IIE-SRF held a major three-day conference on the Reconstruction of Higher Education in Iraq Post-Conflict in collaboration with the Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit (PRDU) of the University of York in January 2011. An estimated 180 participants attended this key academic event, including Iraqi SRF scholar-grantees, Iraqi public and private university presidents, international experts and key regional strategic partners, and the Kurdish Regional Government’s (KRG) Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Dlewar Ala’Aldeen. The primary purpose of the conference was to create a forum for reflection on rebuilding Iraqi higher education and for scholarly discussion of original research papers authored by Iraq Project scholar-grantees. IIE-SRF scholars on fellowship, program alumni, and educational experts were invited to submit original research papers on topics related to the reconstruction of the higher education and science sectors in Iraq. Topics addressed at the conference included: “Application of Quality Assurance for Higher Education in Iraq”; “Restoration of Order to Universities: A Key Factor for the Reconstruction of Higher Education in Iraq”; “Iraqi Higher Education Improvement Using Learning Management Systems”; and “A Leading Role for Universities on Gender.”
The conference proceedings were opened by IIE Vice Chair and SRF Chairman, Dr. Henry Jarecki. HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan delivered the conference keynote address, speaking on the importance and historical development of higher education within the West Asia North Africa (WANA) region. IIE President and CEO, Dr. Allan Goodman, addressed the scholars on the second day of the conference speaking about rebuilding Baghdad’s “House of Wisdom.” Professor Sultan Barakat, the founding Director of PRDU, served as the conference facilitator. HRH Prince Talal bin Muhammad provided the closing remarks for the conference.
Pictured Below: HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan delivering the conference keynote address
