Administrative Divisions Department of Cultural Relations
University of Al-Mustaqbal has achieved a historic and groundbreaking milestone by ranking first globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings under Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy for All). The announcement was made today, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during the official ceremony held in Istanbul as part of the Times Higher Education’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Impact Rankings. This global achievement marks the first time an Arab university has led in this SDG and stands as a historic first for Iraq in the history of global university rankings. In addition to this exceptional ranking in SDG 7, University of Al-Mustaqbal also secured the number one position in Iraq, and was ranked in the 200–300 band globally across all SDGs—representing the highest placement ever achieved by an Iraqi university in the Times Impact Rankings for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The official announcement of the full rankings will take place tomorrow during the 2025 SDG Universities Summit, hosted by Times Higher Education. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, President of University of Al-Mustaqbal, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Azher Mohsen Abd, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technologies and Head of the Energy Axis, for their leadership and commitment to sustainable innovation. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the hard work of our academic and administrative teams, students, and everyone who contributed to this global success. Congratulations to the entire University of Al-Mustaqbal community!
As part of its ongoing participation in the Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC 2025), organized by Times Higher Education, the delegation of University of Al-Mustaqbal continued its dynamic and impactful presence during the second day of the congress, held in Istanbul, Türkiye, from June 16 to 19, 2025. The day commenced with an inspiring “Wellness Zone” session hosted by The Chinese University of Hong Kong, followed by a series of high-level official opening speeches. Distinguished government officials and policy leaders addressed the audience, including the Turkish Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology, the Minister of Education of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and the President of the Turkish Council of Higher Education. Their speeches emphasized the importance of aligning higher education policies with green growth agendas and the recommendations of COP29, aiming to strengthen the integration between education and environmental policy. The University’s delegation also took part in the keynote session titled “Türkiye’s Vision for Education for a Sustainable Future”, delivered by the President of the Council of Higher Education in Türkiye. The session highlighted national strategies to enhance the role of universities in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the major highlights of the day was the delegation’s attendance at the exclusive live announcement of the THE Impact Rankings 2025—a premier global ranking that evaluates universities based on their performance in achieving the SDGs. This session provided valuable insights into the latest global trends and benchmarks in university ranking strategies. The delegation also engaged in a wide range of specialized sessions, addressing topics such as “Universities as Hubs for Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship,” “The Digital Future of Agriculture and Animal Health,” and “Tackling Global Health Challenges in Light of the Diabetes Pandemic.” In addition, the team participated in open discussion panels on transnational education, development equity, and the role of international collaboration in supporting green innovation. This active participation reflects the university’s strategic vision to enhance its global presence and affirm its role as a leading academic institution committed to sustainable development and shaping the future of higher education at both regional and international levels.
As part of its strategic vision to strengthen its international academic presence and reaffirm its deep commitment to sustainable development, Future University participated in the Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC 2025), organized by Times Higher Education—one of the world’s most trusted authorities in higher education rankings. The prestigious event was held in Istanbul, Turkey, from June 16 to 19, 2025. This high-profile global forum serves as a platform to align higher education with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It brought together leading universities, academic institutions from across continents, as well as high-level representatives from ministries of education, international organizations, and UN-led sustainability initiatives. The opening day featured a rich agenda of expert-led sessions addressing strategic issues related to the future of higher education. The discussions included university leaders, ranking and quality assurance specialists, researchers in artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and environmental science, policy consultants, UN representatives, and emerging youth leaders in sustainability. Key topics included redefining the role of education in promoting social justice, integrating SDGs into university policies, the future of smart classrooms, the intersection of education, research, and industry, the role of AI in environmental protection, and the current challenges facing higher education amid global crises. The congress also saw the launch of a UN report on the state of sustainability in higher education institutions across the MENA region, along with the opening of a global exhibition showcasing innovative practices in green transformation and sustainable university governance. Future University was represented by an official delegation of specialists in global rankings and quality assurance. The participation aligns with the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance its international competitiveness, engage with leading global experiences, and localize best practices in education, research, and sustainable partnerships. This participation underscores the university’s unwavering commitment to its societal and developmental role and reflects its proactive approach in shaping the future of higher education through active involvement in international dialogue—solidifying its status as a pioneering academic institution both regionally and globally.
In alignment with the directives of Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, President of AL-Mustaqbal University, to strengthen international partnerships through engagement with leading global universities and relevant international organizations and alliances in higher education, AL-Mustaqbal University participated in the 6th regular virtual meeting of the EURAS Board of Directors. The meeting was held via videoconference and chaired by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of Istanbul Aydın University and Chairman of the EURAS Board, with the participation of several university presidents and representatives from member institutions. AL-Mustaqbal University was represented by Prof. Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuheiri, on behalf of University President Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, as a member of the EURAS Board of Directors, along with Dr. Sameer Ibrahim Badrawi, Director of the International Relations Department at the university presidency. The meeting agenda included a review of the outcomes of the previous session and discussions on enhancing collaboration among member institutions. Particular focus was given to the activities of specialized committees and platforms, especially in the areas of scientific research, sustainability, international partnerships, and student affairs. The recently launched “NextGen Students” platform was also highlighted, with AL-Mustaqbal University’s representative selected as one of nine core team members overseeing its development—an honor reflecting the university’s active role within the EURAS network of over 150 institutions. During the meeting, Prof. Al-Zuheiri conveyed the greetings of Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi to the participants and affirmed AL-Mustaqbal University’s active involvement in the upcoming Sustainable Development Congress 2025, scheduled to take place in Istanbul in mid-June. He also emphasized the continued engagement of AL-Mustaqbal University students participating in the NextGen Platform, where they are exchanging experiences with peers from fellow EURAS member universities worldwide. The EURAS Chairman commended AL-Mustaqbal University for its distinguished contributions and consistent engagement with the Union’s initiatives, noting its dynamic participation and valuable input. Furthermore, the Chairman welcomed AL-Mustaqbal University’s offer to host the EURIE Academy 2025, which is planned for early in the next academic year, highlighting the university’s growing role in the Union’s strategic agenda. Looking ahead, the meeting underscored the Union’s plans to involve member universities in several major international projects funded by the European Union and the World Bank, focusing on sustainable development and addressing regional and global challenges—particularly those concerning the Eastern Mediterranean region.
AL-Mustaqbal University has achieved a new milestone in high-impact scientific publishing. The University President, Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, announced that the university has secured the first place among all private universities in Iraq in terms of research output, and second place nationally, following the University of Baghdad, in the number of publications in top-tier Q1 journals. According to the latest data released by Scopus, which included publication statistics from over 200 Iraqi universities and research institutions, AL-Mustaqbal University published 2,131 Q1 papers between 2017 and 2025. This places it second only to the University of Baghdad, which recorded 2,785 Q1 publications, while the University of Technology came third, followed by the universities of Sulaymaniyah, Basrah, and Al-Mustansiriya. In addition, AL-Mustaqbal University ranked first among private universities in terms of total research output, with 5,181 papers indexed in the Scopus database. The university also achieved significant recognition in terms of scholarly impact. According to the SciVal analytics platform, AL-Mustaqbal University received 45,382 citations and achieved a Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) score of 1.52, indicating that its research is cited 52% more than the global average in its respective fields. This metric reflects not only the quality of the university’s research but also the strength of its international research collaborations. The university administration attributes these achievements to its strategic focus on fostering a robust and supportive research environment. This includes providing faculty members with the necessary resources and incentives to produce high-quality research that is published in Q1 and Q2 journals, thereby enhancing the standing of higher education in Iraq and aligning with the Ministry of Higher Education’s vision for academic excellence. In a statement to the university’s media office, Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi expressed his appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the university’s faculty and researchers, emphasizing that such accomplishments are the result of their commitment and scholarly excellence. He reaffirmed the university’s ongoing support for all initiatives aimed at elevating its academic reputation—especially in the field of scientific research.
AL-Mustaqbal University has achieved a new academic milestone by securing a place among the top ten Iraqi universities in terms of research citations, according to the latest report from the global Web of Science database. The university ranked third, following the University of Baghdad and the University of Technology, with a total of 29,885 citations recorded for its research output over the past five years. It was followed by the universities of Babylon, Al-Mustansiriyah, Basrah, Anbar, Kufa, Mosul, and Al-Nahrain, which occupied the fourth through tenth positions, respectively. In a statement to the university’s media office, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, President of AL-Mustaqbal University, praised this accomplishment, stating: “This achievement is the result of the tremendous efforts made by our faculty and researchers. It reflects the high quality of scientific output produced by the university, as well as the impact of our international academic and research collaborations, which have played a significant role in elevating the university’s standing in global academic circles.” He added: “We remain committed to fostering a strong research environment and promoting a culture of rigorous academic publishing, believing that research is a fundamental pillar for advancing higher education in Iraq.” It is also worth noting that the Web of Science database ranked AL-Mustaqbal University third in terms of total research output from 2020 to 2024, with 3,179 published papers—highlighting the university’s rapid growth in research performance in recent years.
As part of its ongoing efforts to elevate academic performance and foster global engagement, the Office of Scientific and Academic Supervision at AL-Mustaqbal University held a key coordination meeting, attended by Prof. Dr. Muzafar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, alongside representatives from departments of Scientific Affairs, Quality Assurance, Cultural Relations, Studies and Planning, Sustainability, National and International Rankings, Continuing Education, and Women’s Affairs. Prof. Dr. Al-Zuhairi opened the meeting by referencing the recent directives issued by the University President, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, which emphasized the importance of activating the newly signed agreements with prominent international universities. He called on liaison officers in the colleges and departments to take the initiative in facilitating communication with partner institutions, thereby promoting academic and research collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The meeting also underscored the importance of systematically documenting all academic and cultural events and activities, and developing a well-structured and realistic action plan for upcoming programs, ensuring their timely execution in alignment with the university’s annual strategic goals. In a related context, attendees stressed the need to enhance the quality of content published on the university’s official websites, as these platforms serve as a primary gateway to the global academic community and play a significant role in strengthening the university’s presence in international rankings. The meeting also highlighted the importance of promptly responding to official correspondence and ministry directives, completing them within the designated timelines—reflecting the university’s commitment to professionalism and organizational excellence. This meeting reflects AL-Mustaqbal University’s firm commitment to continuous development, quality enhancement, and global outreach, reinforcing its position as a leading academic institution both nationally and internationally.
Concluding their visit to Iraq, the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Professor Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi, and his guest, Professor Dr. Sherif Youssef Khater, President of Mansoura University in Egypt, held a series of productive meetings with senior officials at the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The meetings were held under the patronage of His Excellency Minister Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, who delegated his advisor, Professor Dr. Alaa Abdul Hassan, to represent him during the reception. During the meeting, the two university presidents presented a comprehensive overview of the outcomes of the bilateral visits and meetings held between their institutions, aimed at establishing a strategic academic partnership. In addition to Dr. Alaa Abdul Hassan, the delegation was received by several key ministry figures: Professor Dr. Adnan Al-Jumaili, Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs; Professor Dr. Lubna Khamis Mahdi, Director General of the Research and Development Department; and Professor Dr. Fares Mahdi, Director General of the Department of Private University Education. Professor Dr. Sherif Youssef Khater opened the discussions with a brief presentation on Mansoura University, highlighting its esteemed global academic standing and major scientific achievements. He expressed admiration for the academic and administrative development observed at Al-Mustaqbal University and praised its leadership’s serious efforts to offer high-quality education and establish lasting international partnerships. He reaffirmed Mansoura University’s readiness to engage in a strong academic partnership with Al-Mustaqbal University. In turn, Dr. Alaa Abdul Hassan welcomed the Egyptian delegation and conveyed the Minister’s greetings, commending Al-Mustaqbal University’s pioneering role in advancing the “Internationalization of Higher Education in Iraq”—a key initiative led by the Minister to promote global engagement across Iraqi universities. He also confirmed the Ministry’s full support for all collaborative projects resulting from this distinguished partnership. Professor Dr. Adnan Al-Jumaili emphasized the deep historical ties between Iraq and Egypt and expressed the Ministry’s willingness to provide all necessary administrative facilitation to ensure the success of this academic cooperation, in line with the legal and regulatory frameworks of both countries. Professor Dr. Lubna Khamis Mahdi, Director General of the Research and Development Department, underscored the importance of collaboration in joint research projects, conferences, and workshops. She praised Al-Mustaqbal University’s leading experience in hosting postgraduate programs from **Universiti Sains Malaysia Fatima, [5/22/2025 6:05 PM] Professor Dr. Fares Mahdi, Director General of the Department of Private University Education, also praised the visit, considering it a tangible starting point for a fruitful scientific partnership between the two universities. He expressed his readiness to remove any obstacles that might hinder the progress of this collaboration and affirmed that both institutions offer a supportive and conducive academic environment. Professor Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, reviewed the key outcomes of the Egyptian delegation’s visit, which included the signing of several cooperation protocols in advanced academic and scientific fields. He expressed his deep appreciation for the Ministry’s strong support of the university’s initiatives, and extended his heartfelt thanks to the Minister and all ministry officials for their sincere efforts to elevate private higher education in Iraq. The meeting was also attended by Professor Dr. Tarek Mostafa Ghalloush, Vice President of Mansoura University for Scientific Affairs; Dr. Haider Al-Aboudi, Director of the Media and Public Relations Department at the Ministry; and Professor Dr. Muthaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Academic and Scientific Supervision at Al-Mustaqbal University.