During hosting the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils in Baghdad and attending by the President of the Republic, Mr. Nizar Amidi, the Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Abd Al-Hussein Al-Mousawi, the Secretary-General of the Federation, Dr. Abdelmajid Ben Amara, as well as heads of scientific research councils, academic leaders, researchers, and Arab experts.

The President of Republic of Iraq, Mr. Nizar Amidi said that Baghdad’s hosting of the Federation’s headquarters embodies Iraq’s historical stature and its role in fostering science and knowledge. 

Mr. Nizar Amidi added that the 50th-anniversary celebration serves as a significant opportunity to advance Arab scientific and research cooperation and to keep pace with the rapid transformations in science and technology.

The President continued by saying that the rapid evolution of science, technology, and artificial intelligence imposes growing responsibilities on scientific and research institutions this necessitates the strengthening of scientific research, cooperation, and the exchange of expertise, alongside a consideration of potential risks and the misuse of scientific and technological advancements in ways that could harm humanity and societies.

Mr. Nizar Amidi emphasized the importance of solidifying cooperation among Arab scientific research councils, universities, and academic and government institutions, and of leveraging the expertise and experiences of various nations, such efforts would enhance the ability of Arab societies to keep pace with scientific and technological shifts and prepare for future challenges.

The President reaffirmed Iraq’s readiness to collaborate with Arab partners, expand the scope of scientific and research cooperation, organize workshops, exchange expertise, and develop joint programs that advance the cause of science, knowledge, and development across Arab nations. 

Mr. Nizar Amidi congratulated the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, as well as the scientists and researchers, on the Federation's 50th anniversary. 

The President expressed his hope that it would continue its journey of serving science and knowledge and strengthening joint Arab scientific endeavors.

For his part, the Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Abd Al-Hussein Al-Mousawi affirmed Iraq’s continued support for the Federation’s mission. 

Dr. Abd Al-Hussein Al-Mousawi emphasized Iraq's commitment to consolidating the Federation's scientific role and enhancing its presence within the framework of joint Arab action, noting that hosting the Federation's headquarters in Baghdad reflects Iraq's historic role in fostering science and knowledge and supporting efforts toward Arab scientific integration.

His Excellency stated that "It gives me great pleasure and honor to meet you today on this significant Arab scientific occasion as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils for five decades, this institution has served as a unifying framework for Arab scientific efforts and a platform for exchanging expertise, aligning visions, and fostering cooperation in the fields of scientific research, knowledge, and innovation."

Dr. Abd Al-Hussein Al-Mousawi added that Iraq’s hosting of the Federation’s headquarters since its inception was not merely a matter of location, but a reflection of the country's historic role in nurturing science and knowledge and its belief in joint Arab action. 

His Excellency reviewed that the return of the headquarters to Iraq marks a significant milestone in the trajectory of Arab scientific research, embodying confidence in the country's role and contributions, while opening broader horizons for cooperation, the exchange of expertise, and the integration of efforts to advance science and development across the Arab world. 

Dr. Abd Al-Hussein Al-Mousawi highlighted that Iraq the Land of the Two Rivers, the cradle of civilizations, and the home of the earliest records of knowledge affirm its continued support for the Union’s journey and its commitment to empowering it to fulfill its mission and achieve its goals. 

His Excellency demonstrated that the rapid global transformations have reshaped concepts of development and competitiveness, establishing scientific research and innovation as key pillars for nation-building and economic growth.

Dr. Abd Al-Hussein Al-Mousawi emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships among universities, research centers, and the economic and industrial sectors to transform research findings and studies into practical applications and solutions that address the needs of Arab societies and open new horizons for development and the need to build an interconnected Arab system for research data and information, develop collaborative networks among scientific institutions, and facilitate the exchange of researchers and expertise.

His Excellency said that celebrating the Union’s fiftieth anniversary is not merely a look back at the past, but an opportunity to open a new chapter of joint Arab scientific action and this new phase must address challenges related to water and food security, climate change, digital transformation, health, and education, while keeping pace with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and modern sciences.

Dr. Abd Al-Hussein Al-Mousawi stressed that Iraq believes building the future begins with human development, and that universities and scientific research centers are essential partners in driving development, generating knowledge, and creating new opportunities for future generations and commending the efforts of the Union’s presidents, scientists, researchers, experts, and administrators who have contributed to its journey over the past five decades.

For his part, Secretary-General of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, Dr. Abdelmajid Ben Amara emphasized the importance of continuing joint efforts among Arab research councils and institutions, as well as developing scientific cooperation mechanisms to keep pace with rapid transformations in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. 

Dr. Abdelmajid Ben Amara highlighted the Union's commitment to fostering cooperation among Arab research institutions and councils, exchanging expertise, and organizing scientific conferences and events, these efforts aim to advance the Arab scientific research ecosystem and strengthen integration between academic and research institutions.

The Union’s Secretary-General commended Iraq for hosting the headquarters of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, emphasizing the significant role Baghdad can play in supporting Arab scientific cooperation and opening new horizons for researchers and scientific institutions across the Arab world.

It is significant to mention that the ceremony featured addresses by representatives of the League of Arab States and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting the Union’s journey and its role in fostering Arab scientific cooperation adocumentary film titled "Fifty Years of the Arab Scientific Research Councils Union" was also screened, chronicling key milestones and achievements over the past five decades and the event honored several academic and scientific figures in recognition of their contributions to advancing scientific research and joint Arab scientific cooperation.

Media and Government Communication Directorate

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

September 24, 2026