Erbil Polytechnic University/ Mergasor Technical Institute Students Achieve Remarkable International Success
On Thursday, December 18, 2024, students from Erbil Polytechnic University/ Mergasor Technical Institute in partnership with Goldey-Beacom College in the USA achieved a significant milestone by securing second place in the final round of the Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge, an international competition. Their outstanding performance also earned them the program’s financial prize to develop the business projects.
The program is organized by the American organization IREX, this initiative brought together students from Iraqi Kurdistan, American, and Jordanian universities for an eight-week competition. The challenge aimed to address global issues by creating innovative products for the labor market. The Mergasor Technical Institute team designed a groundbreaking solution using 3D printing to develop a product for artistic, cultural, and transportation purposes.
In the semi-final round, the team stood out as one of the top five and became one of the event’s financial award recipients. Competing under the name “Future Forward: Art Without Borders” (Team 7), they impressed the audience with their creative approach to bridging cultural gaps using modern technology. Their innovative solution provides access to art and artistic pieces at minimal cost, making it accessible to people anywhere in the world.
As per the event’s format, international teams were formed by pairing universities from Iraq and Jordan with those from the United States. The Mergasor Technical Institute team collaborated with Goldey-Beacom College (USA). Their efforts were guided by Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omar, Dean of Mergasor Technical Institute.
The Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge hosted 11 bi-national teams comprising 240 students from Iraq, Jordan, and the United States. Participants worked on addressing local challenges aligned with three key themes of the UN Sustainable Development Goals: arts and culture, hospitality and tourism, and transportation. The teams used the design thinking process to create innovative business solutions, showcasing their ingenuity and teamwork.
Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge is a virtual exchange initiative that supports workforce development in the U.S., Iraq and Jordan through two programs: Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge & Global Solutions Conversations. Global Solutions is implemented by IREX and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI).
JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute. Global Solutions is implemented by IREX and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.
Congratulations to the students, faculty, and staff of Mergasor Technical Institute and Erbil Polytechnic University on this remarkable achievement!
