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UOD Launches TRANSITION Project: Pioneering Cultural Heritage Preservation in Iraq and Yemen

March 29, 2025, 1:08 a.m.

University of Duhok Takes the Lead in EU-Funded Initiative to Safeguard Minority Heritage

Duhok, February 24, 2025 – The University of Duhok (UOD) has officially launched the TRANSITION Project, a groundbreaking EU-funded initiative dedicated to preserving the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of minority communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Yemen. This milestone marks the first time UOD is leading and coordinating an Erasmus+ Capacity Building project, reinforcing its commitment to research-driven solutions and global academic collaboration.

Strategic Significance & Vision Alignment

The TRANSITION Project aligns with UOD’s 2023-2038 Strategic Vision, particularly its goals of:

  • Fostering Internationalization and Global Recognition
  • Enhancing Research and Innovation
  • Engaging in Community Service and Cultural Preservation

As the project coordinator, UOD is spearheading efforts to integrate cultural heritage education into university curricula, empower academic staff, and promote cross-border collaboration in heritage conservation.

Day One: Kick-Off Ceremony, A Historic Milestone for UOD

The official kick-off event, hosted at the UOD Convention Center (UNCC), brought together esteemed academic and institutional partners from Kurdistan-Iraq, Yemen, and Europe for two days of strategic discussions and planning.

Keynote Speakers & Highlights

  • Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of UOD – Emphasized the university’s role in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening global academic partnerships.
  • EU Partner Representatives – Highlighted the significance of international collaboration in heritage conservation.
  • Yemeni Partner Universities – Discussed the challenges of cultural heritage protection in post-conflict regions.
  • Kurdistan-Iraq Academic Institutions – Stressed the collective efforts of Iraqi universities in preserving historical and cultural narratives.

Project Structure & Collaborative Partnerships

The TRANSITION project is built on an interdisciplinary framework, with nine participating institutions, each contributing to curriculum development, research, and policy recommendations:

Strategic Focus: Work Packages & Expected Impact

The project is structured around seven key Work Packages (WPs): 

  • Curriculum Development & Training – Introducing cultural heritage studies in university programs.
  • Capacity Building – Equipping academic staff with specialized knowledge in heritage protection.
  • Community Engagement & Awareness – Strengthening collaboration between academia, policymakers, and local communities.
  • Research & Digital Documentation – Utilizing modern technology for heritage preservation.
  • Policy Recommendations – Developing strategies for sustainable heritage conservation.
  • International Cooperation – Expanding global networks for cultural heritage initiatives.
  • Sustainability & Long-Term Impact – Ensuring project continuity beyond the funding period.

These efforts directly support UOD’s mission to enhance research capabilities, foster academic excellence, and promote cultural resilience.

Day Two: Financial Planning & Next Steps

The second day of the meeting focused on project logistics, including: 

  • Financial management and reporting requirements 
  • Challenges in implementation and strategic solutions 
  • Nomination processes for key project roles 
  • Planning for upcoming partnership meetings and milestones

A Groundbreaking Achievement for UOD

Leading a European Union-funded project for the first time, UOD is cementing its position as a regional hub for academic collaboration and cultural heritage research. The TRANSITION Project serves as a model for research-driven heritage preservation, capacity building, and international engagement in post-conflict regions.

As the project moves forward, UOD and its partners remain dedicated to ensuring the protection and promotion of minority cultural heritage for future generations.

📢 Follow the TRANSITION Project Journey:

UOD Media, February 25, 2025
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography by:
📸 Mohammed Abdulkareem Tahir
📸 Harman Jangeer Ahmer
📸 Hussein Ismael Mohammed

Photo Archive of the Event (Photos , day 1 and Photos, day 2 )

📢 Stay Updated & Engage: #TRANSITIONProject #CulturalHeritage #HigherEducation

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