and recommendations aimed at enhancing university competitiveness and sustainability. Foremost among these was the call to adopt sound university governance models based on transparency, accountability, and academic autonomy, supported by long-term strategic leadership. Participants emphasized the importance of developing internal quality assurance systems aligned with European standards and the Bologna Process, while integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The recommendations highlighted the need to embrace next-generation university models that integrate innovation, sustainability, and institutional resilience into strategic planning, alongside accelerating digital transformation through artificial intelligence, data analytics, and technology-enabled quality systems. The strategic role of Colleges of Education was also underscored in preparing academic leaders, promoting a culture of quality, and aligning programs with international standards. Furthermore, the Forum stressed utilizing academic accreditation and quality assurance as effective tools for sustainable institutional transformation, rather than procedural requirements. It called for expanding international academic mobility programs, including Erasmus+, bilateral agreements, and virtual mobility, as well as supporting joint research initiatives and dual and professional degree programs to strengthen links with the global labor market. At the regional level, participants emphasized strengthening academic cooperation between Iraq, Türkiye, and Europe, integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into university policies, and adopting green campus models to enhance environmental responsibility and resource efficiency. The Forum also highlighted the importance of linking digital transformation with institutional sustainability. Among the key outcomes was the emphasis on strengthening Al-Mustaqbal University’s role as a regional hub for international academic dialogue, and the call to translate the Forum’s outcomes into measurable implementation plans through joint committees with EURAS. The recommendations concluded by reaffirming the role of academic diplomacy in enhancing the global presence of Iraqi universities. University of Al-Mustaqbal – The First University in Iraq