In line with its commitment to fostering community partnerships and supporting national efforts in environmental research and sustainable development, Al-Mustaqbal University has signed a strategic scientific cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Environment. The signing ceremony was held under the patronage and esteemed presence of His Excellency Dr. Hilo Al-Askari, Minister of Environment, during his official visit to the university.

This initiative reflects the vision of the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, which aims to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also builds upon the university’s distinguished achievements in environmental research and its application of sustainable practices.

The agreement encompasses several strategic areas of mutual interest, including the support of environmental studies and research, the provision of scientific consultations and technical reports on environmental impact assessments, the joint organization of conferences and workshops, the implementation of training programs for capacity building, and the promotion of environmental awareness and sustainable behaviors. It also includes collaboration in conducting environmental surveys and disseminating related activities through the media platforms of both institutions.

The ceremony began with a welcoming address by Professor Dr. Mudhafar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision at the University, in which he emphasized the significance of this partnership in supporting national policies on environmental protection and in addressing climate change challenges. He affirmed that the agreement marks a pivotal starting point for a robust scientific collaboration in service of environmental advancement.

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Hilo Al-Askari extended his sincere appreciation to the university’s leadership and faculty for their warm reception and professional organization. He praised the university’s progressive programs and pioneering initiatives in the environmental field, stating:

“What we witnessed today at Al-Mustaqbal University represents a leading model of a sustainable university—one that translates the principles of sustainability into tangible practices with measurable environmental and societal impact.”

The ceremony was attended by the Administrative Deputy Minister of Environment, along with several senior officials from environmental departments in the Middle Euphrates region and Babil Governorate. Also present were Assistant Professor Dr. Abbas Al-Bawi, Assistant to the University President for Scientific Affairs, in addition to a number of deans and faculty members.

At the conclusion of the visit, Professor Dr. Mudhafar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, on behalf of the University President, presented the Al-Mustaqbal University Shield to His Excellency the Minister, along with a formal copy of the certificate awarded to the university by Times Higher Education. This certificate recognizes the university’s global first-place ranking in the “Clean Energy” category (SDG 7) in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for Sustainable Development 2025—an unprecedented achievement among Iraqi and Arab universities.