Al-Mustaqbal University, represented by its President, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, participated in the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Iraq Education Conference, which commenced on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hassani, under the theme: **“From Education to Development: Global Partnerships and Universities Shaping the Future.”** The conference witnessed high-level participation, including the Chair and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, the Head of the Board of Advisors, several ministers and government officials, as well as a distinguished group of academic leaders, experts, specialists, and prominent national and international figures. In his opening address, the Minister of Higher Education emphasised that the conference represents a key platform for exchanging expertise, expanding institutional cooperation, and building strategic partnerships aimed at developing the higher education system and strengthening the position of Iraqi universities in regional and international academic forums. His Excellency also highlighted that the Ministry's vision is centred on promoting the concept of the **“Productive University”** by supporting applied scientific research, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, activating partnerships with the public and private sectors, and developing technology incubators to align educational outcomes with labour market needs and sustainable development requirements. The opening ceremony also featured keynote addresses delivered by Professor Jim Burkee, President of Saint Leo University in the United States, and Dr. Salman Al-Rawaf, Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre with Imperial College London. On the sidelines of the conference, the Minister inaugurated the Iraqi Higher Education Exhibition, which witnessed broad participation from Iraqi, Arab, and international universities. The exhibition aims to explore opportunities for academic cooperation, exchange expertise, and expand institutional and scientific partnerships. The third edition of the conference will continue over two consecutive days, featuring scientific sessions and specialised discussions addressing several key themes, including vocational and technical education, internationalisation and cross-border education strategies, scientific research aligned with national priorities, smart digital transformation, sustainability and the environment, as well as promoting investment and strategic partnerships to translate visions into practical programmes that support the national economy.