The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) took significant strides in strengthening international academic partnerships at the NAFSA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo. The delegation, led by prominent figures including Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok (UOD), engaged in high-level meetings and strategic discussions aimed at enhancing educational exchanges and global collaborations.

Strategic Meetings and Key Outcomes:

Dr. Daoud Atrushi conducted pivotal meetings with representatives from American, Italian, and Polish universities. These discussions focused on forging stronger international ties for UOD, emphasizing collaborative research initiatives, student exchange programs, and academic partnerships. These efforts are poised to provide substantial opportunities for UOD and its student body.

Additionally, the delegation met with Dr. Fanta AW, President of NAFSA, to discuss the importance of Kurdistan's role in the global education sector. The talks centered on expanding academic collaborations, including student and faculty exchanges, joint projects, and curriculum development.

Conference Highlights:

The NAFSA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo, held from May 28 to May 31, featured a comprehensive agenda with keynote speeches, networking opportunities, and specialized sessions:

- Opening Plenary Session: The conference opened with a keynote address by Luis Von Ahn, CEO of Duolingo, which set a visionary tone for the event.

- Middle East Interest Group (MEIG): On May 28, the KRG delegation participated in this session to explore educational exchanges with institutions in the Middle East and North Africa.

- Symposium on Leadership: This session featured keynote addresses and roundtable discussions, providing the delegation with insights on leadership in international education and opportunities to network with senior international officers and education leaders.

- Community Dialogue: The delegation engaged in the International Education Leadership Knowledge Community session, gaining access to valuable updates, resources, and networking opportunities.

Strengthening Academic Relations:

In a significant meeting with Vanderbilt University representatives, the delegation discussed scholarship opportunities and joint projects, emphasizing the integration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals into the curriculum strategy of Kurdistan universities. Further engagements with Arizona State University and Dr. Haider Jawad al-Quds, Cultural Advisor at the Iraqi Embassy, reinforced the collective commitment to enhancing higher education in the Kurdistan Region.

Future Prospects:

The participation of the KRG delegation, including Dr. Atrushi, at NAFSA 2024 represents a crucial step in building a robust academic bridge between the Kurdistan Region and the United States. The discussions and agreements reached during the conference are expected to result in numerous benefits, including enhanced opportunities for students and strengthened academic collaborations.

The delegation's proactive involvement at NAFSA 2024 highlights the Kurdistan Regional Government's dedication to advancing higher education and scientific research, paving the way for future international partnerships and educational advancements.

UOD Media; 2 June 2024

Ismat Khabour and Mahir Tahir Kestayi