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On Tuesday, 26 May 2026, Assistant Professor Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omer, Dean of Mergasor Technical Institute, represented Erbil Polytechnic University at the Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Association of International Educators (NAFSA 2026). Dr. Omer attended alongside delegates from several higher education institutions across the Kurdistan Region. Held in Florida, USA, this year’s conference was themed “Global by Design.”

During the event, Assistant Professor Dr. Omer delivered a presentation entitled “Implementing Diversity in Education and its Impact on Learning in Kurdistan.” On the sidelines of the conference, the Kurdish delegation established key academic networks and signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with international higher education institutions to foster student and faculty development. Additionally, the delegation held bilateral meetings with participating international counterparts to outline the current state and advancements of education and research in the Kurdistan Region.

The NAFSA Annual Conference and Exhibition is the premier global forum dedicated to international education and exchange, drawing thousands of experts and practitioners worldwide. The four-day event commenced on 26 May and concluded on 29 May 2026.

This year’s iteration hosted approximately 8,000 delegates globally, cementing its reputation as one of the field’s most influential gatherings. Agenda highlights focused on pivotal themes, including institutional strategic goals, collaborative research partnerships, aligning higher education with economic development, and social justice. The conference serves as an enduring platform for global educators to deliberate, share institutional insights, and evaluate effective best practices.

Delegates at NAFSA 2026 participated in a diverse array of professional development sessions led by international education experts, covering key industry trends, advocacy, and institutional equity and inclusion.

Founded in 1948, NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to international education and exchange. Its mission focuses on advancing global learning, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and developing globally competent professionals capable of addressing contemporary global challenges through dedicated academic resources and support frameworks.

Upon the official invitation of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in the Kurdistan Region, a delegation from our university, headed by Professor Dr. Edrees Mohammed Tahir Herki, Rector of the University, and Assist. Prof. Dr. Ranj Sirwan Abdullah, Director General of the University Research and Scientific Development Center, participated in the ceremony commemorating the National Day of the Russian Federation, which coincided with the anniversary of the victory of the former Soviet Red Army over the former Nazi regime of Germany.

A number of senior officials of the Kurdistan Region and consuls of other countries attended the ceremony. The university delegation was welcomed by Maxim Rubin, Consul General of the Russian Federation in the Kurdistan Region.

It is worth mentioning that the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in the Kurdistan Region had a good relationship with Erbil Polytechnic University, and both sides worked to establish and strengthen the university’s ties with Russian universities.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ranj Sirwan Abdullah, Director General of the Research and Development Center of our university, participated in the farewell ceremony of Sing Chul Lim, Consul General of South Korea, and the inauguration of the country’s new consul, upon an official invitation from the Consulate General of South Korea in Erbil.

During the ceremony, which was attended by a large number of ministers, representatives of political parties and sides, and diplomats, the Rector of Erbil Polytechnic University, Prof. Dr. Edrees Mohammed Tahir Herki, expressed his appreciation and gratitude, on behalf of himself and Erbil Polytechnic University, to Sing Chul Lim for his efforts and work during the past period, which played an important role in strengthening and developing the friendly relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Republic of South Korea.

He also expressed special appreciation for the continuous support and cooperation of the government and people of South Korea for the Kurdistan Region. At the same time, he wished success to the new Consul General of South Korea in his new duties and responsibilities in Erbil.