UoD, November 7, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) — Strengthening regional and international cooperation in safeguarding cultural heritage, the University of Duhok (UoD), as coordinator of the Erasmus+ TRANSITION Project, participated in the first of two public conferences organised under the project, hosted by the University of Zakho on November 2-3, 2026. The conference brought together representatives of partner universities, heritage authorities, academic experts and other stakeholders to address the risks facing tangible and intangible cultural heritage and explore collaborative approaches to its protection.

Representing the University of Duhok, Dr. Dilshad Abduljabbar Haleem, Vice President of the University and TRANSITION Project Coordinator, participated in the conference alongside staff from the Directorate of International Relations (DOIR). Dr. Dilshad delivered an opening address presenting the project and outlining the objectives of the conference, emphasising the importance of cooperation among academic institutions and relevant stakeholders in addressing challenges to cultural heritage preservation.

Held under the theme “Risk Management for Cultural Heritage at Risk,” the conference explored approaches to identifying, analysing, evaluating, treating and monitoring risks that threaten cultural heritage. Its programme featured keynote presentations, expert discussions and stakeholder panels, providing a platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences on heritage protection in Iraq and the wider region.

The keynote sessions included a presentation by Ms. Ana Carvalho of the University of Évora on the risks and opportunities associated with tangible and intangible heritage management, followed by a contribution from Dr. Carmel Aqeel of the University of Duhok on multilateral action for heritage at risk in Iraq and the region.

A stakeholder panel entitled “Who Protects Heritage at Risk? Institutions, Security Forces, Universities and Communities” brought together representatives of heritage authorities, academia and civil society to discuss institutional responsibilities and the role of local communities in safeguarding cultural heritage. The programme also included sessions on cultural heritage, minority communities and local communities, as well as practical approaches to risk management.

The conference concluded with an open discussion and recommendations focusing on priorities for protecting cultural heritage at risk. The outcomes are intended to contribute to the TRANSITION Project's position paper and support the development of coordinated approaches to heritage preservation.

The Erasmus+ TRANSITION Project, entitled “Preserving the Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Minority Communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and in Yemen,” brings together eight partner institutions: the University of Duhok (project coordinator), the University of Évora in Portugal, Sapienza University of Rome, UNIMED, the University of Aden, the University of Sulaimani, the University of Zakho, and Soran University. Through this international partnership, the project seeks to strengthen institutional capacities, promote knowledge exchange and support the preservation of the cultural heritage of minority communities.

Following the conference in Zakho, the project partners are continuing their programme with a second public conference at the University of Sulaimani on November 4-5, 2026, focusing on “The Protection and Preservation of Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage and Cultural Rights.” This second gathering further broadens the discussion by addressing heritage preservation, cultural rights, community participation and the role of national and international institutions.

The two conferences form part of Work Package 5 of the TRANSITION Project and are accompanied by partners' meetings dedicated to capacity building, Training of Trainers (ToT), project coordination, networking and sustainability.

Strategic Alignment

The TRANSITION Project contributes to the University of Duhok's Strategic Plan 2023–2038, particularly its pillars of Meaningful Contributions to Society, Pioneering Institution in Higher Education, and Empowering Students.

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University Press Office, November 7, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali

News Keywords

• Erasmus+ TRANSITION Project
• University of Duhok International Projects
• Cultural Heritage Preservation
• Minority Communities in Iraq and Yemen
• Risk Management for Cultural Heritage