Reaffirming its leading role in supporting national and developmental issues, Al-Mustaqbal University actively participated in the proceedings of the First Scientific Conference on Addressing Unemployment and Poverty in Iraq 2026, held in partnership between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Planning, under the theme: “Integrating Knowledge and Policies toward Fair and Sustainable Solutions that Create Impact.” The conference was attended by the Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Haitham Al-Asadi, and the Minister of Planning, Dr. Khaled Battal Al-Najm, along with deputy ministers, advisors, university presidents, deans, professors, researchers, representatives of international organizations, civil society institutions, the private sector, and the labor market, reflecting a national effort to unify visions in addressing major development challenges. Al-Mustaqbal University was represented by a delegation headed by Professor Dr. Muthaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, representing the University President, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdy. He was accompanied by Dr. Samir Badrawi, Director of Cultural Relations, Assistant Professor Dr. Muntadhar Sameen, and Eng. Khaled Kadhim Al-Salih, Director of the Sustainability Division. During the scientific sessions, Professor Dr. Al-Zuhairi participated in a panel discussion on the role of universities in addressing unemployment and poverty. He presented a research paper analyzing current challenges and emphasizing the importance of educational development, skills enhancement, and aligning academic outcomes with labor market needs and sustainable development requirements. He also highlighted Al-Mustaqbal University’s experience in this field through its initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment, strengthening strategic partnerships through the Industrial Advisory Board, and fostering a productive educational environment that contributes to creating new opportunities aligned with the knowledge economy and preparing graduates equipped with future-ready competencies. The active participation of Al-Mustaqbal University reflects its strong commitment to its academic and societal mission in contributing to sustainable national solutions through scientific research, applied initiatives, and institutional partnerships, thereby reinforcing its role in supporting Iraq’s economic and social development. Al-Mustaqbal University – the first university in Iraq.