Author Archives: karez hamad

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!

Kurdistan Flag Day Celebrated at Mergasor Technical Institute

The 78th anniversary of Kurdistan Flag Day was marked with a ceremony at Mergasor Technical Institute, attended by the Dean, Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omar, alongside faculty members, staff, and students.

The event began with a speech by Dr. Talib, who extended his heartfelt congratulations to all citizens of Kurdistan, the families of martyrs, the heroic Peshmerga forces, as well as the institute’s students, teachers, and staff.

In his speech, the Dean emphasized the symbolic significance of the Kurdistan flag, describing it as a representation of freedom, sacrifice, and peace&progress for the Kurdish people. He highlighted the sacrifices made to preserve the flag, stating that it stands as a unifying symbol for all Kurdish citizens, fostering pride, identity, and coexistence. Dr. Talib also noted the historical attempts by adversaries to destroy the flag, praising the heroic efforts of the Peshmerga forces during the Aylul and Gullan revolutions to defend it.

Under this flag, the Kurdistan Regional Government continues to serve and advance sectors such as education and Higher Education .

As part of the celebration, students from the Department of Business Administration presented a seminar titled “The History of the Kurdistan Flag.” They traced its journey as a symbol of Kurdish liberation, beginning with its official hoisting on January 22, 1946, during the proclamation of the Kurdistan Republic in Mahabad. The flag, initially crafted by Seydzadeh Fatemeh Hosseini, a female activist from Mahabad, has since become a beacon of Kurdish identity and resilience.

In 1999, the Kurdistan Parliament officially recognized December 17 as Kurdistan Flag Day, reaffirming the flag’s importance as a symbol of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Mergasor Technical Institute/ Media section

 

On Monday, December 16, 2024, a joint forum was held in Mergasor Technical Institute in partnership with the High Council for Women and Development-KRG, and with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNFPA). The event was attended by several government and party officials including, Pamela Hack, acting CG of the USA in Erbil and the UN representative marked the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The forum featured a panel discussion that highlighted the government’s achievements and role in advancing women’s rights in education, health, and resilience, particularly in the context of combating violence against women.

As part of the event, a number of women, including mothers of victims of the Anfal campaign and genocide, were honored with shields of respect and recognition for their resilience and sacrifices.

 

The second commencement ceremony of Mergasor Technical Institute took place on Monday, December 2, 2024. The event was graced by the presence of H.E. Mulla Mustafa Barzani, Prof. Dr. Edrees Mohammed Tahir Harki (Rector of Erbil Polytechnic University), Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omar (Dean of Mergasor Technical Institute), as well as several government and party officials.

During the ceremony, attended by the graduates’ families, several speeches were delivered, and technical diplomas were awarded to the graduates of the 2023-2024 academic year by the Dean of the Institute and the Rector of Erbil Polytechnic University.

A special highlight of the event was the presentation of the Mergasor Technical Institute Council logo by H.E. Mulla Mustafa Barzani to the top-performing students in both morning and evening studies. Additionally, awards for first, second, and third place were distributed by H.E. Mulla Mustafa Barzani’s office.