Al-Mustaqbal University participated in the First Global Forum of Fourth-Generation Universities (4GU Global Forum 2026), hosted by the Dutch city of Eindhoven on 7–8 October 2026 under the theme “Connecting Innovation Ecosystems, Advancing Innovation, and Creating Impact.” The participation reflects the University’s strategic commitment to strengthening its international presence and advancing its academic and research ecosystem. The University was represented at the forum by Assistant Professor Dr Ali Shakir Majdi, Dean of the College of Engineering, following the direction of Al-Mustaqbal University President, Professor Dr Hassan Shakir Majdi. The event brought together distinguished university leaders, academics, experts, policymakers, representatives of international institutions, and professionals from industrial and research sectors worldwide. Eindhoven University of Technology hosted the forum in collaboration with Elsevier. The programme featured scientific and dialogue sessions, as well as specialised workshops addressing the future of higher education and the transition towards the Fourth-Generation University model. This model expands the role of universities beyond education and scientific research to include leading innovation, supporting economic and social development, and strengthening partnerships with government and industrial sectors. The forum explored international experiences in building innovation ecosystems, fostering cooperation between universities and industrial institutions, supporting entrepreneurship, and leveraging knowledge and scientific research to address development challenges. Participants also examined mechanisms for measuring the societal and economic impact of universities, developing performance indicators and institutional governance, and utilising artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to support innovation and institutional transformation. The forum also featured discussions on the Quadruple Helix model, which promotes integration among universities, government, industry, and society. This model is considered a fundamental pillar in developing innovation ecosystems and translating knowledge and scientific research into tangible outcomes that contribute to sustainable development. Al-Mustaqbal University’s participation stems from its membership in the international Fourth-Generation Universities Community (4GU Community) and its commitment to activating this membership through knowledge exchange, benefiting from leading international experiences, and exploring opportunities for cooperation in education, scientific research, innovation, and institutional development. This participation further reflects Al-Mustaqbal University’s commitment to keeping pace with global transformations in higher education, strengthening international academic partnerships, and expanding its contribution to sustainable development, thereby reinforcing its position as an active academic institution at both the national and international levels. AL_mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq