On Monday, May 5, 2025, Mergasor Technical Institute hosted an international workshop on medicinal plants, in the presence of Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omar, Dean of the Institute, and Asst.Prof. Dr Najib Toma Bato, Director of Quality Assurance at Erbil Polytechnic University.
The workshop opened with a welcoming speech delivered in English by Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omar. In his address, he emphasized that the event was not only an opportunity to bring together experts and researchers but also a platform for learning, collaboration, idea exchange, and innovation in the field of medicinal plants.
The workshop featured presentations by Professor Dr. Sami Pedawar, an expert in Plant Protection and Life Sciences and a lecturer at the University of Beirut, Lebanon, and Mr. Mark Vansteenkiste, a senior expert in TVET training.
This event is part of the ongoing activities of the “Azdhark” project, which focuses on the development of the agricultural sector and medicinal plants across Iraq. The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the organization Cowater.
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Department of Medicinal Plants at Mergasor Technical Institute organized a scientific field trip for its students.
The trip was conducted under the supervision of Mr. Ali Hussein Mir, Head of the Department, and Mr. Shaban Kasul Abbas, the subject lecturer. During the trip, students learned about the significance and medicinal value of various regional plants. They were introduced to the characteristics of local flora and their practical applications. The instructor also demonstrated methods for collecting, classifying, and preparing plant specimens for study in the botanical laboratory.
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Mergasor Technical Institute, in collaboration with World Innovation Week and the Career Development Center of Erbil Polytechnic University, hosted an international workshop titled “Innovation in Strengthening Students’ Skills for the Labor Market.”
The event brought together distinguished guests, including Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omer, Dean of Mergasor Technical Institute; Halgurd Sheikh Najib, Supervisor of the Soran Independent Administration; Dr. Botan Majid Asngar, Vice Rector for Scientific Affairs and Higher Education; Nazakat Salih, Representative of the Office of the Prime Minister; as well as Members of Parliament and various government officials.
Opening the workshop, Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif emphasized the importance of empowering students to create their own opportunities in today’s dynamic job market. This was followed by speeches from Mr. Halgurd Sheikh Najib and Dr. Botan Majid Asngar, who also led a seminar focused on higher education’s role in fostering innovation.
A panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Nihad Yasin, featured insights from Prof. Mahmoud Bashkali of Akre University of Applied Sciences, who discussed the evolving labor market and the influence of artificial intelligence on future careers. Mr. Zanyar Jabbar, Iraq’s Ambassador of Innovation, also shared his perspective on transforming ideas into sustainable, human-centered innovations.
Certificates of appreciation were awarded to panelists and moderators by the Dean and Vice Rector in recognition of their contributions.
The workshop also featured a craft exhibition and food festival, organized as a hands-on marketing project by students from the Department of Business Administration. Attendees enjoyed student-prepared foods and handmade products, with proceeds supporting student initiatives and showcasing local youth talent.
Adding to the celebration of student achievement, second-year students from the Nursing and Labor Administration departments were recognized for securing second place globally in a 9-week IREX course—an impressive milestone for the Institute.
Mergasor Technical Institute continues to lead in combining education with practical experience, ensuring its students are well-equipped for the future of work.
Mergasor Technical Institute successfully held its Second Scientific Forum , under the theme “Translating Kurdistan’s Sacred Values to the World – The Barzan Path as an Example.” The event brought together Dr. Pashtiwan Sadiq, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs of the Kurdistan Regional Government, along with a distinguished gathering of university professors, academics, intellectuals, political and governmental figures, and students.
The forum commenced with an opening speech by Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omar, Dean of the Institute, who warmly welcomed the guests and participants. He emphasized the vital role that art, cinema, and translation play in preserving and sharing the rich and sacred values of Kurdistan with the wider world.
The forum featured a series of documentaries and visual presentations highlighting the history of Barzan and the untold stories of General Mustafa Barzani.
In addition, several panel sessions explored the efforts of the Kurdistan Regional Government in safeguarding and promoting the coexistence, cultural and spiritual values of the region.
A key panel discussion titled “The Role of History, Art, Cinema, and Translation in Transmitting Kurdistan’s Sacred Values to the World: The Barzan Path as an Example” featured panelists Mohammed Kakesur, Dr. Shuan Hamad Amin, and Arian Salahaddin Asad, who shared insights on cultural heritage, national identity, and the power of storytelling.
To conclude the event, Prof. Azad Hassan, Vice Rector of the University, presented certificates of appreciation to the panelists and honored a number of writers, translators, filmmakers, and photographers of the region for their outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting the values of Kurdistan.
It is worth to mention, in its second year, this annual forum reflects Mergasor Technical Institute’s ongoing commitment to introducing the history, struggle, and sacrifices of the Kurdish people to the world. The Institute is dedicated to showcasing the values and vibrant culture of Kurdistan—especially those rooted in environmentalism and peaceful coexistence—through modern platforms such as translation, art, digital media, and film.
Through initiatives like this forum, Mergasor Technical Institute aims to raise public awareness—particularly among youth and students—about the importance of preserving national values, promoting environmental consciousness, and working collectively towards a strong and unified society.
