17.2.3: In 2024 Al-Ayen University demonstrated strong commitment to the SDGs through strategic international partnerships, fostering academic collaboration, research innovation, and educational excellence, and enhancing global knowledge exchange and sustainable development across higher education sectors.
1- Al-Ayen Iraqi University received a committee from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's Scientific Supervision and Evaluation Authority, Quality Assurance and University Performance Department, to assess the university's commitment to the requirements of scientific rigor and sustainability, program accreditation, institutional performance, and compliance with the rules of adherence and sustainability. During the visit, the policies and procedures followed in the university's colleges to ensure compliance with scientific, administrative, and financial rules were discussed, and the minimum requirements, procedures, activities, and standard ratios that must be available at the university were identified. Through field visits by the committee to the university's various campuses and departments, standards and indicators were verified, and the readiness of laboratories was assessed in terms of the availability of equipment, materials, teaching and demonstration tools, and the required safety procedures in all halls and laboratories. Records and files were also reviewed, and their consistency was confirmed. This initiative advances SDGs 3 Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education (SDG 4), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Climate Action (SDG 13) , and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering innovation, research excellence, and sustainable educational development.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2600
2- Al-Ayen Iraqi University participated in the Human Dignity Conference in Iran, represented by the Dean of the College of Law, Assistant Professor Dr. Khalid Kazem Awda, at the First International Conference on Human Dignity entitled (Human Dignity and the Challenges of the Family in the Contemporary World), held at Ferdowsi University in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This initiative advances SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering innovation, research excellence, and sustainable educational development.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3155
3- With distinguished regional participation, Al-Ayen Iraqi University hosts and participates in the Second International Road Race. In cooperation with the Student Activities Department of the Scientific Supervision and Evaluation Authority at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, a running event with wide participation from the sports departments of 74 Iraqi universities and several universities from Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and Jordan. Dr. Ammar Al-Zubaidi, Director of the Student Activities Department at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, was also present. This event aims to promote peace, encourage public health, and promote students to adopt an active lifestyle. This initiative advances SDGs 3 Good Health and Wellbeing, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering innovation, research excellence, and sustainable educational development.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2827
4- A delegation from the College of Engineering, Department of Petroleum Engineering at Al-Ayen Iraqi University visited the Petronas facility at the Al-Gharraf oil field on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in cooperation with the Al-Ayen University branch of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). This visit was part of ongoing efforts to enhance communication between students and the oil industry and provide practical educational opportunities to learn about modern technologies used in risk assessment and management, while emphasizing the role of safety in promoting efficient performance and reducing accidents. This initiative advances SDGs 3 Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education (SDG 4) , SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering innovation, research excellence, and sustainable educational development.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3033
5- Scientific and Academic Cooperation and Exchange of Expertise between Minia University in Egypt and Al-Ayen Iraqi University. In our desire to strengthen scientific and academic cooperation and exchange expertise between Al-Ayen University and Minia University in Egypt, with the aim of raising the international ranking of both universities, a joint electronic link has been created for the Faculty of Education at Minia University on the Al-Ain University website, and the university's logo has been added to the list of partners. This step will be followed by agreements that will enhance joint scientific cooperation in the future. This initiative advances Quality Education (SDG 4), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering innovation, research excellence, and sustainable educational development.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/agreements/details/68
6- As part of its commitment to advancing research excellence, Al-Ayen University is proud to highlight a selection of successfully completed research grants. These projects, funded by the University through competitive internal programs, reflect the dedication of our researchers to addressing real-world scientific and technological challenges. This effort contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering a sustainable research environment and supporting innovation within the academic community.
Link: https://en.alayen.edu.iq/grants/sub/2
7- A delegation from Al-Ayen Iraqi University visited Mansoura University in the Arab Republic of Egypt to explore opportunities for academic and scientific collaboration. The discussions focused on establishing partnerships in medicine, artificial intelligence engineering, and other academic fields, as well as exchanging expertise and strengthening international cooperation. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering cross-border collaboration, research excellence, and global academic integration.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1948
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17.2.3.
In 2023 Al-Ayen University demonstrated strong commitment to the SDGs through strategic international partnerships, fostering academic collaboration, research innovation, and educational excellence, enhancing global knowledge exchange and sustainable development across higher education sectors.
1. Al-Ayen University welcomed Dr. Hamza Idris, Vice President of Sohar University, Oman, and its Director of Quality Assurance. This visit aimed to strengthen collaboration, with both institutions preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand shared educational and research opportunities. Al-Ayen University’s leaders and faculty hosted Dr. Idris on a tour of the campus, showcasing classrooms, laboratories, and the specialized dental teaching hospital. This partnership supports SDG 4 by fostering academic growth and SDG 17 through regional and global educational collaboration.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1171
2. Al-Ayen University delegation met with an international academic assessment team to discuss academic and scientific performance, research development, and global partnerships. The team, including prominent figures like Nick Davis, Middle East and Africa Chair for Times Higher Education, and Dr. Talal Yousef from Queensland, Australia, outlined assessment standards linked to leadership, governance, academic structure, and professional accreditation. Discussions emphasized strengthening internationalization strategies to boost Iraqi higher education, aligning with SDG 4 by enhancing institutional collaborations and SDG 17 through international engagement.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1183
3. A delegation from Al-Ayen University, led by Dr. Shafiq Shakir Shafiq Al-Mawla and supported by university leaders, visited UCSI University to establish programs for top-performing student training, exclusive postgraduate opportunities, and over 100 research scholarships for Iraqi scholars. Al-Ayen University also plans to launch an Institute for Scientific Research Methods. During a detailed tour of UCSI's teaching hospital, Al-Ayen's delegation discussed prospective medical faculty collaborations. This initiative aligns with SDG 4 and SDG 17, fostering educational and research advancements through international collaboration.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1389
4. Al-Ayen University held a virtual meeting with UCSI University of Malaysia to strengthen scientific and academic collaboration and finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Attended by senior officials from both universities, including Al-Ayen’s President, Dr. Shafiq Al-Mawla, the meeting addressed student exchange programs, potential accreditation by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), and a joint research prize that will involve Malaysian and Iraqi researchers. This partnership aims to enhance research, academic standards, and medical accreditation, aligning with SDG 4 through fostering international educational standards and SDG 17 by promoting global collaboration in higher education.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/138
5. Al-Ayen University President Dr. Shafiq Shakir Shafiq Al-Mawla signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) in Malaysia, in the presence of the Iraqi Cultural Attaché, Dr. Ahlam Lafta. This partnership supports Al-Ayen's strategic move towards global academic standing. Key elements include a Matching Grant Program for impactful scientific research, student mobility through training and the (3+1) program, joint conference organization, and certification for Al-Ayen’s labs by UTP. This collaboration aligns with SDG 4 and SDG 17, fostering educational excellence and strengthening international partnerships for knowledge exchange and innovation.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1517
6. Al-Ayen Iraqi University Forges Academic Cooperation with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to Advance Innovation and Education, led by President Dr. Shafiq Shakir Shafiq Al-Mawla, a strategic meeting was held on September 14, 2023, between Al-Ayen and Malaysian academic leaders to formalize agreements fostering educational collaboration. Key topics included a Matching Grant Program for scientific projects, such as AI-driven smart farms, student mobility for training, and the development of engineering departments. The partnership aims to align curricula, encourage joint research, and facilitate academic exchanges. This initiative supports SDG 4 by enhancing educational opportunities and SDG 17 by building strong international academic partnerships, further advancing global research and academic cooperation.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1531
7. Al-Ayen Iraqi University participated in the Iraq-Iran Science Week, with a delegation led by University President and Head of Scientific Affairs. The event featured 60 universities and institutions from both countries, aiming to strengthen academic collaboration. Dr. Al-Mawla highlighted Al-Ayen University’s research achievements and commitment to global rankings, emphasizing the value of international partnerships in advancing academic programs and research platforms which aligns with SDG 17. This initiative aligns with SDG 4 by fostering cross-border knowledge exchange. Through initiatives like the Iraq-Iran Science Week, Al-Ayen Iraqi University promotes international collaboration, sharing academic resources and expertise to enhance educational and scientific capacities.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1560
8. Al-Ayen University’s College of Engineering, represented by Dean Dr. Rafid Sakban Aboud, held a collaborative session with the Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic, known for its expertise in petroleum and geological engineering since 1849. Coordinated with the Iraqi Engineers Syndicate, this meeting explored academic and research partnerships, aiming to elevate engineering education and research in Iraq. This initiative aligns with SDG 4 by fostering academic collaboration and SDG 17 through international cooperation to advance engineering standards in Iraq.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1695
9. Al-Ayen University's College of Medicine welcomed a delegation from the British Royal Medical Colleges (London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow), to conduct the British Fellowship exams in internal medicine. The university's teaching hospital was approved as an examination center after collaborative efforts with local health authorities and Iraqi medical faculties. This milestone enhances medical education and international collaboration, aligning with SDG 3, SDG 4 and SDG 17 by fostering global academic partnerships to advance healthcare standards in Iraq.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1734
10. Al-Ayen Iraqi University’s College of Medicine established a significant academic collaboration with the University of Dundee’s College of Medicine. During a detailed meeting, both institutions discussed a scientific partnership and twin-program arrangement to elevate medical education standards in Iraq, aligning with global practices. The University of Dundee delegation, led by Prof. Faisal Khan, praised Al-Ayen’s infrastructure, laboratories, and academic vision. This collaboration aims to foster knowledge exchange and student mobility, supporting SDG 4 and SDG 17, by advancing international cooperation in medical education.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1744
11. Dean of Al-Ayen University’s College of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Adnan Taan Al-Khafaji, recently met with Prof. Dr. Mohammad Abdul Hamid Al-Qudah, Dean of the Hashemite University’s College of Medicine in Jordan, and his accreditation delegation during their visit to Iraq. The discussions focused on the importance of medical college accreditation and preparations for applying to the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). This meeting aligns with SDG 4 by supporting educational standards and SDG 3 by advancing healthcare quality. Additionally, it contributes to SDG 17 through cross-border collaboration with Iraqi health leaders and academics, building strong partnerships that promote regional educational and healthcare development.
