In a move that reflects the depth of cooperation between academic and governmental institutions to address current environmental challenges, AL_Mustaqbal University today welcomed His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Dr. Helo Al-Askari, for an official visit. During the visit, he reviewed the university's most prominent pioneering initiatives in the areas of environmental protection, combating desertification, adapting to climate change, and achieving sustainable development goals.
His Excellency the Minister began his visit with a field tour of the AL_Mustaqbal Center for Renewable Energy Research, where he was briefed on a range of modern technologies and devices adopted by the university to support scientific research in the field of clean and sustainable energy. He also visited the Artificial Intelligence Research Center and viewed unique projects that employ artificial intelligence to address environmental issues. He concluded his tour at the nature reserve established by the university to preserve biodiversity, a unique initiative that is the first of its kind among Iraqi universities.
In a press statement following the visit, His Excellency Dr. Helo Al-Askari expressed his great admiration for the practical efforts and scientific practices he witnessed within the university, emphasizing:
"What we have witnessed at AL_Mustaqbal University represents an advanced model for the role of universities in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. This pioneering academic institution translates strategic environmental visions into tangible reality, and we consider it a key national partner in implementing environmental policies in Iraq."
His Excellency added:
"AL_Mustaqbal University represents an honorable national model and a source of pride for all Iraqis. We call on all Iraqi universities to emulate this pioneering experience and open up to environmental and climate change issues with a scientific and applied approach."
The Minister and the accompanying ministerial delegation, which included the Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs and a number of directors-general and officials from the Babylon Environment Department, were received by Professor Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, and Assistant Professor Dr. Abbas Al-Bawi, Scientific Assistant, along with a number of deans of colleges, department heads, and professors.
For his part, Dr. Al-Zuhairi welcomed the visiting delegation, emphasizing that the visit represents significant moral and institutional support for the university's scientific and research endeavors in serving the environment and society. He pointed out that AL_Mustaqbal University stems from a firm belief that education and scientific research are inseparable from the nation's environmental and societal issues.
"Thanks to this strategic direction, the university ranked first among Iraqi universities in the Times Higher Education Impact 2025 rankings and achieved global excellence in the SDG 7 clean energy pillar, an achievement that confirms the university's deep commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals."
Dr. Al-Zuhairi concluded his statement by emphasizing the importance of strengthening partnerships with the Ministry of Environment to launch joint programs and projects in the areas of environmental awareness, research capacity building, and supporting national plans to combat desertification and climate change.
(AL_Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq)