17.2.3.
Al-Ayen University demonstrates 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.
