The President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, chaired the second meeting of the University Council on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in the presence of Council members. The meeting addressed several academic, administrative, and strategic development issues, as well as the follow-up of new ministerial directives, in support of the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance institutional performance and academic excellence. At the beginning of the meeting, the University President praised the university’s continued achievements and outstanding results, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its leading position among private universities and colleges in Iraq and strengthening its presence in prestigious international rankings, particularly the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. These achievements reflect the university’s commitment to improving educational quality, advancing scientific research, and promoting sustainability. In the context of international cooperation and in conjunction with Erasmus Days, the University President emphasized the importance of expanding international academic partnerships and benefiting from European Union programmes, particularly Erasmus+ for the 2028–2034 period. These efforts aim to support academic mobility for students and faculty members, expand scholarship and research collaboration opportunities, and promote Jean Monnet Actions projects, in which Al-Mustaqbal University has achieved a distinction as the first private university in Iraq to receive such projects. Prof. Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi also reviewed his participation in the UNIMED General Assembly 2026, hosted by the University of Barcelona in Spain, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the Union’s establishment. The meetings addressed and adopted strategic priorities covering higher education governance, digital education, intercultural dialogue, aligning educational outcomes with labour market requirements, education in times of crisis, and sustainable development. Regarding student activities and empowerment, the Council emphasized the importance of supporting cultural and scientific initiatives, encouraging students to participate in competitions and various university events, and expediting the procedures for establishing student councils to strengthen student engagement in university life. The Council also directed the implementation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s directive concerning the recognition of the 2025–2026 academic year as a non-failure year for students whose enrolment has been cancelled, where applicable and in accordance with the approved regulations and instructions. This measure aims to ensure accurate implementation of ministerial directives. As part of the university’s student recruitment strategy, the Council stressed the need to intensify media and promotional campaigns to introduce newly established departments, academic programmes, and university services. It also highlighted the importance of showcasing the university’s achievements and international rankings to inform prospective students and their parents about available educational opportunities and facilitate registration procedures. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on continuing to develop academic programmes and curricula, establishing joint educational programmes with international universities, and following up on the recommendations of expert committees and implementing their requirements. These efforts aim to strengthen academic standards and improve the quality of educational outcomes.This meeting reflects the commitment of Al-Mustaqbal University’s presidency and University Council to advancing strategic plans, developing the university environment, strengthening international academic engagement, and consolidating the university’s position as an educational institution dedicated to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Al-Mustaqbal University | The First University in Iraq