In an official visit reflecting the depth of cooperation between academic and governmental institutions in addressing environmental challenges, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Hellow Al-Askari, visited Al-Mustaqbal University today. During the visit, His Excellency was introduced to several pioneering initiatives launched by the university in the fields of environmental protection, combating desertification, climate change adaptation, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The visit included a tour of the Al-Mustaqbal Center for Renewable Energy Research, where the Minister reviewed the advanced equipment and technologies provided by the university to support research and studies in clean and sustainable energy. He also visited the Artificial Intelligence Research Center and observed projects that employ AI to tackle environmental challenges. Additionally, he toured the natural reserve established by the university to preserve biodiversity—a groundbreaking initiative among Iraqi universities.
In a statement to the media, the Minister expressed great admiration for the tangible efforts and practical applications he witnessed at the university, stating:
“What we saw today at Al-Mustaqbal University is a living example of the vital role that universities can play in protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development. The initiatives we reviewed reflect a forward-thinking vision and a strong sense of institutional responsibility. At the Ministry of Environment, we consider this university a strategic partner in implementing national environmental policies.”
He added:
“Al-Mustaqbal University is today a distinguished national model and a source of pride for all Iraqis. We call on other universities to follow its unique example and engage with environmental and climate change issues from both scientific and practical perspectives.”
His Excellency and the accompanying delegation—which included the Ministry’s Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs, several general directors, and officials from the Ministry and the Babylon Environment Department—were welcomed by a representative of the University President, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi. The welcoming delegation included Prof. Dr. Muzafar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, Asst. Prof. Dr. Abbas Al-Bawi, Vice President for Scientific Affairs, along with several deans, department heads, and faculty members.
Dr. Al-Zuhairi welcomed the visiting delegation and emphasized in his remarks that the visit represents significant support for the scientific and academic efforts exerted by the university. He noted that Al-Mustaqbal University believes that education is inseparable from societal and environmental issues, making this one of its strategic priorities.
He added:
“Thanks to this approach, we have achieved first place among Iraqi universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 for Sustainable Development. The university also ranked globally in SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, which reflects our deep commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”
He also underscored the importance of partnership with the Ministry of Environment in launching joint programs and projects focused on environmental awareness, preparing research-focused professionals, and supporting national policies aimed at combating climate change and desertification.