UOD, May 18, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO)

As part of its strategic commitment to environmental sustainability, climate awareness, and community engagement, the University of Duhok (UOD), in coordination with the Herman Foundation for Culture and Environmental Protection, organized a scientific forum titled:

“The Environment of Kurdistan’s Nature and Sustainable Protection”

The forum was held at the University Convention Center with the participation of academics, environmental experts, government officials, civil society representatives, and students, reaffirming UOD’s growing role in promoting environmental responsibility and sustainable development across the Kurdistan Region.

The event was attended by:

• Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok
• Mr. Abbas Ghazali, representative of the Barzani Foundation
• University deans, lecturers, students, and representatives of governmental institutions

UOD Reaffirms Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

The forum opened with remarks by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, who emphasized the importance of environmental protection and highlighted the University of Duhok’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, including:

• Expanding green spaces and campus afforestation projects
• Promoting environmental education and awareness
• Supporting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity initiatives
• Encouraging research on climate and environmental challenges

A documentary video produced by UOD was also presented, delivering an impactful message about environmental preservation and the importance of collective responsibility toward protecting Kurdistan’s natural resources.

Panel Discussions Address Environmental Sustainability from Multiple Perspectives

The scientific forum featured two specialized panels addressing the environmental, cultural, educational, and institutional dimensions of sustainability.

Panel One: Kurdistan’s Nature as a Foundation for Cultural Development

Moderated by Prof. Dr. Hussein Osman Abdulrahman, the first panel explored the relationship between culture, religion, literature, and environmental awareness.

Participants discussed:

• The role of religious institutions and mosques in promoting environmental ethics
• Reviving authentic Kurdish traditions related to protecting forests and water resources
• The contribution of literature, language, and humanities in documenting Kurdistan’s natural beauty and raising environmental awareness
• The role of media and cultural institutions in encouraging sustainable behaviors and environmental responsibility

Panel Two: Administrative and Technical Approaches to Environmental Protection

Moderated by Prof. Dr. Hussein Osman Abdulrahman, the first panel explored the relationship between culture, religion, literature, and environmental awareness.

Panelists included:

• Mullah Naseh Mohammed Osman, General Director of Duhok Endowments (Awqaf)
• Mr. Fakher Mullah Ali Arif, representative of the Herman Foundation for Culture and Environmental Protection
• Dr. Sagvan Abdulrahman Taha, lecturer at the College of Languages, University of Duhok
• Lecturer Zeravan Amin, College of Humanities, University of Duhok
• Mr. Ismail Ibrahim Mohammed Saleh, representative of the Khani Academy for Culture and Media

The discussions focused on:

• The role of religion and mosques in environmental awareness
• Reviving Kurdish traditions related to protecting forests and water springs
• Literature and humanities as tools for documenting Kurdistan’s natural beauty
• Media and cultural institutions in promoting sustainable environmental behavior

Panel Two: Administrative and Technical Approaches to Environmental Protection

Moderated by Assist. Prof. Dr. Zubaida Saleh, the second panel addressed the institutional and technical dimensions of sustainability and environmental governance.

Panelists included:

• Mr. Ahmed Abdullah Zubair, General Director of Education in Duhok
• Mr. Shivan Haji Issa, representative of the Forest and Environment Police Directorate in Duhok
• Mr. Diyar Sadiq Saeed, representative of the Duhok Municipality Directorate
• Dr. Hadar Saeed Faizi, lecturer at the College of Agricultural Engineering, University of Duhok

The panel discussions addressed:

• Integrating environmental awareness into educational curricula
• Legal measures against deforestation and illegal hunting
• Urban greening and waste management projects
• Scientific approaches to afforestation and eco-friendly agricultural development

Participants collectively emphasized that effective environmental protection requires strong coordination between:

• Scientific research
• Educational institutions
• Government policies and legal frameworks
• Community awareness and participation

Scientific Recommendations for Sustainable Environmental Action

At the conclusion of the forum, representatives of the Herman Foundation announced a series of recommendations, including:

• Establishing dedicated environmental spaces and green projects within schools
• Integrating Kurdish environmental values and traditions into educational curricula
• Strengthening environmental awareness among youth and local communities
• Expanding collaboration between universities, civil society organizations, and public institutions on sustainability initiatives

Supporting UOD’s Strategic Vision and the SDGs

The forum aligns with the University of Duhok’s broader strategic priorities in:

• Community engagement and social responsibility
• Research-driven sustainable development
• Promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
  • Climate Action (SDG 13)
  • Life on Land (SDG 15)
  • Quality Education (SDG 4)

Through such initiatives, the University of Duhok continues to reinforce its role as a leading academic institution dedicated to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and societal impact.

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University Press Office, May 18, 2026
Reported by: Rondik Fadhil Adil, Barin Mohammed Ahmed
Photography by: Mohammed A. Tahar

The News Keywords:

University of Duhok environmental forum, sustainability conference Kurdistan, UOD climate action initiatives, environmental protection Iraq, sustainable development University of Duhok