UOD, September 10, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) –
The Career Development Center (CDC) at the University of Duhok (UOD) organized a pivotal workshop at the university’s Social and Cultural Center, on September 9, to enhance collaboration between academia and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The event emphasized building sustainable partnerships to implement joint projects, tackle community challenges, and expand opportunities for students and graduates.

Building Bridges Between Academia and Civil Society

The workshop brought together a diverse audience, including faculty members, students, graduates, NGO representatives, and civil society leaders. This inclusive participation highlighted the shared commitment of UOD and NGOs to address pressing social needs in the Kurdistan Region.

Opening Remarks: Vision for Cooperation

In his opening address, Dr. Ahmed Khairadeen Ali, Director of the Career Development Center, outlined the center’s goals of career readiness, skill-building, and employability. He stressed that collaboration with NGOs provides students with real-world experiences, internship opportunities, and platforms for social innovation.

Following him, Mr. Falah Hassan, Director of NGO and Government Department Affairs, spoke about the vital role of NGOs in advancing social development and emphasized the value of university–NGO partnerships in creating impactful community projects.

Interactive Group Discussions

The workshop concluded with participants being divided into discussion groups to identify obstacles hindering effective cooperation between UOD and NGOs. Key challenges included funding limitations, coordination gaps, and capacity-building needs. The outcomes were presented collectively, followed by in-depth dialogue on practical solutions to strengthen collaboration.

Strategic Alignment with UOD’s Vision

This workshop aligns with UOD’s Strategic Plan in several ways:

• Internationalization & Partnerships: Enhances UOD’s role as a regional hub for academic–civil society collaboration.
  
  
• Student Employability & Skills Development: Provides students with pathways for internships, volunteering, and professional growth.
  
  
• Community Engagement: Reinforces the university’s responsibility in addressing local and regional social challenges.
  
  
• Knowledge Transfer: Bridges academic research with practical NGO fieldwork, benefiting both students and society.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office, September 9, 2025
Reported by: Nibar Haji Hussein

The News Keywords:

• Career Development Center University of Duhok
  
  
• University–NGO collaboration Kurdistan
  
  
• Student employability and skills UOD
  
  
• Civil society partnerships in higher education
  
  
• Community engagement University of Duhok