Under the patronage and presence of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Hellow Al-Askari, during his visit to Al-Mustaqbal University, a memorandum of scientific cooperation was signed between the two parties. This initiative comes in line with the directives of the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), building on the university’s achievements, practices, and research efforts focused on sustainability and promoting strategic partnerships toward these goals.
The memorandum outlines multiple areas of mutual interest, including support for environmental research and studies, providing scientific consultations and environmental impact reports, organizing joint conferences and workshops, implementing capacity-building training programs, and promoting awareness of environmentally sound practices that ensure sustainability. It also includes conducting environmental surveys and promoting related activities and events through both parties’ websites and media channels.
The signing ceremony began with a speech by Prof. Dr. Muzafar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision at the university, in which he welcomed the Minister of Environment and his accompanying delegation. He emphasized that the signing of this memorandum marks a genuine starting point for fruitful joint work in the field of environmental protection, reducing pollution and emissions, and lowering the carbon footprint, particularly in light of the escalating global climate challenges.
For his part, the Minister of Environment expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the university leadership, represented by Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, and the academic staff for their warm reception and hospitality. He praised the ambitious environmental initiatives and successful practical experiences he witnessed, stating:
“What we have seen today at Al-Mustaqbal University is a source of pride. It represents a living model of a sustainable university—one that does not merely theorize but translates ideas into tangible realities that positively impact the environment and society.”
The signing ceremony was attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment for Administrative Affairs, along with several government officials from environmental departments in the Middle Euphrates region and Babylon Governorate. Also present were Asst. Prof. Dr. Abbas Al-Bawi, the university’s Vice President for Scientific Affairs, along with a number of deans, department heads, and faculty members.
At the conclusion of the event, Prof. Dr. Muzafar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, representing the University President, presented the University Shield to the Minister. He also handed him an official certificate granted to Al-Mustaqbal University by Times Higher Education, documenting the university’s achievement of first place globally in the category of Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings—a historic accomplishment and the first of its kind among Iraqi and Arab universities.