UOD, May, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO)

As part of its strategic commitment to strengthening academic collaboration, research development, and institutional networking, the University of Duhok (UOD) hosted an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the College of City and Regional Planning, University of Duhok and the Center for Urban and Regional Planning, University of Baghdad on May 5, 2026, at the Cultural and Social Center of UOD.

The ceremony was attended by:

• Dr. Layla Mohamed Raswol, Dean of the College of City and Regional Planning
• Dr. Nazar Ameen Mohammed, Director of International Relations
• Dr. Rezgar Mostafa Mohammed, Head of the Department of Spatial Planning
• Dr. Shareen Younus Ismael, Head of the Department of City Planning
• Dr. Karwan Abdulaziz Mohammed Ali, Director of Higher Education and Scholarships

Representing the University of Baghdad, Prof. Dr. Kareem Hassan Alwan, Dean of the Center for Urban and Regional Planning, and Dr. Hussein Qasim Hussein, Director of Scientific Affairs, participated virtually to officially sign the agreement.

Advancing Academic and Research Cooperation

The memorandum aims to establish a new phase of cooperation in the fields of urban and regional planning, spatial planning, sustainable urban development, and scientific research. The agreement focuses on:

• Exchange of academic expertise and scientific knowledge
• Joint research projects and publications
• Academic and professional training opportunities
• Exchange visits for faculty members, researchers, and students

The agreement also emphasizes cooperation in addressing contemporary urban challenges, including:

• Sustainable city development
• Climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability
• GIS and smart city technologies
• Urban governance and infrastructure planning
• Community-oriented and evidence-based planning approaches

Supporting Innovation and the University Third Mission

A key aspect of the memorandum is its focus on linking academic work with societal needs through applied research and knowledge transfer. The agreement encourages collaboration with public institutions and communities to support sustainable development and improve urban services and planning systems.

Strategic Alignment with UOD’s Vision

This partnership reflects the University of Duhok’s strategic priorities in:

• Expanding national and international academic cooperation
• Strengthening interdisciplinary research and innovation
• Supporting sustainable urban and regional development

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University Press Office, May, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography by: Mohammed A. Tahar

The News Keywords:

University of Duhok MoU, urban planning cooperation Iraq, UOD University of Baghdad agreement, spatial planning research collaboration, sustainable urban development Kurdistan