Tackling Youth Unemployment and Strengthening the Private Sector: Strategic Panel at UOD

UOD, May 3, 2024, University Press Office (UNPO) | The University of Duhok (UOD), in alignment with its strategic vision, organized a key panel discussion on “Bridging Academic Knowledge and Practical Solutions: the Tenth Governmental Cabinet”. The event, hosted by the College of Administration and Economics, focused on addressing youth unemployment and supporting private sector growth in the Kurdistan Region.

Event Highlights

• Host and Participants:
   
  • Led by Dr. Bassam Ahmed Abdullah, Dean of the College of Administration and Economics.
     
  • Featured speakers included:
     
  • Mr. Abdulkarim Hammad Mohammed Salim, Head of the Duhok Directorate of Labour and Social Affairs.
     
  • Mr. Shukri Jameel Nouri, President of the Directorate Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
     
  • Attended by faculty members, students, and community stakeholders.
     
• Key Topics Discussed:
   
  • Transitioning from public sector dependency to a stronger private sector model.
     
  • The importance of entrepreneurship, labor laws, and social security reforms.
     
  • The role of academia in addressing socio-economic challenges.
     
• Insights and Contributions:
   
  • Dr. Bassam Ahmed: Emphasized the need for private sector engagement to create sustainable employment opportunities.
     
  • Mr. Abdulkarim Hammad Mohammed Salim: Highlighted partnerships with local businesses and praised the UOD Career Development Center (CDC) for connecting graduates with jobs.
     
  • Dr. Reber Fattah Mohammed: Advocated for small-scale entrepreneurship through accessible microfinance for young innovators.
     
  • Mr. Shukri Jameel Nouri: Called for stronger public-private partnerships to expand job opportunities and foster regional development.
     

Strategic Alignment with UOD Goals

This event directly supports UOD’s mission to:

• Foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students and graduates.
   
• Promote collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
   
• Address regional economic and social challenges through strategic initiatives.
   

Conclusion

The panel concluded with a recognition ceremony where certificates of participation were distributed for participants, and it reaffirmed UOD’s commitment to driving impactful solutions for youth unemployment through academic excellence and regional collaboration.

University Press Office, May 3, 2025

Reported by: Nibar Haji Hussein

Photography by: Mohammed Abdulkareem Tahir

The News Keywords:

• University of Duhok initiatives
   
• Youth unemployment solutions
   
• Kurdistan private sector growth
   
• Career Development Center UoD
   
• Higher education partnerships