As part of its active engagement in national dialogues aimed at developing the higher education system, Professor Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Academic and Scientific Supervision at Al-Mustaqbal University, participated in a discussion session entitled “Academic Programmes that Develop National Institutions and Support Society” as part of the third edition of the Iraq Education Conference 2026. The session brought together a distinguished group of academic leaders, experts, and specialists in the higher education sector. The session was moderated by Assistant Professor Dr. Hazim Abdul Razzaq, Director General of the Department of Studies, Planning and Follow-up. Discussions focused on the role of academic programmes in developing public and private sector institutions, strengthening the alignment of educational outcomes with national development requirements and labour market needs, and anticipating the specializations and skills required for the future of the Iraqi economy. In his contribution, Professor Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi presented Al-Mustaqbal University’s vision regarding the priorities for developing academic programmes in Iraq. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond the quantitative expansion of newly established specializations towards adopting high-quality academic programmes based on institutional needs assessments, labour market skills gaps, and development priorities, ensuring a tangible impact on institutional performance and community service. He explained that a strategic opportunity lies in strengthening integration between applied education, polytechnic programmes, digital transformation, and modern technologies, with particular attention to the energy, water, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and institutional management sectors, alongside healthcare and technological specializations. This approach aims to prepare graduates with practical competencies and the ability to adapt to rapidly evolving workplace environments. He also highlighted several priority academic fields, including automation and industrial maintenance technologies, electrical and renewable energy, water and wastewater treatment, smart agriculture and agricultural technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics, construction and infrastructure technologies, medical devices and health informatics, as well as quality management, institutional excellence, project management, and performance indicators. Al-Zuhairi stressed that developing these programmes should be accompanied by effective partnerships with ministries, government institutions, and private sector companies. He also emphasized the importance of involving employers in curriculum design, practical training, and identifying required competencies, thereby enhancing graduates’ employment opportunities and reinforcing the concept of a productive university closely connected to society’s priorities. He further noted that this approach aligns with national development requirements, digital transformation, and the green economy, as well as growing demand for digital skills and sustainable technologies. This necessitates building a more flexible academic system capable of responding effectively to economic and technological changes. This participation reflects Al-Mustaqbal University’s commitment to contributing to the development of higher education visions, presenting academic initiatives that respond to Iraq’s needs, strengthening the integration of knowledge and practical application, and placing community service and sustainable development at the heart of its institutional mission. Al-Mustaqbal University – First Among Private Universities in Iraq.