University President Attends the Ceremony Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Union of Arab Research Councils in Baghdad
President of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University Attends the 50th Anniversary Ceremony of the Establishment of the Union of Arab Research Councils in Baghdad
Professor Dr. Hassan Latif Al-Zubaidi, President of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, attended the ceremony organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Baghdad to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Union of Arab Research Councils.
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency President of the Republic, Mr. Nizar Amedi; the Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Abdul Hussein Al-Mousawi; the Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Research Councils, Dr. Abdelmadjid Ben Amara; as well as a number of presidents of Arab research councils, academic leaders, researchers, and experts.
In his speech, His Excellency the President of the Republic stated that Baghdad’s hosting of the headquarters of the Union of Arab Research Councils reflects Iraq’s historical status and its role in supporting science and knowledge. He noted that commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Union represents an important occasion to develop avenues for Arab scientific and research cooperation and to keep pace with the rapid transformations taking place in science and technology.
His Excellency further pointed out that the rapid advancement of science, technology, and artificial intelligence places growing responsibilities on scientific and research institutions. This calls for strengthening scientific research, cooperation, and the exchange of expertise, while also considering potential risks and the misuse of scientific and technological advancements in ways that may harm individuals and societies.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among Arab research councils, universities, and academic and governmental institutions, while benefiting from the expertise and experiences of different countries in a manner that enhances the ability of Arab societies to keep pace with scientific and technological transformations and prepare for future challenges.
He also highlighted Iraq’s readiness to work with its Arab brothers, expand areas of scientific and research cooperation, organize workshops, exchange expertise, and develop joint programs that serve the advancement of science, knowledge, and development in Arab countries.
The President of the Republic also congratulated the Union of Arab Research Councils, as well as Arab scientists and researchers, on the occasion of the Union’s 50th anniversary, expressing his hope that it would continue its mission of serving science and knowledge and strengthening joint Arab scientific efforts.
For his part, the Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Abdul Hussein Al-Mousawi, affirmed that Iraq will continue to support the mission of the Union of Arab Research Councils and remain committed to consolidating its scientific role and strengthening its presence within the framework of joint Arab action. He noted that Baghdad’s hosting of the Union’s headquarters represents an extension of Iraq’s historical role in supporting science and knowledge and advancing efforts toward Arab scientific integration.
Among the key points in his speech at the ceremony, he stated:
“It gives me great pleasure and honor to meet with you today on this Arab scientific occasion as we celebrate together the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Union of Arab Research Councils. This institution has, over the past five decades, served as a unifying framework for Arab scientific efforts and a platform for exchanging expertise, coordinating perspectives, and strengthening cooperation in the fields of scientific research, knowledge, and innovation.”
He continued by stating that Iraq’s hosting of the headquarters of the Union of Arab Research Councils since its establishment was not merely a geographical choice, but rather an expression of its historical role in supporting science and knowledge and its commitment to joint Arab action. He explained that the return of the Union’s headquarters to Iraq represents an important milestone in the journey of Arab scientific research and reflects confidence in Iraq’s role and contributions, while opening broader horizons for cooperation, the exchange of expertise, and the integration of efforts in ways that serve science and development throughout the Arab world.
He noted that Iraq, the land of Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilizations and the birthplace of some of the earliest records of knowledge, reaffirms its continued support for the Union’s mission and its commitment to enabling it to fulfill its mandate and achieve its objectives. He pointed out that the rapid transformations taking place around the world have reshaped the concepts of development and competitiveness, making scientific research and innovation among the most important foundations for building nations and their economies.
He stressed the importance of expanding partnerships among universities, research centers, and economic and industrial sectors in order to transform research findings and studies into applications and solutions that respond to the needs of Arab societies and open new horizons for development. He also emphasized the importance of establishing an integrated Arab system for research data and information, developing cooperation networks among scientific institutions, and facilitating the exchange of researchers and expertise.
He explained that commemorating fifty years of the Union’s journey is not merely an opportunity to reflect on the past, but rather an occasion to open a new chapter of joint Arab scientific action that responds to the challenges of water and food security, climate change, digital transformation, health, and education, while keeping pace with rapid developments in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and modern sciences.
The Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research stressed that Iraq believes that building the future begins with building people, and that universities and scientific research centers are essential partners in driving development, producing knowledge, and opening new horizons for future generations. He praised the efforts of the presidents, scientists, researchers, experts, and administrators of the Union who have contributed to its progress over the past five decades.
For his part, the Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Research Councils, Dr. Abdelmadjid Ben Amara, emphasized the importance of continuing joint efforts among Arab research councils and institutions and developing mechanisms for scientific cooperation in line with the rapid transformations in science, technology, and innovation.
He pointed to the Union’s commitment to developing cooperation among Arab research institutions and councils, exchanging expertise, and organizing conferences and scientific events in order to advance the Arab scientific research system and strengthen integration between academic and research institutions.
The Secretary-General also expressed his appreciation for Iraq’s hosting of the headquarters of the Union of Arab Research Councils, emphasizing the important role that Baghdad can play in supporting Arab scientific cooperation and opening new horizons for researchers and scientific institutions across the Arab world.
The ceremony also featured speeches by representatives of the League of Arab States and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressing the history of the Union and its role in strengthening Arab scientific cooperation. In addition, a documentary film entitled “Fifty Years of the Union of Arab Research Councils” was screened, documenting key milestones in the Union’s journey and its achievements over five decades.
The ceremony also included the honoring of a number of academic and scientific figures in recognition of their contributions to supporting scientific research and joint Arab scientific cooperation.
The President of the University was accompanied by Professor Dr. Bashar Jabbar Hamza, Dean of the Higher Institute of Nanotechnology for Postgraduate Studies, and Assistant Professor Dr. Uday Ajjam Al-Jourani, Dean of the Babylon College of Medical and Health Technologies.
