On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the University of Garmian inaugurated its 7th International Scientific Conference in collaboration with HAUKARI e.V.. The two-day symposium, titled "Environmental Risks in the Garmian Region and Their Management," was launched to address urgent ecological issues facing the area.

The opening ceremony was held at the University’s Sherwana Hall, attended by Prof. Dr. Aras F. Zainal, President of the University of Garmian, alongside university vice presidents, deans, researchers, and faculty members.

Global Participation and Academic Scope

The conference serves as a major international platform for environmental research, featuring:

• Participants: 60 researchers from the Kurdistan Region, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.

• Scholarly Output: A total of 27 scientific research papers focusing on regional and global environmental crises.

• Key Highlights from the Presidency Address

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Aras F. Zainal expressed his gratitude to the organizing committees and emphasized the critical timing of the event. He noted that the region and the world are facing unprecedented challenges, including:

• Rapid degradation of agricultural land.

• Unplanned urban expansion.

The severe impacts of climate change, which pose a direct threat to the security and future of upcoming generations.

The President further extended his appreciation to HAUKARI e.V. for sponsoring the costs of the conference. He stated his expectation that the conference's recommendations will serve as a cornerstone for effective environmental policies to protect the nature of Garmian and build a healthier future for Kurdistan.

Expert Sessions and Keynote Speakers

Following speeches from the HAUKARI e.V. representative and the head of the organizing committee, a series of seminars were delivered by prominent keynote speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Saya Salam Sabir

• Prof. Dr. Luqman Wsu Omer

• Prof. Dr. Ali Abdullah Dosari

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Hermann Kulg

The first day concluded with four specialized panels where researchers presented their findings. The conference is scheduled to conclude its proceedings on Wednesday.