In a step that reflects Al-Mustaqbal University’s commitment to expanding its academic presence at the international level and strengthening its relations with global higher education institutions, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, participated in the IAU-EAIE Internationalisation Leadership Dialogue, hosted by the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, United Kingdom, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The dialogue was held at The Sir Jim McDonald Technology and Innovation Centre, with the participation of a distinguished group of university presidents and higher education leaders from various countries around the world, and upon the invitation of the International Association of Universities (IAU) and the European Association for International Education (EAIE). The event served as an international platform for exchanging expertise and ideas among university leaders, reviewing the transformations taking place in higher education worldwide, and discussing modern approaches to advancing academic cooperation and building more effective and sustainable international partnerships. The event opened with welcoming remarks from the host, the University of Strathclyde, followed by addresses delivered by Dr. Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU), and Mr. Mervyn Barker, Executive Director of the European Association for International Education (EAIE). Their remarks highlighted the importance of cooperation among universities in addressing the evolving challenges facing the higher education sector. The programme also featured a keynote lecture entitled “Leading Internationalisation in Turbulent Times,” delivered by Sir Anton Muscatelli, President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The lecture explored a range of perspectives on leading universities within rapidly changing global environments and approaches to managing challenges and uncertainty in higher education. The lecture also presented the VUCA Prime leadership model, which is based on the concepts of Vision, Understanding, Clarity, and Agility. These principles were highlighted as key elements that support higher education institutions in strengthening their planning and decision-making capabilities while building balanced and sustainable international partnerships. The dialogue sessions also addressed developments in international education markets and student mobility across countries through the analysis of recent data and statistics related to the recruitment and movement of international students. Such insights provide universities with more accurate tools for developing strategies that respond effectively to the rapidly changing global educational environment. Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi took part in a number of dialogue sessions and roundtable discussions that examined the future of academic and research cooperation among universities, criteria for selecting international partners, the development of joint academic programmes, and the enhancement of research collaboration. The discussions also emphasized the importance of building partnerships based on mutual benefit and institutional reciprocity. The discussions further explored emerging trends in the internationalisation of education, including integrating an international dimension into academic curricula, utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance education and support academic mobility, and expanding virtual exchange programmes as a modern and sustainable tool for strengthening communication among students, researchers, and academic institutions worldwide. On the sidelines of the dialogue, the President of Al-Mustaqbal University held a meeting with Dr. Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General of the International Association of Universities. During the meeting, views were exchanged on opportunities for academic and research cooperation and ways to develop future partnerships. Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi also presented her with a commemorative gift reflecting aspects of Iraq’s rich heritage and civilization. Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi also held a number of meetings with presidents, leaders, and representatives of participating international academic institutions, contributing to the opening of new opportunities for institutional engagement and the development of academic and research relationships that support the University’s future directions. This participation reaffirms Al-Mustaqbal University’s commitment to maintaining an active presence in international academic forums and benefiting from global experiences in advancing education and scientific research. It also reflects the University’s efforts to expand its network of relationships with universities and international organizations in support of its strategy to strengthen its academic and research standing at both the regional and global levels. Al-Mustaqbal University – The First University in Iraq
  (SDG 17)