The "Higher Education Forum: Jordan-Kurdistan," jointly organized by the ministries of Higher Education of Jordan and the Kurdistan Region, continued in Duhok after its commencement in Erbil and Sulaimani. On May 8, 2024, the forum, hosted by the University of Duhok, aimed to strengthen academic ties and pave the way for future collaborations in research, student exchanges, and scientific projects.

Duhok Governor, Dr. Ali Tatar, highlighted the historically strong relations between the two parties, especially after 2003, emphasizing their potential to address community challenges. While the President of the UOD, Dr. Dawood S. Atrushi, welcomed the Jordanian delegation, on behalf of the universities in Duhok, expressing hope for fruitful cooperation to serve the whole community.

Representatives from 7 Duhok universities were introduced to the attendees. Then, Dr. Mohammed Hussain Ahmed, representing the Minister of Higher Education in the Kurdistan Regional Government, gave a speech, in which he supported this initiative. Dr. Nathir Obeidat, President of the University of Jordan, and the representative of the Jordanian Delegation, expressed gratitude and praised Duhok's cultural richness as an ideal gateway for universities for research. He, then introduced Jordanian university presidents who were 21 to the attendees.

Presentations on Jordanian higher education, were made via a video showing its strength points. And it was followed by a summary of each university's status in Duhok, presented by universities’ representatives. On his side, Dr. Dawood discussed UOD’s history and recent developments, including its Strategic Plan focusing on education quality and research.

Attendees enjoyed a video showcasing significant sites in the Duhok Governorate and a folklore performance by the Duhok Team. The event concluded with the signing of memoranda of understanding between participating universities, indicating readiness and intention for cooperation.

For full-quality photos, please download them from the following link:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fv2i74iZIQ-_kBBS1LaiUySxAeYAocWl?usp=sharing

UOD media, May 10, 2024

Fatima Mahmood

Photo credits: Mohammed Abdulkareem