On Wednesday, February 16, 2026, within the framework of the university’s efforts to further open up to global academic institutions, Prof. Dr. Edrees Mohammed Taher Harki, Rector of Erbil Polytechnic University, welcomed Ms. Silvia Marconi, Director of the Union of Mediterranean Universities and Coordinator of the Italian RISE Project. The meeting took place in the presence of Prof. Dr. Azad Hassan Qadir, Vice Rector for Administrative and Financial Affairs; Asst. Prof. Dr. Botan Majid Asangar, Vice Rector for Scientific Affairs and Higher Education; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Abdullah, Director of the University’s International Relations.
The main purpose of the visit was to develop and strengthen academic relations between our university and universities in the Mediterranean region. In this context, the Rector emphasized that Erbil Polytechnic University always supported and cooperated in organizing such international activities and gave special importance to expanding scientific relations. At the same time, he expressed hope that this meeting became a foundation stone for creating stronger coordination and scientific exchange in the future.
As part of the visit program, and in coordination with the University’s International Relations Department, Ms. Marconi delivered a special seminar in the university’s conference hall entitled “Internationalization of Higher Education Strategy: Challenges and Practices.” The seminar, which was attended by several members of the University Council, lecturers, and staff, highlighted the importance of internationalizing the education process and addressing the challenges faced in this field.