In a new academic achievement that reinforces its leading position at both the national and international levels, Al-Mustaqbal University has achieved a remarkable qualitative milestone by ranking first among all Iraqi public and private universities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026. The university was placed in the global band (201–300) out of 1,603 universities worldwide included in this year’s ranking. The university also ranked first among all participating Iraqi universities, totaling 43 public and private institutions, thereby confirming its national leadership and continuous excellence in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and transforming them into institutional practices and impactful real-world initiatives. At the level of development goals, Al-Mustaqbal University ranked first in Iraq in several key goals, including: - SDG 1: No Poverty - SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy - SDG 13: Climate Action - SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions It also achieved second place in Iraq in SDG 4: Quality Education, clearly reflecting the quality of its academic programs and educational initiatives aimed at building human capital capable of leading sustainable development. This achievement represents a continuation of a series of ongoing successes, as the university has maintained its position as the top Iraqi university in the Times Sustainability Rankings for the second consecutive year, while continuing to lead private Iraqi universities for the fourth consecutive year—an indicator of sustainable institutional performance and the effectiveness of its strategic plans. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings measure universities’ contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a wide range of indicators, including quality of education, sustainability-related research, knowledge transfer, community service, good governance, equality and inclusion, environmental sustainability, efficient resource use, climate initiatives, local and international partnerships, as well as the university’s impact in addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges at both local and global levels. On this occasion, the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, expressed his great pride in the achieved results, emphasizing that this accomplishment is the result of the university’s strategic vision and its firm commitment to sustainability principles and institutional excellence. He noted that it reflects the continuous efforts made by the university community across academic, research, and societal fields. He added that the university’s leadership among Iraqi universities and its advanced global ranking in this prestigious classification confirms its success in aligning its activities and programs with sustainable development goals and strengthening its role as a leading institution contributing to building a more sustainable and prosperous Al-Mustaqba. In a statement to the university’s media, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi praised the significant efforts made by faculty members, researchers, staff, and students, congratulating them on this distinguished national achievement and affirming that Al-Mustaqbal University will continue working in a spirit of teamwork to maintain its advanced standing and enhance its global presence, in line with its mission to serve society, shape the Al-Mustaqba and achieve sustainable development at both national and international levels. Al-Mustaqbal University is the number one university in Iraq.