Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD) organized a discussion session titled "Strategies for Developing Higher Education and Scientific Research Institutions in Iraq." The session featured Prof. Dr. Yassin al-Ethawi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Scientific Research Affairs, and Prof. Dr. Salah Hadi al-Fatlawi, Head of the Supervision and Scientific Evaluation Agency at the Ministry.

Dr. al-Ethawi stated that the Ministry requires the concerted efforts of all concerned parties, mainly university professors who form the backbone of the educational process, particularly in light of scarce financial resources and the absence of a dedicated budget for scientific research. He added that political interventions impede progress in the field of postgraduate studies and the quality of its outcomes. "We are working despite the obstacles and high ambitions, but we must focus on what is achievable," he noted, also highlighting the importance of aligning new academic programs with market needs.

For his part, Dr. Salah al-Fatlawi mentioned that many attempts to develop higher education institutions run into legislative obstacles. He indicated that the failure to update the Ministry's legal framework undermines its ability to operate with sustained efficiency. He added, "We are working to have Iraqi academic journals indexed in global repositories, such as Scopus, by strengthening their quality in the service of scientific research."

The session was moderated by Dr. Ahmed Sami Al-Mamouri, Chairman of the Board of Advisors at RCD. Notable participants included Member of Parliament Sheikh Abdul Hadi Al-Abbasi, Member of Parliament Sheikh Jawad Al-Ghazali, Dr. Adel Al-Busaissi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, the President of the University of Kufa, Dr. Yasser Al-Akili, and the President of Jabir ibn Hayyan Medical University, Dr. Mohammed Baqir Fakhruldin. A group of general directors, a large number of college deans, department heads, university professors, cultural elites, and interested media personnel also participated in a constructive dialogue to enrich the discussion on the issues raised.