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.

During his official visit to Al-Mustaqbal University, His Excellency Dr. Hellow Al-Askari, Minister of Environment, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and the University. This initiative comes as part of the directives of Professor Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, to reinforce the institution’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to build on the university’s achievements in research and practices related to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The MoU outlines a broad scope of joint cooperation in several key areas, including support for environmental research and studies, the provision of scientific consultations and environmental impact reports, the organization of joint conferences and workshops, as well as the implementation of training programs for capacity building. It also emphasizes raising awareness about sustainable environmental practices, conducting environmental surveys, and promoting related activities through the media and official online platforms of both parties. The signing ceremony began with a welcoming speech by Professor Dr. Muzafar Sadiq Al-Zuheiri, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision at the university. In his remarks, he welcomed the Minister and his accompanying delegation, emphasizing that the signing of the MoU marks a genuine starting point for a fruitful partnership aimed at protecting the environment, reducing pollution and emissions, and lowering the carbon footprint—especially in light of the escalating global climate challenges. In turn, His Excellency the Minister expressed his sincere appreciation to the university’s leadership, represented by President Professor Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi, and the academic staff, for their warm welcome and hospitality. He praised the ambitious environmental initiatives and successful practical experiences he witnessed during his visit, stating: “What we have seen today at Al-Mustaqbal University is a source of pride. This institution represents a true model of a sustainable university—one that does not merely theorize, but translates ideas into tangible actions that positively impact both the environment and society.” The ceremony was attended by the Administrative Deputy Minister of Environment, a number of government officials from the environmental directorates of the Middle Euphrates Region and Babylon Province, Assistant Professor Dr. Abbas Al-Bawi, Vice President for Scientific Affairs at the university, in addition to several deans, department heads, and faculty members. At the conclusion of the event, Professor Dr. Muzafar Sadiq Al-Zuheiri, representing the University President, presented the Al-Mustaqbal University Shield to His Excellency the Minister, along with a formal certificate issued by Times Higher Education (THE), documenting the university’s achievement of first place globally in SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy as part of the THE Impact Rankings 2025. This accomplishment marks a first-of-its-kind distinction among Iraqi and Arab universities.

Under the patronage of Professor Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, and in the presence of Professor Dr. Muzafar Sadiq Al-Zuheiri, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, the university’s Office of Scientific and Academic Supervision, in coordination with the National Center for Copyright and Related Rights of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, organized a specialized scientific seminar titled “The Importance of Registering Scientific Research as Legally Protected Works under the Amended Copyright Law No. 3 of 1971.” The seminar opened with a welcoming speech delivered by Professor Dr. Muzafar Al-Zuheiri, who emphasized the university’s commitment to protecting intellectual property and preserving authors’ rights. He highlighted that Al-Mustaqbal University had previously launched its official Intellectual Property Charter during a ceremony marking World Intellectual Property Day. The event was attended by Mr. Yasser Ali Hussein and Mr. Musab Kamil Makki, representatives of the National Center for Copyright and Related Rights, as well as Dr. Waleed Al-Jarrah, Director of Scientific Affairs at the Iraqi Association of Inventors and Innovators. A number of university professors and heads of academic departments were also present. Mr. Musab Kamil from the Ministry of Culture delivered an insightful lecture, shedding light on the legal and procedural dimensions of copyright and related rights, and the mechanisms for safeguarding academic research by registering it as intellectual works. His lecture sparked dynamic discussions and thoughtful interventions from attendees, enriching the academic dialogue. At the conclusion of the seminar, participants were honored with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their valuable contributions to the success of this distinguished academic event.