Al-Sudani in a Panel Discussion at Johns Hopkins University: Iraqi universities are independent, they do not promote hatred

INA-  Baghdad


The Iraqi News Agency INA obtained a statement from the Media Office of the Prime Minister stipulating key points from the Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani’s remarks which he delivered at a panel discussion held in his honor by Johns Hopkins University in Washington D.C., on Wednesday evening (Baghdad time). The event was attended by a number of professors and students and opened with a speech by the Prime Minister. He expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and his pride in being at such a prestigious institution, known for educating some of the finest minds.

Al-Sudani stated at the discussion “The visit to Washington marks the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations, aiming for more sustainable connections based on mutual interests and respect, and our government recognizes the crucial role universities play in sustainable development.”
 
The prime minister confirmed that “We are committed to revitalizing the academic sector and advancing the scientific research community, asserting that more than $2 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Higher Education, and 5,000 students have been sent abroad for Master's and Ph.D. studies at international universities.”
 
 
He highlighted “There has been significant expansion in higher education, with a 25% increase in enrollment at public universities, that Iraq has 31 public universities with 541,000 students, 165 private universities with 211,000 students, and 18 technical colleges and 30 technical institutes with 69,000 students.”
 
PM Al-Sudani affirmed at the discussion “Multiple universities, including the American University, have opened branches in various locations, indicating Iraq's appeal as a hub for successful scientific endeavors, embracing emerging global trends in digital education, artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge scientific research.”

“Efforts have been made to align university curricula with labor market needs, diversifying faculty and staff compositions, as well as Scholarships have been provided to disadvantaged students,” he said.
 
Al-Sudani stated that “Over 60% of Iraq's population is under the age of thirty, representing a potential group of enthusiastic higher education students, assuring that Iraqi universities are independent, representing no specific private, political, or religious interests, and they do not promote hatred.”
 
The prime minister asserted that “Our universities reflect freedom of expression and scientific inquiry, rejecting any form of racist or sectarian discourse within campus walls, highlighting that the government strongly supports the flourishing of scientific ideas and research within universities, striving to transform them into added value for the national economy.”

Al-Sudani assured that “Deviations that do not align with genuine scientific research will be exposed and eliminated by rigorous university evaluation standards.”