Professor Dr Hassan Shakir Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, chaired the second meeting of the University Council, attended by council members, to discuss key strategic academic and developmental priorities and follow up on the implementation of new ministerial decisions and directives. The University President commended the university’s outstanding achievements and reaffirmed its continued efforts to strengthen its position among Iraq’s private universities and colleges, highlighting its presence in prominent international rankings, particularly the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings and the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings for sustainability. On the occasion of Erasmus Days, the President emphasised the importance of expanding international cooperation and making effective use of European Union programmes, particularly Erasmus+ for the 2028–2034 period. These initiatives aim to support academic mobility for students and faculty members, expand opportunities for master’s scholarships, and develop international academic projects, including Jean Monnet Actions, which Al-Mustaqbal University was reported to be the first private university in Iraq to secure. The President also reviewed his participation in the UNIMED General Assembly 2026, hosted by the University of Barcelona in Spain, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the Union’s establishment. The meetings addressed and adopted several strategic priorities, including higher education governance, digital education, intercultural dialogue, preparing graduates for labour market requirements, education during crises, and sustainable development. Regarding student activities and empowerment, the President directed the university to support cultural and scientific activities, encourage student participation in competitions, and expedite procedures for establishing student councils, thereby strengthening students’ active involvement in university life. The Council also emphasised the implementation of the ministerial directive concerning the treatment of the 2025–2026 academic year as a non-failure year for students covered by the cancellation-of-enrolment provisions, in accordance with the applicable regulations and instructions. As part of its student recruitment and promotional strategy, the Council directed the intensification of media and marketing campaigns to introduce newly established academic departments and the university’s educational services. These efforts will highlight the university’s achievements and international rankings, raise awareness among prospective students and their parents about available academic programmes, and facilitate registration procedures. With regard to academic programme and curriculum development, the Council stressed the importance of working towards the establishment of joint educational programmes with international universities and implementing the requirements and recommendations of expert committees to enhance educational quality, raise academic standards, and ensure academic rigour. Al-Mustaqbal University, the First University in Iraq, continues to advance its educational environment and strengthen its international presence in line with its vision of academic excellence and sustainable development. Al-Mustaqbal University – The First University in Iraq