The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in cooperation with the UNESCO office in Baghdad, organised an international conference for UNESCO chairs with the participation of researchers and academics from Iraqi Arab and foreign universities, as well as experts from international organisations.
At the beginning of the conference Dr. Haider Abdul-Zahid, Undersecretary for Scientific Research, confirmed that the Ministry, under the guidance of Dr. Naim Al-Aboudi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, is continuing to establish new UNESCO chairs in a number of Iraqi universities in addition to the existing chairs at the universities of Kufa, Baghdad, Mosul and the American University in Baghdad.
He explained that the Ministry is working to hold conferences and scientific workshops to enhance research cooperation with international universities and institutions, thereby contributing to consolidating the path of internationalisation, enhancing the academic reputation of Iraqi universities and developing educational curricula.
For his part, the Director of the UNESCO Office in Baghdad, Mr. Alexandros Makarigakis, pointed out that the conference represents a pivotal milestone in promoting higher education, consolidating intercultural dialogue, and supporting the paths of peace and sustainable development through academic cooperation. He expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for its continued support and initiatives in the fields of education, vocational training, and technology and higher education development projects in Iraq.
The conference, attended by the Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Scientific Research Councils, Dr. Abdulmajeed bin Amara, witnessed discussions on important topics, including policies regulating the use of artificial intelligence in education and a review of international experiences of UNESCO Chairs in integrating the principles of coexistence and dialogue into school curricula.
The conference included the honouring of a select group of academic and scientific figures from Iraqi, Arab and foreign universities and international organisations in recognition of their contributions to supporting higher education and scientific research.
Media and Government Communications Department
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
1 October 2025
