The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naim Al-Aboudi, discussed with the representative of UNESCO the path of collaboration between the two sides concerning projects in the fields of university education and joint academic programs.
Upon receiving the Director of the UNESCO Office in Iraq, Paolo Fontani, the Minister of Education expressed the Iraqi educational institution’s commitment to develop relations and mutual coordination with specialized international organizations, especially UNESCO, and to support projects and programs that keep pace with knowledge and science variables, respond to the needs of the labor market and contribute to the development of specialized human capabilities.
Al-Aboudi stressed that the Ministry of Education and its universities and formations are proceeding with their strategic projects in cooperation with UNESCO, including the national strategy for education and the project to create job opportunities through strengthening the technical and professional education system and the second stage of the technical and professional education and training (TVET) reform project, directing the concerned departments in the Ministry of Education and its committees to intensify targeted procedures that embody the requirements of education quality and achieve the goals of sustainable development.
The Minister of Education added that university education occupies a vital position in the development and awareness-raising system, pointing out that it is the most prominent way to confront terrorism and extremism, stressing at the same time the importance of joint work with UNESCO and its support for Iraqi universities in the required revision of the curricula that must reflect the cultural heritage of Iraq.
On his part, the Director of the UNESCO Office in Iraq, Paolo Fontani, affirmed the organization’s readiness to provide all forms of support to the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the policy and programs of university education in Iraq, and the conclusion of agreements and memoranda of understanding in the scientific, knowledge and cultural fields.
Members of the meeting have discussed the smart center project funded by China and the advanced achievement rates for a number of projects implemented under the supervision of UNESCO in Iraq.
