In alignment with the strategic directives of Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, and as part of the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with the labor market and empower graduates, Ms. Omaima Al-Taie, Head of the Career Development Division, participated in the inaugural virtual focus group meeting of the Youth Empowerment Project. The session was organized by the Business Center of the Iraqi Federation of Industries, in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO – ITPO Italy) and Zest Group (Italy). The project aims to establish a specialized entity dedicated to empowering youth and supporting entrepreneurs. The meeting was attended by leading academic figures from various Iraqi universities, as well as the Federation’s President and Secretary-General. The agenda included a comprehensive presentation of the program’s strategic pillars and an in-depth look into Zest Group’s successful experience in nurturing innovative ideas, supporting startups, and integrating them into a sustainable and profitable economic ecosystem. Representatives from UNIDO and Mr. Matteo from Zest Group led the session, utilizing advanced digital tools to facilitate discussion, knowledge exchange, and real-time responses to participant inquiries. The dialogue emphasized the critical role Iraqi universities play in equipping youth with the necessary resources, technologies, and entrepreneurial skills to launch and sustain small and medium-sized enterprises. The meeting concluded with the exchange of insights and collaborative strategies to enhance youth empowerment and drive inclusive economic growth across Iraq.