During Inaugurating 3rd Edition of the Iraq Education Conference, held entitled (From Education to Development: Global Partnerships and Universities Shaping the Future), His Excellency, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani emphasized that developing the higher education system in Iraq requires a transition toward a university model that integrates high-quality education with rigorous scientific research and innovation and this model should foster international partnerships and ensure that learning outcomes are aligned with the needs of the labor market and national development priorities.

Prof. Dr. Haider Al-Hasani reviewed that the conference serves as an opportunity to exchange expertise and insights, expand the horizons of institutional cooperation, and build strategic partnerships that contribute to the advancement of the higher education system and enhance the presence of Iraqi universities in regional and international academic forums.

His Excellency said that the Ministry’s vision is rooted in establishing the concept of a "productive university”, this involves supporting applied scientific research, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening partnerships between universities and both the public and private sectors, developing scientific and technological incubators, and aligning educational outcomes with labor market demands and the requirements of sustainable development. 

Prof. Dr. Haider Al-Hasani emphasized the importance of placing students at the core of the educational process, this includes providing a comprehensive university environment, modern academic programs, and equitable opportunities for learning, training, and development, as well as it entails fostering critical thinking, creativity, and scientific research skills, while strengthening digital and practical competencies to prepare graduates for the evolving demands of the labor market.

His Excellency said the necessity of developing the capabilities of faculty members, updating curricula and academic programs, and embedding standards for quality and academic accreditation.

Prof. Dr. Haider Al-Hasani highlighted the importance of expanding digital transformation and enhancing institutional governance, while remaining open to leading international practices and upholding national identity as well as core scientific and academic principles.

For his part, the Deputy Minister for Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Haider Abd Dhahad delivered a presentation titled "From Skills Gap to Knowledge Economy." 

Prof. Dr. Haider Abd Dhahad addressed the requirements for aligning educational outcomes with labor market needs, developing research and specialized skills, and bolstering the role of universities in building an economy rooted in knowledge and innovation.

The Deputy said that the conference proceedings include sessions dedicated to discussing various scientific and specialized themes, these cover vocational and technical education in Iraq; strategies for the internationalization of education through cross-border education and global partnerships; the relationship between learning outcomes and the labor market; scientific research in Iraq, framed by a national vision aligned with development priorities; and the implementation of smart digital transformation within higher education. 

Prof. Dr. Haider Abd Dhahad added that the conference sessions also address the role of international organizations in enhancing learning outcomes, as well as topics concerning the environment, sustainability, and scientific research for a sustainable environment in Iraq. 

The Deputy reviewed that the sessions explore investment and strategic partnerships in educational projects, aiming to foster integration between educational institutions and development entities, while leveraging knowledge and scientific research to tackle national challenges. 

Prof. Dr. Haider Abd Dhahad highlighted that the conference featured addresses by Professor Jim Burke, President of Saint Leo University (USA), and Dr. Salman Rawaf, Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre at Imperial College London.

The Deputy also highlighted that the proceedings included the screening of a documentary film tracing the evolution of education in Iraq.

Prof. Dr. Haider Abd Dhahad addressed that the third edition of the (Education in Iraq) conference spans two days, featuring academic sessions and specialized dialogues designed to facilitate the exchange of expertise and experiences, broaden the horizons of international academic cooperation, and strengthen partnerships among universities, government institutions, the private sector, and international organizations. 

The Deputy also added that the goal is to translate visions and initiatives into practical programs that contribute to the advancement of higher education and support the national economy.

It is worth mentioning that the conference His Excellency, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani inaugurated the Iraqi Higher Education Exhibition. 

The exhibition saw the participation of various Iraqi, Arab, and international universities, providing a platform to explore academic collaboration, exchange expertise, and expand scientific and institutional partnerships all in line with developments in higher education and aimed at opening new avenues for engagement among university institutions.

It is significant to mention that the event was attended by the chair and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, the Head of the Advisory Board, several government ministers and officials, as well as academic leaders, experts, specialists, and prominent international and scientific figures.

Media & Government Communications Directorate 

Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research

October 28, 2026