Sulaimani Polytechnic University Joins Strategic Consultative Workshop of the RISE Project
As part of its strategic vision to advance internationalization, academic excellence, and graduate employability, the Sulaimani Polytechnic University hosted and actively participated in the RISE Project under Work Package Two (WP2) Consultative Workshop, which held virtually on June 18–19, 2025. This pivotal event was co-organized by Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU) and UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union, uniting universities from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Europe.
The two-day workshop focused on developing strategic roadmaps for internationalization and career development across Kurdish universities, reinforcing the role of higher education in driving innovation, fostering global connections, and preparing graduates for leadership roles in both regional and international spheres.
Strategic Highlights of the Workshop: Day 1
The opening day set the tone with contributions from distinguished academic and diplomatic figures:
Silvia Marchionne, RISE Project Manager
Assist. Prof. Dr. Awder Ahmed, SPU- RISE Local coordinator and Director of International Relations Office
Prof. Dr. Hoshyar Azeez, President of Sulaimani Polytechnic University
Dr. Tommaso Sansone, Italian Consul in Erbil
Prof. Dr. Mohammed Hussein Ahmed, Director General, Head of Apparatus of Supervision and Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (KRG)
Their participation underlined a shared commitment to enhancing inter-university collaboration and leveraging international partnerships to build stronger, more resilient academic institutions in the Kurdistan Region.
From Strategy to Action: Day 2 Focus
Day two transitioned into practical planning and collaborative engagement. Representatives from the seven partner universities in Kurdistan worked alongside European experts to:
Identify institutional challenges and opportunities for enhancing employability.
Define shared and institution-specific priorities for career development.
Outline strategic internationalization frameworks aligned with both local development goals and European standards.
The collaboration culminated in a shared vision to empower universities to produce a new generation of globally minded, career-ready graduates.
