UOD, October 23, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) –
Under the supervision of Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, and the direction of Dr. Bassam Ahmed Abdullah, Dean of the College of Administration and Economics, and in collaboration with the Central Bank of Iraq, the College of Administration and Economics at the University of Duhok (UOD) successfully held its Second International Scientific Conference on October 22–23, 2025, at the University Convention Center.

The conference was held under the theme:

“Towards a Promising and Sustainable Environment Through the Activation and Adoption of Electronic Payment Technologies and Strengthening Financial Inclusion.”

This major academic event brought together national and international researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals to discuss Iraq’s financial transformation and the role of digital finance in achieving sustainable economic growth.

Distinguished Attendance and Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony was attended by several high-level guests, including His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohsen Al-Allaq, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq; Dr. Sabah Waisi, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok; and Dr. Bassam Ahmed Abdullah, Dean of the College of Administration and Economics.

Also present were deans, faculty members, researchers from various Iraqi and international universities, and representatives from governmental and private financial institutions.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi emphasized UOD’s commitment to supporting national economic development through research and innovation in financial sciences and digital transformation. Dr. Al-Allaq praised the University’s initiative, highlighting the Central Bank’s strategic efforts to expand digital payment infrastructure across Iraq. The conference’s welcoming speech was delivered by Dr. Bassam Ahmed Abdullah, who underscored the importance of linking academic research with financial policy to achieve national sustainability goals.

Following this, honorary gifts were exchanged between the University of Duhok, the Central Bank of Iraq, the Ministry of Higher Education, and the Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Kurdistan Region.

After the opening ceremonies, a panel discussion was held, featuring four experts: Dr. Samir Fakhri Naama, Director General of Statistics and Research at the Central Bank; Mr. Hussein Abdul-Amir Jaber, Head of the Financial Inclusion Department at the Central Bank; Dr. Hawre Kamal Mohammed, Advisor to the Ministry of Finance and Economy in the Kurdistan Region; and Dr. Shivan Ahmed Mohammed, a faculty member at the College of Administration and Economics at the University of Duhok.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, attendees toured an exhibition featuring participating banks, fintech companies, and financial institutions showcasing their digital products and innovations.

Scientific Sessions and Awards

Over two days, researchers presented studies addressing topics such as electronic payment systems, banking sector development, financial inclusion, and sustainable finance. The sessions fostered meaningful dialogue among academia, industry, and government representatives, promoting collaboration toward modernizing Iraq’s financial ecosystem.

During the concluding session, awards were presented for outstanding contributions:
Best Research Paper
Best Researcher
Best Presentation

The event concluded with the announcement of key recommendations designed to support Iraq’s transition toward a sustainable and inclusive financial system.

Conference Recommendations

• Strengthen the Banking Sector:
  Enhance financial inclusion to boost bank profitability, expand credit access, and support small projects and economic development.
• Raise Societal Awareness:
  Launch educational campaigns and training workshops to promote digital finance literacy and e-payment adoption, especially in remote areas.
• Expand and Standardize Financial Services:

1. Develop targeted credit programs to empower youth and women.
   
   
2. Unify digital financial systems across all regions of Iraq.
   
   
3. Support the Central Bank’s initiative to introduce a digital Iraqi Dinar to enhance inclusion and combat fraud.
   

• Mandate Digital Government Payments:
  Require government institutions, including ministries and tax/customs authorities, to adopt exclusive digital payment channels such as POS terminals, bank transfers, and payment apps
• Expand Infrastructure and Provide Incentives:
  Accelerate the installation of POS devices and ATMs nationwide and offer tax reductions or service incentives to encourage merchants and consumers to use electronic payments.
• Promote Sustainable Finance:
  Encourage banks and financial institutions to develop green digital finance products, including environmental loans and green investment portfolios.

A Vision for Sustainable Economic Growth

The Second International Scientific Conference at the University of Duhok reaffirmed the institution’s leadership in linking academic research with national economic priorities. By fostering dialogue between academia, government, and the private sector, the conference contributes to Iraq’s digital transformation, financial inclusion, and sustainable development.

To view photos from the conference, click the link.

To view the live feed of the conference click here

University Press Office | October 23, 2025
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali & Hussein Ismael Mohammed
Photos: Mohammed Abdulkareem Tahir, Ali Habib Habib, Harman Jangeer Ahmed

The News Keywords

• University of Duhok scientific conference
  
  
• Financial inclusion Iraq
  
  
• Electronic payment technologies Kurdistan
  
  
• Central Bank of Iraq collaboration
  
  
• Sustainable finance and digital transformation