UOD | October 9, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) –
In a significant achievement for the University of Duhok (UOD), Mateen Ameen Ismail, a graduate of the University of Duhok, College of Science, Department of Physics, has been recognized by UNICEF for his leadership and outstanding contribution to the Participatory Action Research (PAR) Project, a joint initiative between UNICEF and the University of Duhok.

The PAR Project, launched in October 2024 and concluded in January 2025, aims to empower university students to identify community challenges, conduct applied research, and design practical solutions that enhance youth engagement and promote sustainable community development across the Kurdistan Region.

Exploring Sustainable Solutions for Water Management in Duhok

Under the supervision of Dr. Iman Hussein Fadhiladeen, Mateen Ameen led his research group “Light,” consisting of students Nura Hassan Issa and Adar Sardar Mustafa, to investigate “Exploring Sustainable Solutions: A Study on Wastewater Treatment and Reuse in Car Wash Services in Duhok, Kurdistan.”

The research focused on tackling water scarcity by studying sustainable wastewater treatment systems and water reuse technologies in local car wash facilities.
The team explored cost-effective and efficient reclamation methods, such as filtration and UV disinfection, aiming to reduce water consumption and environmental impact in the region.

The study involved:

• Interviews with 26 participants
  
  
• Three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 14 participants
  
  
• Questionnaires distributed to 91 participants, all of which were returned — totaling 131 respondents
  
  

Findings revealed a strong local awareness of water shortages and highlighted economic barriers and limited infrastructure as the main challenges to adopting sustainable water recycling practices in Duhok.

From Research to Real-World Impact

The team’s work not only raised awareness about water management but also inspired practical policy recommendations, including:

• Government support for car wash owners to access treatment technology.
  
  
• Expanding environmental education and training through UNICEF programs.
  
  
• Promoting youth-led initiatives for sustainable urban development.
  
  

Despite limited time and technical constraints, Mateen and his team demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership, reflecting the University of Duhok’s vision to prepare students as agents of change for community resilience and sustainability.

UNICEF’s Recognition of UOD Youth Leadership

UNICEF’s official platform featured a special post highlighting Mateen Ameen Ismail as an example of youth innovation and leadership in addressing environmental challenges through research. The recognition underscores the growing importance of youth-led research initiatives in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Alignment with UOD’s Strategic Plan (2023–2030)

This achievement aligns closely with the University of Duhok’s Strategic Plan, which emphasizes:

• Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
  
  
• Youth Empowerment and Capacity Development
  
  
• Research for Community Impact
  
  
• International Collaboration and Innovation
  
  

Through such initiatives, UOD reaffirms its mission to equip students with research skills and civic responsibility, contributing directly to sustainable development in the Kurdistan Region and beyond.

University Press Office, October 9, 2025

Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali

The News Keywords:

• University of Duhok PAR Project
  
  
• UNICEF and UOD youth research
  
  
• Sustainable water management Duhok
  
  
• Wastewater reuse in Kurdistan
  
  
• Student leadership and SDGs