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.

In yet another remarkable international achievement, Al-Mustaqbal University has been ranked first among all Iraqi universities—both public and private—in the 2025 edition of the prestigious US News & World Report – Best Global Universities ranking. The announcement was made by Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, who emphasized that this recognition represents a significant academic milestone in the university’s ongoing journey of excellence and global advancement. According to the published results, seven Iraqi universities made it onto the 2025 list, which includes 2,250 institutions from around the world. Al-Mustaqbal University secured the top position nationally, followed by the University of Sulaimani in second place and the University of Baghdad in third. Other Iraqi universities in the ranking included the University of Technology, Cihan University – Erbil, the University of Babylon, and the University of Basrah, ranked fourth through seventh respectively. Regionally, Al-Mustaqbal University was ranked 396th in Asia, reflecting its growing presence on the international academic stage. In terms of subject rankings, the university earned the 751st position in Chemistry and the 771st in Engineering disciplines. The US News & World Report – Best Global Universities ranking is based on a rigorous set of performance indicators that evaluate both academic and research excellence. These metrics are derived from data collected via Clarivate Analytics, and include factors such as global and regional research reputation, number of publications, citation impact, international collaboration, and subject-specific excellence. Al-Mustaqbal’s notable advancement in fields like Engineering and Chemistry—driven by its strong performance in scientific publication, global impact, and innovation—reflects the university’s strategic investment in research infrastructure and its commitment to fostering a stimulating academic environment. In a statement to the university’s media office, Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi congratulated the faculty, staff, and students on this distinguished achievement, applauding their dedication in elevating the university’s standing among the world’s top institutions. He urged the university community to continue striving for excellence in order to achieve further successes that honor the name of Iraq and contribute to a brighter scientific future. He also highlighted that these continued accomplishments are the result of collaborative team efforts, sustained support from the university’s Board of Directors, and a proactive strategy to encourage international research publication and innovation. With this new milestone, Al-Mustaqbal University reaffirms its position on the global academic map—continuing its path toward becoming one of the world’s leading institutions.

Al-Mustaqbal University participated prominently in the First Iraqi Medical Congress held in London, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the United Kingdom. The event, considered the largest gathering of Iraqi medical professionals outside the country, took place on Saturday and Sunday, June 14–15, 2025, at the Novotel London West Hotel in the heart of the British capital. A high-level delegation from Al-Mustaqbal University was led by Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, President of the University. The delegation included Mr. Director of the University’s Administrative Affairs Department, Prof. Dr. Walaa Luay Al-Falluji, Dean of the College of Medicine, Asst. Prof. Azhar Mohsen Abdul, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Asst. Prof. Ahmed Al-Thalimi, Dean of the College of Pharmacy. The congress witnessed a wide attendance from prominent Iraqi doctors, researchers, and academics residing in the United Kingdom, alongside participants from Iraq representing the Ministries of Health and Higher Education and Scientific Research, in addition to officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and leading medical figures in the UK. The event aimed to foster stronger collaboration between Iraqi medical professionals at home and abroad, serving as a platform for exchanging scientific knowledge and medical expertise. It also sought to promote partnerships in research, development, and medical education, while supporting efforts to improve Iraq’s healthcare system and encourage the return of Iraqi professionals to contribute to national development. In his opening address, His Excellency Mr. Mohammad Jaafar Al-Sadr, Ambassador of Iraq to the United Kingdom, expressed great pride in hosting this significant scientific event. He emphasized that the congress is more than just an academic meeting—it represents a strategic step within the framework of the “Taqat” initiative launched by the embassy to harness the expertise of the Iraqi diaspora and highlight their contributions in medicine and research in the UK. More than 500 medical and academic professionals from the UK, Iraq, and various parts of the diaspora attended the congress, including department heads in British hospitals, professors from prestigious universities, and representatives from Iraqi universities. The impressive turnout underscored the importance of the event as a premier platform for academic and professional exchange. Al-Mustaqbal University stood out at the congress through a dedicated booth showcasing its most notable achievements. The booth featured an introduction to the College of Medicine and its affiliated teaching hospital, highlighting its cutting-edge technologies and advanced facilities. His Excellency Ambassador Al-Sadr visited the booth and expressed admiration for the university’s progress, which attracted considerable interest from prominent medical and scientific figures, many of whom praised the university’s rapid advancement and alignment with the latest global medical and academic standards. It is worth noting that the First Iraqi Medical Congress in the UK marks a pioneering step towards fostering a culture of scientific collaboration between Iraq and its diaspora, while highlighting the bright image of Iraq’s academic and medical competencies in support of national goals for sustainable healthcare development.

In line with its ongoing efforts to strengthen academic cooperation and engage with leading university experiences across the Arab world, Al-Mustaqbal University has signed a scientific and academic cooperation agreement with Ibn Tofail University of Morocco. The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC 2025), organized by Times Higher Education in Istanbul, Turkey. The agreement aims to foster collaboration between the two institutions across several key areas, including the exchange of academic and research expertise, joint programs in sustainability, renewable energy, and digital transformation, as well as support for student and faculty mobility, cross-border research and development projects, joint publications, and the organization of international conferences and academic events. Al-Mustaqbal University was represented at the signing ceremony by its official delegation to the conference, led by Prof. Azher Mohsen Abd, Dean of the College of Engineering and Engineering Technologies. The meeting was held in a productive academic atmosphere that reflected the deep cultural and scientific ties between Iraq and Morocco, and highlighted the shared commitment of both institutions to establishing a meaningful partnership in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the advancement of higher education in the Arab world. Representatives from both universities emphasized that the agreement marks the beginning of a long-term strategic collaboration that will open up new opportunities for students, researchers, and academic institutions in both countries. This step aligns with Al-Mustaqbal University’s strategic vision of building an effective network of regional and international partnerships, enabling the exchange of knowledge and resources, and reinforcing its global academic presence as an institution with a genuine developmental impact.