Prof. Dr. Zainab Al-Mulla Al-Sultani, President of Al-Zahraa University (PBUH) for Women, represented the Republic of Iraq at the 9th Ministerial Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Women, held in Islamabad, Pakistan. Her participation came following her nomination by the Iraqi Council of Ministers' General Secretariat / National Directorate for Iraqi Women.

The conference brought together high-level representatives from the 57 OIC member states, including ministers, senior government officials, ambassadors, deputy ministers, and experts, under the theme: "Social, Economic, and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Member States: Challenges and Prospects." Recognized as one of the most significant ministerial forums in the Islamic world, the conference serves as a platform for advancing policies that promote women's participation in education, scientific research, economic development, and decision-making.

As part of Iraq's contribution, Prof. Dr. Al-Sultani presented an academic proposal advocating the expansion of women's scientific and social capacity-building programs. The proposal also called for the establishment of an academic network linking Arab and Islamic universities, as well as the activation of a "Visiting Professor Program" to strengthen scientific collaboration, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and foster sustainable academic partnerships among higher education institutions across OIC member states.

The conference sessions reviewed the progress made in implementing the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women, alongside reports submitted by specialized institutions. These discussions will contribute to the recommendations to be adopted during the ministerial session and incorporated into the Islamabad Declaration, which is expected to establish a shared framework for future cooperation among member states in the field of women's empowerment.

Iraq's participation in this international ministerial forum reflects the country's active engagement in global initiatives and highlights the role of the Imam Hussein Holy Shrine, through Al-Zahraa University (PBUH) for Women, in advancing women's education and strengthening international academic cooperation. The conference also opens new opportunities for collaboration with universities and research institutions across the Islamic world, reinforcing the University's position as one of Iraq's leading academic institutions with an active presence in influential international scientific and developmental forums.