On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the University of Garmian held a specialized academic workshop titled "From Strategy to Impact: RISE Pathways for Internationalization, Career Development, Entrepreneurship, and Capacity Building."

The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Aras Fariq Zainal, President of the University, and focused on strengthening the institution's scientific standing while expanding its international academic footprint.

The workshop was organized through the collaborative efforts of the Office of the Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Higher Education, the Directorate of Academic Relations, and the Career Development Center (CDC).

Expert Insights and Global Perspectives

The workshop featured a distinguished lineup of speakers and experts who shared their insights on modernizing higher education and fostering global partnerships. Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim served as the main speaker, guiding the sessions toward practical institutional impact.

The program was enriched by specialized contributions from faculty members and international partners:

• Internationalization and Recognition: Dr. Salar Mahmoud and Dr. Nadhim H. Sur discussed pathways for integrating the university into the global academic community and ensuring international recognition of its programs.

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Mr. Mohammed Yousif highlighted the practical implementation of global sustainability targets within the campus environment and curriculum.

• CDC and Entrepreneurship: Dr. Omer Mahmoud and Mrs. Biaban Nwri focused on revitalizing the Career Development Center (CDC), emphasizing entrepreneurship and aligning university activities with the modern labor market.

• Academic Mobility: Dr. Jalal Saadullah and Dr. Yasin Ashur explored systems for enhancing the mobility of students and staff through international exchange programs.

The RISE Project and International Collaboration

A significant highlight of the workshop was the participation of Mrs. Silvia Marchionne, Senior Project Manager at the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED) and RISE Project coordinator. She underscored the critical importance of collaboration between academic institutions within the framework of the RISE Project and provided strategies for utilizing international initiatives to elevate the quality of higher education.

Strategic Institutional Impact

The workshop served as a platform for faculty members who recently participated in scientific delegations to the International University in Italy and the University of Murcia in Spain to share their experiences. Attendees, including members of the University Council and various heads of scientific departments, engaged in discussions on:

• Preparing students for post-graduation life by teaching digital skill sets.

• Connecting academic research with practical, market-driven applications.

• Strengthening logistical and scientific cooperation with international organizations.

This event marks a milestone in the University of Garmian’s strategic growth plan, bridging the gap between local academic efforts and global standards.