17.2.4.
Al-Ayen University demonstrates a strong commitment to the SDGs through its strategic international partnerships, advancing academic collaboration, research innovation, and educational excellence. These initiatives facilitate global knowledge exchange and contribute to sustainable development across the higher education sector.
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. 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/1388
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
