Sulaimani Polytechnic University Hosts Second Phase of RISE Project to Strengthen Employability Skills and Internationalization in Kurdistan Universities
Sulaimani Polytechnic University successfully hosted the second phase of the RISE project, a major initiative aimed at developing a comprehensive roadmap to enhance employability skills and advance internationalization across Kurdistan Region universities. The event took place on 23–24 September 2025 at the Rotana Hotel in Sulaimani.
The workshop was attended by Professor Dr. Hoshyar Abdullah Aziz, President of SPU, and Dr. Sarhang Sarwat Hama, Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Higher Education, along with representatives from several partner universities including Garmian University, Duhok University, Erbil Polytechnic University, Duhok Polytechnic University, Zakho University, and Akre University of Applied Sciences.
Fully funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programe, the RISE project is implemented within the framework of Capacity Building for Higher Education. It is one of the key initiatives led by SPU’s Directorate of International Relations.
the next phases of the project will also conducte at the University of Murcia in Spain and the University of Rome in Italy, under the supervision of UNIMED.
The RISE project spans two years and aims to strengthen higher education institutions in the Kurdistan Region as drivers of social and economic development. By addressing the gap between academia and industry and by promoting stronger international engagement, the project seeks to prepare a new generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals.
Main Objectives of the RISE Project
- Develop a unified roadmap for institutional development that integrates employability and internationalization across all partner universities.
- Enhance the skills and competencies of academic and administrative staff, as well as students, enabling them to contribute effectively to sustainable institutional and societal progress.
- Increase the competitiveness and visibility of Kurdistan universities locally and internationally through mobility programs, networking, and expanded internationalization services.
- Promote an entrepreneurial mindset among students and graduates and strengthen university industry partnerships to support the creation of a new generation of young entrepreneurs.
