In a significant step towards academic excellence, research innovation, and sustainable development, a high-level delegation from Soran University (SU) visited the University of Duhok (UOD) to explore opportunities for joint initiatives in education, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability. The visit reinforced both universities’ commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation, fostering knowledge exchange, and advancing regional and global academic standards. A key highlight of the visit was the delegation’s tour of the University of Duhok Botanical Garden, a pioneering project within UOD’s Green and Walkable Campus Initiative, showcasing the university’s commitment to sustainability, food security, and climate action research.

This reciprocal visit follows an earlier engagement on December 12, 2024, when a delegation from UOD, led by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, visited Soran University.

The Soran University delegation, headed by Prof. Dr. Sherwan Sharif Qurtas, President of Soran University, was warmly welcomed by UOD’s leadership, including members of the University Council and the Vice Presidents for Scientific, Administrative, and Student Affairs.

Expanding Strategic Partnerships in Higher Education

During the high-level meeting, both universities reaffirmed their commitment to:

• Joint Research Initiatives – Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific innovation.

• Faculty and Student Exchange Programmes – Expanding opportunities for knowledge-sharing and mobility.

• Digital Transformation – Integrating advanced technologies into academic administration and learning.

• Sustainability & Green Campus Strategy – Enhancing environmental initiatives, including afforestation and climate action projects.

Quality Assurance & Accreditation – Aligning academic programmes with Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE) standards.

This partnership aligns with UOD’s Strategic Plan 2023–2038, which prioritises institutional effectiveness, accreditation, research excellence, and sustainability.

Leadership Insights: Strengthening Institutional Ties

During the opening remarks, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of UOD, expressed:

"The University of Duhok and Soran University share a long-standing partnership, not just in academics but also in institutional and cultural collaboration. UOD remains committed to supporting Soran University in its pursuit of excellence, contributing to the collective advancement of higher education in Kurdistan."

Similarly, Prof. Dr. Sherwan Sharif Qurtas, President of Soran University, acknowledged UOD’s historical role in Kurdistan’s higher education development:

"Duhok University is the mother university of Kurdistan, the first public university established by the Kurdistan Regional Government after the 1991 uprising. It has inspired the growth of many institutions, including Soran University, and our collaboration will continue to enrich both academic communities."

Institutional Research & Digital Transformation at UOD

As part of the visit, Dr. Faek Sido Diko, Director of the Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness (DIRP) at UOD delivered a presentation titled “Institutional Effectiveness and Continuous Improvement at UOD”, outlining:

• Data-Driven Decision-Making – Establishing the Institutional Research Centre (IRC) for evidence-based policymaking.
• Strategic Planning 2023–2038 – Implementing long-term roadmaps for sustainable institutional growth.
• Accreditation & Quality Assurance – Advancing UOD’s self-assessment process for KAAE accreditation.
• Digital Transformation – Enhancing administrative processes through Student Information Systems (SIS) and e-governance tools.

These efforts highlight UOD’s commitment to continuous improvement, academic excellence, and international recognition.

Soran University Delegation Visits UOD Botanical Garden – A Model for Sustainable Green Initiatives

As part of their visit, the delegation toured the University of Duhok Botanical Garden, a flagship project within UOD’s Green and Walkable Campus Initiative. The garden serves as a living laboratory for biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and climate action research.

🌱 Key highlights of the Botanical Garden visit:

✅ Promoting Sustainability – Integrating green spaces with academic research to advance environmental sciences.
✅ Enhancing Biodiversity – Showcasing native and global plant species to support ecological education.
✅ Advancing Food Security – Demonstrating research in sustainable agriculture, including the recent planting of 3,000 olive trees as part of UOD’s food security strategy.
✅ Student & Faculty Engagement – Providing an interactive space for scientific studies in environmental sustainability and agroforestry.

UOD’s commitment to sustainable campus development aligns with global efforts to address climate change, ecological preservation, and food security challenges. The Botanical Garden visit reinforced the importance of integrating environmental awareness into higher education and community engagement.

Future Collaboration & Joint Initiatives

The meeting concluded with remarks from UOD’s Vice Presidents:

• Dr. Lukman Hadi Hasan – Highlighted advancements in scientific affairs and faculty development.
• Dr. Nabaz Ibraheem Mohammed – Discussed student engagement and digital learning initiatives.
• Dr. Dilshad Abduljabbar Haleem – Addressed financial cooperation and administrative innovation.

Both universities committed to developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise joint research projects, faculty training, and sustainability initiatives.

Conclusion: A Vision for Academic and Environmental Excellence

The visit of Soran University’s delegation to the University of Duhok marks a significant advancement in higher education cooperation and environmental sustainability. As UOD continues to lead in academic innovation, research excellence, and climate action, this partnership will drive regional development, knowledge creation, and global recognition.

🎥 Watch Highlights from the Visit: Click Here
📷 View Photos from the Event: Click Here
📖 Explore UOD’s Strategic Vision: UOD Strategic Plan 2023–2038

• UOD Media Office – 16th January 2025
• Reported by: Ismat M Mohammed
• Photography by: Mohammed A. Beski, Hussein I. Mohammed, Ali H. Banki

Meta Keywords:

🔹 University of Duhok Academic Collaboration
🔹 Soran University and UOD Research Partnership
🔹 Green Campus Initiative & Sustainable Education
🔹 Digital Transformation in Higher Education Kurdistan
🔹 KAAE Accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness