Al-Zahraa University for Women, represented by its President; Prof. Dr. Zainab Al-Mulla Al-Sultani, and Prof. Dr. Ali Jaafar Al-Husseini, Director of the Scientific Affairs Department, accepted the invitation extended by the Secretary-General of Arab Universities Association, Prof. Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, to participate in the 57th session of the Association. The said event was hosted by the International University for Science and Technology in the State of Kuwait.
During the opening ceremony, the presidency of the session was formally transferred from Prof. Dr. Baha Ensaf, President of Baghdad University, to Prof. Dr. Barakat Al-Hudayban, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the host University. The sessions commenced in the presence of a considerable number of representatives from Arab universities and international organizations, who affirmed the significance of strengthening academic cooperation across Arab universities and furthering higher education in line with modern educational demands.
As part and parcel of the proceedings, Dr. Al-Sultani delivered an intervention with special focus on Iraq’s contribution to the support extended to the Palestinian cause, particularly to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Besides, she underscored the efforts of the Iraqi government, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as those deployed by Imam Hussein Holy Shrine, particularly in humanitarian aid provision, refugee affairs management, and opening Iraqi universities to Palestinian students to continue their academic pursuits.
Furthermore, the University delegation actively participated in all conference sessions, which addressed such critical topics as the role of Arab academic rankings, the importance of impact factors for Arab scientific journals, curriculum development, alongside the promotion of emerging fields including Artificial Intelligence Engineering and Cybersecurity Engineering. In addition, special attention was given to the shift towards digital transformation and the adoption of paperless university environments.
It is worth noting that Al-Zahraa University’s participation in that notable academic forum represents a vital step in bolstering the visibility of Iraqi universities within the Arab academic landscape and in strengthening the Association’s role with a view to enhance the quality and global relevance of higher education and curriculum development in the region.
Translated by Zahra' Ala', revised by Asst. Lect. Inam Mohammed
