In order to modernize and develop the administrative system within the Governmental institutions and smooth the organization, transparency, responsiveness, and reduce exclusions within institutions, the University of Duhok in cooperation with VNG Organization and with support from the European Union, initiated the first stage of progressing the GIS program within Governmental Directorates. The vice-governor was also present during the session.

In the GIS Project, which is within the context of MASAR Program, a server will operate by Duhok governorate and each directorate will continuously upload their respective information and data into the program and would be handed in an organized manner. This will in turn aid in helping the Governorate Administration have access to information on all sectors and be able to make logical and rapid decisions.

The program, which will be managed by the College of Spatial Planning at the University of Duhok, consists of two stages: Training and sustainability. Dr. Dilshad Abdul-Jabbar, the dean of the College of Spatial Planning at the University of Duhok indicated that “The first stage of this project consists of training staff capable of running this system. The duration of this stage is three months, with two days per week dedicated for training given to engineers and technicians of 14 governmental directorates. After achieving the objectives of this stage in terms of training and education for the participants, the second stage will commence which lasts for one year. Within this stage, the GIS project will be implemented and the University of Duhok will be responsible for supervision and consultation”.

It is worth mentioning, that the administration of the Duhok governorate has established a GIS center with the task of completing this project, with the University of Duhok and VNG Organization being the main coordinators in implementing this project. This is done on the basis of new interests of the University of Duhok in drawing closer to the community and developing information and research purposes in various sectors.