As part of ongoing cooperation between academic institutions and government agencies in addressing environmental challenges, AL-Mustaqbal University welcomed today His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Dr. Hellow Al-Askari, on an official visit to explore the university’s pioneering initiatives in environmental protection, combating desertification, climate change adaptation, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The visit included a tour of the Future Center for Renewable Energy Research, where the Minister was introduced to the latest technologies and equipment the university has provided to support research in clean and sustainable energy. He also visited the Artificial Intelligence Research Center, where he reviewed innovative projects employing AI to tackle environmental issues. The tour concluded with a visit to the university’s natural reserve—an unprecedented initiative among Iraqi universities—established to preserve biodiversity.
In a press statement, the Minister expressed his deep admiration for the tangible efforts and practical initiatives witnessed at the university, stating:
“What we have seen today at AL-Mustaqbal University is a living example of the vital role that universities can play in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. The initiatives we observed reflect forward-thinking vision and strong institutional responsibility. At the Ministry of Environment, we consider this university a strategic partner in implementing national environmental policies.”
He added:
“AL-Mustaqbal University today stands as a proud 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 issues from a scientific and practical perspective.”
His Excellency was received by a delegation representing the University President, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, which included Prof. Dr. Muzafar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, Assistant Prof. Dr. Abbas Al-Bawi, the Scientific Assistant, along with several deans, department heads, and faculty members. The ministerial delegation also included the Administrative Deputy Minister and several general directors and officials from the Ministry and Babylon Environment Directorate.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Al-Zuhairi emphasized that this visit represents strong support for the scientific and academic efforts led by the university. He stated:
“At AL-Mustaqbal University, we believe that education is inseparable from community and environmental issues, and we have made this belief a cornerstone of our strategic priorities.”
He added:
“Thanks to this approach, we have achieved first place among Iraqi universities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 and excelled globally in SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy—an achievement that reflects our strong commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
Dr. Al-Zuhairi also underscored the importance of partnership with the Ministry of Environment to launch joint programs and projects focused on environmental awareness, research capacity-building, and support for national policies addressing climate change and desertification.
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