UOD, July 30 2025, University Press Office (UNPO) | In a moment that quietly echoed years of growth and international cooperation, the University of Duhok hosted a joyful photo session for its graduating students of the College of City and Regional Planning —marking the culmination of academic journeys rooted in innovation, resilience, and forward-looking planning education.

A Unique College with a Global Vision

The College of City and Regional Planning has a distinct academic and institutional identity. Originally established as the Higher Institute of Planning in 2007, it has since evolved through several academic milestones. It now offers specialized undergraduate programs through its Department of Spatial Planning, launched in collaboration with TU Dortmund University, and the recently established Department of City Planning (2023–2024 academic year).

This academic unit stands as the only college of its kind in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq that focuses specifically on spatial, urban, and regional planning—blending technical expertise with a vision for sustainable development.

Shaping Future Planners of Iraq

This year’s photo session featured proud students reflecting the college’s commitment to equipping youth with professional tools and a global outlook. The Joint Bachelor Program in Spatial Planning, established in 2012 with TU Dortmund, continues to graduate students who receive internationally-informed training and experience, including academic mobility to Germany.

The newly established City Planning Department, represents the next phase in localized urban planning education. Together, these programs are nurturing professionals ready to contribute to public and private planning sectors across Iraq, particularly in fields such as infrastructure development, environmental policy, urban management, and sustainable design

A Day of Pride and Reflection

As students stood for their class photos, a sense of fulfillment filled the campus lawns. Faculty members joined for group shots, capturing not only a cohort of planners—but also the success of a long-term academic partnership that has matured over a decade.

See the Full Photo Gallery

We invite all students, alumni, faculty, and friends to view and share the full collection of graduation photos through the link below. Let these images reflect not only individual success but also the continued progress of academic planning in Iraq.

View Graduation Photo Gallery – Class of 2025
Explore the College of City and Regional Planning Programs

Let us celebrate not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of many journeys—carefully planned and purposefully driven.

University Press Office, July 31, 2025
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography by:

• Ali Habib Habib
• Mohammed. A. Tahar
• Harman Jangeer Ahmed