Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University (ATU), in partnership with Erbil Polytechnic University (EPU), launched its 1st International Scientific Conference on Engineering and Science for Sustainable Development Goals (ESNSD2026). Held at the Shaqlawa Technical College, the event was patronized by the Ministries of Higher Education and Scientific Research of both the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Key Objectives
• Capacity Building: Enhancing knowledge exchange in sustainability and green technology.
• Innovation: Highlighting the latest advancements in engineering and applied research.
• Strategic Partnerships: Bridging the gap between scientific research and community needs while fostering public-private sector collaboration.
Participation & Attendance
The conference featured broad local and international participation:
• International Presence: Scholars from seven countries including the UK, Sweden, UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Iran, and Vietnam.
• National Presence: Eleven prestigious Iraqi universities alongside ATU and EPU.
• Leadership: Attended by Prof. Dr. Hassan Latif Al-Zubaidi (President of ATU) and Prof. Dr. Idris Mohammed Tahir Harki (President of EPU), alongside representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education in the Kurdistan Region.
Highlights from the Opening Session
In his keynote, Prof. Dr. Al-Zubaidi emphasized the critical role of scientific research in addressing global crises, specifically the challenge of providing sustainable environments amidst population growth and resource scarcity. He noted ATU’s commitment to international rankings and its policy of supporting applied research that solves real-world societal problems.
Key Presentations:
1. AI in Drug Discovery: Dr. Abdelsamad Salahuddin discussed the innovations and ethical challenges of using AI to accelerate pharmaceutical research.
2. Campus Sustainability: Dr. Vishnu Juwono (UI GreenMetric) focused on transforming academic institutions into “Green Campuses” through sustainable infrastructure and resource management.
Conclusion
The first day concluded with the screening of documentary films showcasing the infrastructure developments of both universities. Prof. Dr. Al-Zubaidi honored the guests and participating researchers, calling for the conference to produce robust recommendations that contribute to a sustainable future for the next generations.