University of Duhok Joins Strategic Consultative Workshop of the RISE Project
June 21, 2025, University Press Office (UNPO) | As part of its strategic vision to advance internationalisation, academic excellence, and graduate employability, the University of Duhok (UOD) actively participated in the RISE Project WP2 Consultative Workshop, held virtually on June 18–19, 2025. This pivotal event was co-organised by Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU) and UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union, uniting universities from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Europe.
The two-day workshop focused on developing strategic roadmaps for internationalisation and career development across Kurdish universities, reinforcing the role of higher education in driving innovation, fostering global connections, and preparing graduates for leadership roles in both regional and international spheres.
Strategic Highlights of the Workshop
The opening day set the tone with contributions from distinguished academic and diplomatic figures:
- Prof. Dr. Hoshyar Azeez, President of Sulaimani Polytechnic University
- Dr. Tommaso Sansone, Italian Consul in Erbil
- Prof. Dr. Mohammed Hussein Ahmed, Director General, Head of Apparatus of Supervision and Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (KRG)
Their participation underlined a shared commitment to enhancing inter-university collaboration and leveraging international partnerships to build stronger, more resilient academic institutions in the Kurdistan Region.
Related Links:
University of Duhok’s International Relations Directorate
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research – KRG
From Strategy to Action: Day 2 Focus
Day two transitioned into practical planning and collaborative engagement. Representatives from the seven partner universities in Kurdistan worked alongside European experts to:
- Identify institutional challenges and opportunities for enhancing employability.
- Define shared and institution-specific priorities for career development.
- Outline strategic internationalisation frameworks aligned with both local development goals and European standards.
The collaboration culminated in a shared vision to empower universities to produce a new generation of globally minded, career-ready graduates.
UOD’s Commitment to Global Impact
Participation in projects like RISE is a reflection of UOD’s commitment to implementing its internationalisation roadmap, fostering academic cooperation, and opening global opportunities for students and graduates.
Partners in the RISE Project
Partner Universities in Kurdistan:
- University of Duhok (UOD)
- Akre University for Applied Sciences
- Duhok Polytechnic University
- Erbil Polytechnic University
- Sulaimani Polytechnic University
- University of Garmian
- University of Zakho
European Partners:
- UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union
- Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma (UNINT)
- Universidad de Murcia
Associated Partner:
- Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kurdistan Regional Government
Why This Matters for the Kurdistan Region
With the Kurdistan Region experiencing a dynamic transformation in higher education, projects like RISE align perfectly with the University of Duhok’s strategic priorities in:
- Graduate employability and entrepreneurship
- Research collaboration with international partners
- Building institutional resilience through global engagement
Through active participation, UOD reaffirms its position as a leading driver of educational progress in both Kurdistan and Iraq.
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University Press office, June 21, 2025
Fatima Mahmood
The News Keywords:
- Kurdistan universities internationalisation
- graduate employability in Iraq
- University of Duhok global partnerships
- higher education development Kurdistan
- RISE project for employability