As part of its commitment to strengthening the role of universities in serving society and supporting sustainable development, Al-Mustaqbal University organised the activities of the Fifth Future Forum for Sustainable Cities on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, under the slogan “The University in the Service of Society.” The forum was held under the patronage of the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Professor Dr Hassan Shakir Majdi. It was organised by the Department of Building and Construction Technologies Engineering at the Technical Engineering College, in cooperation with the Iraqi Academics Syndicate / Babylon Branch. The forum commenced with a speech on behalf of the University Presidency, delivered by the Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, Professor Dr Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi. He emphasised the importance of integrating academic and executive efforts to address urban challenges and develop sustainable solutions to pressing issues facing cities, particularly the global housing crisis highlighted in the 2026 UN-Habitat report. The event was attended by the Administrative Assistant, Professor Dr Munther Fadhil Al-Dulaimi; the Dean of the Technical Engineering College, Professor Dr Azhar Mohsen Abd; and the Dean of the College of Engineering, Assistant Professor Dr Ali Shakir Majdi. The forum also welcomed representatives of the local government in Babylon Governorate, the Ministry of Electricity, the Investment Commission, the Academics Syndicate and the Engineers Syndicate, in addition to academics, researchers and students from the University of Babylon and other universities. The scientific programme included a workshop entitled “From Power Outages to Sustainability: A Residential Neighbourhood Experience in Iraq with Renewable Energy.” The workshop examined the current state of Iraq’s electricity sector and its future challenges, while exploring the potential of renewable energy solutions through hybrid energy systems, solar photovoltaic cells and flexible local smart grids (Microgrids). It also addressed legislative frameworks, financing models, green investment and their impact on the environment and urban quality of life. The forum concluded with the honouring of speakers and the heads and members of the scientific, organising and supporting committees in recognition of their efforts in ensuring the success of the event. The forum provided an academic platform for exchanging expertise and presenting practical recommendations aimed at developing cities and promoting environmental and urban sustainability in Babylon Governorate and across Iraq. This event reaffirms Al-Mustaqbal University’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between academic institutions, government organisations and society, while harnessing scientific research and academic expertise to address real-world challenges and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Al-Mustaqbal University The First University in Iraq