As part of its commitment to advancing higher education and fostering effective academic governance, Al-Mustaqbal University participated in the specialized workshop on identifying leadership needs in Iraq's higher education sector. The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in collaboration with the British Council, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University (PBUH), and the Higher Institute for Leadership Preparation and Qualification, with the participation of presidents of public and private universities and distinguished academic leaders from across Iraq.
Representing Al-Mustaqbal University at the workshop was Professor Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision. The University's participation reflects its strategic commitment to supporting national initiatives aimed at developing academic leadership and preparing university leaders capable of driving institutional transformation while responding effectively to the rapidly evolving global higher education landscape.
The workshop focused on assessing current leadership needs and identifying the future competencies and skills required for the development of a specialized Professional Diploma in University Leadership. The proposed program is intended to enhance the capabilities of academic and administrative leaders in strategic planning, institutional change management, governance, innovation, quality assurance, and institutional excellence, thereby strengthening the performance and competitiveness of higher education institutions.
The workshop also featured an address by Professor Dr. Haider Abdul Dhahad, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Scientific Research Affairs, in addition to a series of scientific and interactive sessions addressing the future of university leadership, internationalization, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, institutional autonomy, and aligning higher education outcomes with labor market demands. Participants also discussed the proposed diploma's curriculum, implementation mechanisms, and intended learning outcomes.
During his intervention, Professor Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi presented a number of strategic recommendations and development proposals that contributed to enriching discussions on the design of the diploma program. He emphasized the importance of preparing university leaders with strategic vision, strong institutional leadership skills, and the ability to harness digital technologies, artificial intelligence, innovation, and sound governance practices to address future challenges.
This participation reflects Al-Mustaqbal University's continued commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through strengthening leadership capacities and improving higher education quality; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, by promoting innovation and digital transformation within higher education institutions; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through reinforcing good governance and effective institutional leadership; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by actively engaging in national and international collaborations that support the sustainable development of Iraq's higher education sector and prepare visionary academic leaders for the universities of the future.