Regional Studies Center

Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Waheed Mahmood Al-Ibrahimi, President of the University of Mosul, and under the supervision of Assist. Prof. Dr. Tareq Mohammad Tayeb Dhahir, Director of Regional Studies Center, the Center’s Continuing Education Unit, in cooperation with the Studies and Planning Department / Sustainable Development Unit, held its 64th scientific symposium entitled “The Reality of Sustainable Development in Iraq and the Regional Neighborhood: Opportunities and Challenges”. The symposium took place on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, with the participation of a distinguished group of academics, researchers, and specialists in the fields of development, economics, and the environment.

The symposium aimed to shed light on the current status of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Iraq and neighboring countries, analyze the challenges facing development pathways, particularly in light of economic, environmental, and political changes, and review available opportunities to strengthen partnerships at both the local and regional levels.

The symposium featured several scientific themes addressing the SDGs, most notably: No Poverty (Goal 1), Good Health and Well-Being (Goal 3), Quality Education (Goal 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (Goal 16).

In conclusion, the symposium emphasized the importance of activating scientific research, formulating sustainable development policies, and enhancing cooperation between academic and governmental institutions, in a manner that contributes to achieving comprehensive and balanced development serving Iraq and the region as a whole.