In a visit that underscores the growing cooperation between academic institutions and government bodies in addressing environmental challenges, Iraq’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Hellow Al-Askari, visited Al-Mustaqbal University today. The Minister was introduced to several innovative initiatives led 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 state-of-the-art equipment and technologies the university has invested in to support research and studies in clean and sustainable energy. He also visited the Artificial Intelligence Research Center, where he explored projects that leverage AI to address environmental challenges. The Minister concluded his tour at the university’s Natural Reserve, a first-of-its-kind initiative among Iraqi universities, established to preserve biodiversity. In a statement to the media, Minister Al-Askari expressed his admiration for the university’s efforts, saying: “What we witnessed today at Al-Mustaqbal University is a living example of the vital role academic institutions can play in environmental protection and sustainable development. The initiatives presented reflect a forward-looking vision and a strong sense of institutional responsibility. At the Ministry of Environment, we view this university as a strategic partner in advancing national environmental policies.” He added: “Al-Mustaqbal University stands today as a proud national model for Iraq. We call on other universities to follow its pioneering example by approaching environmental and climate change issues from both scientific and practical perspectives.” The Minister and his accompanying delegation — which included the Administrative Deputy Minister, several director generals, and officials from the Ministry and Babylon’s Environmental Directorate — were welcomed on behalf of the University President, Professor Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi, by Professor Dr. Muzafar Sadiq Al-Zuheiri, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, Assistant Professor Dr. Abbas Al-Bawi, the University’s Vice President for Scientific Affairs, along with a number of deans, department heads, and faculty members. In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Al-Zuheiri emphasized the significance of the visit in reinforcing the university’s academic and scientific mission. He stated: “This visit is a strong endorsement of our efforts. At Al-Mustaqbal University, we firmly believe that education must remain connected to societal and environmental issues — a belief that forms the core of our strategic priorities.” He continued: “This commitment has enabled us to secure the top position among Iraqi universities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025. Globally, we have excelled in SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, reflecting our strong alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.” Dr. Al-Zuheiri also highlighted the importance of establishing joint programs and projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment. These efforts aim to raise environmental awareness, build research capacity, and support national policies to combat climate change and desertification.