University of Duhok | May 20, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) —
As part of its strategic commitment to employability, innovation, and internationalization, the University of Duhok (UOD), through the Career Development Center (CDC) and the Directorate of International Relations (DOIR), organized a specialized three-day training program on May 12, 13, and 14, 2026, within the framework of the RISE Project.

The training targeted CDC and DOIR coordinators from colleges and university units and was conducted in collaboration with the RISE Project coordinator, UNIMED - Mediterranean Universities Union, alongside partner universities including the International University of Rome (UNINT) and the University of Murcia.

Enhancing Employability and Entrepreneurship Skills

The CDC-led training focused on modern approaches to career development, entrepreneurship, and university–labor market integration. Sessions and interactive workshops addressed several strategic themes, including:

• Career Development and Entrepreneurship Services
• Building stronger links between universities and employers
• Alumni engagement and mentoring initiatives
• Innovation-based learning and employability strategies
• The role of hackathons in developing entrepreneurial thinking and transferable skills

The trainers included:

• Dr. Ahmed Khairadeen Ali, the Director of the CDC
• Dr. Suhad Yaseen Abdulrahman, from the College of Science
• Dr. Dr. Juwan Al-Mofti, from the College of Basic Education

Participants also explored practical approaches for organizing innovation-driven activities that encourage teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and community engagement among students. Discussions highlighted how Career Development Centers can create more dynamic environments that support student initiatives and prepare graduates for evolving labor market demands.

Earlier RISE Training Activities

The May training program followed an earlier RISE Project training series held on May 4, 5, and 6, 2026, which focused primarily on strengthening the capacities of DOIR coordinators and Career Support Center (CSC) representatives across UOD colleges and units. Together, these initiatives reflect the university’s integrated approach toward institutional capacity building, international cooperation, and student-centered development.

Certificate Ceremony Honors Participants

On May 19, 2026, UOD organized a closing ceremony to recognize participants of the CDC and DOIR training activities conducted under the RISE Project.

The ceremony was attended by:

• Prof. Dr. Lokman Hadi Hassan, Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies
• Prof. Dr. Nabaz Ibraheem Mohammed, Vice President for Student Affairs

Both vice presidents distributed certificates to the participants in recognition of their active engagement and contribution to institutional development efforts.

During the ceremony, Dr. Nazar Ameen Mohammed, Director of International Relations at UOD, delivered a speech expressing appreciation to all trainers, coordinators, and participants. He emphasized the importance of transferring and sharing the knowledge gained during the training with broader university and community circles to maximize institutional impact and contribute to sustainable development.

Through the RISE Project, UOD continues to reinforce its strategic priorities in:

• Graduate employability and entrepreneurship
• International academic cooperation
• Innovation and digital transformation
• Institutional development and mobility
• Community engagement and sustainable growth

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University Press Office, May 20, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography by: Mohammed A. Tahar

The News Keywords

RISE Project UOD, Career Development Center training, employability programs, University of Duhok internationalization, entrepreneurship and innovation training