Al-Mustaqbal University Receives Delegation from the World Monuments Fund and Explores Prospects for Joint Cooperation in Heritage Preservation
In alignment with the directives of the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, and within the framework of expanding international engagement and fostering academic and cultural collaboration, Al-Mustaqbal University welcomed a delegation from the World Monuments Fund (WMF)—the globally renowned, independent organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of cultural and historical heritage. Headquartered in New York City, WMF operates through a network of offices and affiliates around the world. The delegation was received by Prof. Dr. Hussein Waheed, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, Prof. Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuheiri, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, and Dr. Sameer Ibrahim Badrawi, Director of International Relations. Discussions during the meeting focused on the prospects of cooperation between both parties, particularly with the university’s Department of Archaeology. The dialogue emphasized training and capacity-building programs for students and faculty members, based on international best practices in the conservation and restoration of archaeological sites and monuments. Additional topics included the integration of related engineering disciplines into heritage preservation projects, the development of joint research initiatives, and the organization of workshops and academic conferences in collaboration with both local and international partners. The visiting delegation also toured the university campus and was introduced to several pioneering initiatives launched by the university in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The delegation expressed deep appreciation for the university’s comprehensive academic environment and the high-quality educational and service infrastructure, which contribute to building a successful model for sustainable higher education in Iraq. Since its founding in 1965, the World Monuments Fund has been a leading international force in the field of cultural heritage preservation, having completed over 700 projects in 112 countries. The Fund is known for its effective partnerships with local communities, governments, and donors, and for employing world-class standards in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and post-crisis recovery.