Under the auspices of the General Secretariat of the Holy Shrine of Imam-Hussain and His Excellency Eng. Naseef Jassim Al-Khattabi, Governor of Karbala, the second edition of the “Rayatek” International Forum was inaugurated at Al-Zahraa University for Women in an atmosphere distinguished by intellectual depth and academic rigor. Held under the motto “Innovation in the Service of Humanity,” the forum represents a pioneering dialogue platform dedicated to intellectual and humanitarian issues with broad societal dimensions.
The forum witnessed the distinguished presence of prominent religious, academic, and governmental figures, including Dr. Hussein Flamrz, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Director of Leadership and Excellence; Dr. Hazem, Director General of the Department of Studies and Planning; and Dr. Mohi Murtada Al-Qazwini, President of the Federal Service Council.
The forum aims to highlight mechanisms for advancing humanitarian service during the pilgrimage of Imam Al-Hussain (peace be upon him) and the Arbaeen pilgrimage, exploring avenues to support pilgrims and facilitate their affairs. It further focuses on scientific and applied projects related to crowd management, pilgrim movement, and the development of logistical, health, and guidance services, with the objective of enhancing operational efficiency and elevating the quality of services provided.
The proceedings included the presentation and discussion of several entrepreneurial initiatives and innovative projects designed to improve systems for organizing and managing pilgrims, enhance service delivery, and address field challenges through modern scientific and administrative approaches. The forum thus correlates academic innovation with practical implementation.
In her opening address, the President of the University, Prof. Dr. Zainab Al-Mulla Al-Sultani, emphasized the University’s pivotal role in hosting international intellectual forums and fostering knowledge-based dialogue that reinforces elevated scientific and humanitarian values.
For his part, the Forum Director, Prof. Dr. Amir Al-Mousawi, outlined the strategic objectives and intellectual pillars underpinning “Rayatek,” stressing the importance of cultivating effective dialogue platforms capable of addressing contemporary issues with well-grounded perspectives.
Meanwhile, His Eminence Sheikh Ali Basheer Al-Najafi addressed the intellectual and humanitarian dimensions of the forum, underscoring the necessity of developing service-oriented projects on informed foundations and consolidating ethical values and social responsibility in serving humanitarian causes.
Participants concluded by affirming that humanitarian service during the Arbaeen pilgrimage represents a unique model of social solidarity and voluntary action. They emphasized the importance of studying and developing this experience within structured scientific frameworks that enhance service efficiency, strengthen coordination among relevant entities, and ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. In doing so, the forum reaffirmed the role of scientific research in deepening intellectual awareness and reinforcing the global dimension of the Arbaeen pilgrimage as a humanitarian message rooted in generosity and shared responsibility.
Translated by Zahra’ Salman Revised by Asst. Lect. Safa’ Al-Sadi
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