At an International Seminar Hosted by the College of City and Regional Planning, the University of Duhok President Stresses: "To Improve the Quality of Cities, Human Well-Being Must Be at the Center of Reconstruction."

Duhok – July 6, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) – The College of City and Regional Planning (CCRP) at the University of Duhok (UOD) hosted an international seminar titled "Building Kurdistan's Future: Lessons from Sweden on Human-Centered Planning, Cultural Heritage, and Urban Quality" at the Peshmerga Hall (Student Center). The event brought together university leaders, government officials, planning professionals, researchers, faculty members, and students to explore innovative approaches to sustainable urban development inspired by Sweden's planning experience.

The seminar was attended by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok and Acting Dean of the College, Dr. Azad Najar, CEO of the Kurdistan Innovation Institute (KII), Dr. Layla Mohammed Raswol, former Dean of the College, Dr. Bekas Jamaluddin Hasan, Director of the Directorate of Antiquities, Mr. Ali Ameer, Director of the Urban Planning Directorate in Duhok Governorate, along with representatives from governmental institutions, NGOs, engineers, architects, urban planners, and undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Opening the seminar, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi welcomed the participants and highlighted the vital role of urban planning in preventing unplanned expansion and improving the quality of cities. He emphasized that rebuilding Kurdistan is not merely a technical task but a social responsibility, where human well-being must remain at the center of reconstruction. He also described the role of students and international academic partnerships as essential to shaping the future of sustainable cities.

The seminar, organized through an initiative by Dr. Shareen Younus Ismael, Head of the Department of City Planning, featured Dr. Karim Najar, Architect, Urban Planner, Lighting Designer, and Lecturer at Karlstad University, Sweden, whose research focuses on urban planning, technology, health, and sustainable development.

Cities Must Preserve Their Identity

Drawing on Sweden's experience, Dr. Karim Najar stressed that the authenticity of Kurdistan's cities should be preserved while embracing modernization. He explained that urban planning should not rely solely on technical and objective measurements but must also consider people's experiences, social interactions, and quality of life.

He further emphasized that architects should first be guided by planning laws and regulations before applying engineering innovation, noting that sustainable cities are created through sound legislation combined with creative design.

Among the seminar's key messages were:

• People-centered planning should replace function-centered planning by creating walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that encourage everyday social interaction.
• Cultural heritage—including traditional architecture, local materials, public spaces, and historic urban character—must remain an essential part of future development.
• Public participation is fundamental to successful planning, with citizens playing an active role in shaping their cities alongside municipalities and planning authorities.
• Strong planning regulations, as demonstrated in Sweden, help municipalities protect local identity while promoting sustainable and resilient urban growth.

Innovative Research for Sustainable Cities

Dr. Najar also presented several of his recent research projects at Karlstad University, demonstrating how innovation can support healthier and more sustainable cities. His work included:

• Nature-inclusive residential planning that integrates biodiversity into urban neighborhoods.
• Biomimetic seismic safety systems for resilient prefabricated buildings.
• Hybrid evaporative cooling towers designed to improve outdoor microclimates and reduce urban heat.
• Urban planning frameworks that combine environmental sustainability, public health, and cultural heritage preservation.

Reflecting on his first professional visit to Duhok in 2002, Dr. Najar shared how the city has evolved over the years while stressing that modernization should never come at the expense of local identity and community life.

Three-Day Technical Workshop Announced

Building on the seminar's outcomes, the College announced an intensive three-day technical workshop, scheduled for July 7–9, 2026, for representatives from governmental institutions, academic staff, planning professionals, and postgraduate students.

The workshop will focus on:

• Advanced urban evaluation and planning frameworks.
• Research methodologies for MSc and PhD students.
• Practical tools for improving planning policies.
• Strategies for creating sustainable, resilient, and human-centered cities.

The seminar represents another milestone in the University of Duhok's commitment to its Strategic Plan (2023–2038) by strengthening international academic collaboration, advancing research excellence, supporting sustainable urban development, and preserving the Kurdistan Region's cultural heritage through innovative planning.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office – July 6, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali, Aland Kamal Othman
Photography by: Ali Habib Habib

News Keywords

Sustainable Urban Planning

Human-Centered Design

Cultural Heritage

International Academic Collaboration

Urban Sprawl Mitigation