On 7 June 2026, on the occasion of World Environment Day, a symposium was held in the presence of Prof. Dr Kamaran Younis Mohammed Amin, President of Salahaddin University-Erbil, Dr Chnar Saad, Member of the Central Committee of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Dr Amanj Bradosti, Head of Zanko District (KDP), Prof. Dr Samir Jawdat Bilal, Director General of the Scientific Research Centre, the University’s Vice Presidents, deans, heads of departments, academic staff and students.
At the beginning of the symposium, the President of the University delivered a speech in which he stated that he was pleased to extend his warm congratulations to environmental advocates and all those working to protect the environment and ensure the sustainability of natural resources. He noted that the significance of this occasion comes at a time when the world in general, and our region in particular, are facing major challenges related to climate change, water scarcity, biodiversity loss and increasing waste generation.
He stressed that universities, as centres of science and knowledge, must play a leading role in promoting environmental awareness, supporting scientific research and coordinating with government institutions to protect the environment and educate a generation that recognises its responsibility towards environmental preservation.
In this regard, Salahaddin University-Erbil has undertaken several initiatives to fulfil this responsibility. One of these efforts was the establishment of the Environmental Monitoring and Climate Change Unit within the Directorate of the Scientific Research Centre. Since its establishment, the Unit has carried out numerous scientific research activities and organised several important events, including:
Celebrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day and organising a scientific symposium on the occasion, which was registered on the official website of ESRI.
Organising a symposium on the use of the WaPOR Portal Database in coordination with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Holding a symposium on the outcomes of the COP30 World Climate Conference, its implications and opportunities for the Kurdistan Region, in coordination with the Climate Change Office of the Kurdistan Region’s Environmental Protection and Improvement Board.
Conducting training courses for employees of Kurdistan Regional Government institutions aimed at enhancing their technical capacities in data analysis and the use of advanced systems, including training on ArcGIS Pro.
Preparing a scientific report on the environmental situation in Erbil and future environmental projections up to 2050, based on research conducted by University academics as well as reports and data from specialised government institutions. The report utilised advanced modelling techniques, high-performance computing (supercomputers) and artificial intelligence.
Maintaining continuous scientific coordination with institutions of the Kurdistan Regional Government through the preparation of research studies and scientific consultations related to environmental challenges, while identifying the most effective solutions to ensure environmental security in the Kurdistan Region.
At the conclusion of the symposium, participants reaffirmed the importance of utilising science and technology to address environmental challenges. It was expressed that, through collective cooperation and coordination, meaningful steps can be taken towards environmental protection, achieving sustainable development and securing a better future for coming generations in a sustainably developed Kurdistan.
